The BMW Alpina XB7 and Land Rover Range Rover are in the upper echelon of automobiles and among a handful of SUVs for consumers seeking elite craftsmanship, performance and status.
The collection also includes the Cadillac Escalade V, Mercedes-Maybach GLS and two additional BMWs—the X7 M60i and the XM plug-in hybrid. Both feature 738 horsepower engines, unnecessary power for any definition of daily driving.
Brand loyalty is often a determining factor in top-line vehicle purchases, which eliminates any discussion of good deals.
The BMW Alpina XB7 still has its engineering legacy. The SUV’s transmission is built in Germany. Its engine is made in the United Kingdom. Final assembly is handled in Spartanburg, S.C. Land Rover keeps its manufacturing roots in Solihull, England, for U.S.-distributed vehicles. The SUV originated there in 1947.
Performance is what matters in the Alpina XB7. The 523-horsepower three-row BMW X7 offers plenty; Its superior 631-horsepower siblings advance the power. It features a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8 mild hybrid, a retuned suspension and sport-oriented interior design elements.
It accelerates from 0-to-60 miles per hour in 4.1 seconds. It has 23-inch wheels. It has a pronounced acceleration growl more alarming than pleasing.
The Alpina also includes nearly every optional X7 M60i feature as standard equipment. Its luxury status is further elevated with several keen features: a crystal gear selector, second-row captain’s chairs with headrest pillows, $3,400 Bowers and Wilkins 20-speaker sound system and walnut wood trim. It’s all what pushes the price to $159.145.
Redesigned in 2022, the 2025 Range Rover continues the SUV’s fifth generation. It is available in standard-wheelbase (SWB) and long-wheelbase (LWB) models. Both accommodate five occupants. The Range Rover LWB has more rear legroom and is available with a third row. Trim levels are SE, Autobiography and SV.
While the Range Rover’s exterior is handsomely stately, the interior makes the vehicle. All rows of seating are spacious and comfortable. The top-line, off-white leather ideally contrasts with the dark gray doors, flooring and headliner. The two-tone effect works just like it does in saddle shoes, but the color matching is more subtle.
Choices are a Range Rover strength. Consider 25 exterior and nine interior colors available. One exterior option, Ethereal Frost Silver Gloss is an $8,450 extra. Consider four powertrains, including a 48-volt hybrid that produces 395 horsepower to a V8 with 606 horsepower. The starting price point variance, among the biggest in the industry, ranges from the reviewed SE trim starting at $117,200 to $247,850 for the top-line P615.
With the three-row option, all passengers sit high in the vehicle. The huge windows provide expansive visibility and give the vehicle a seemingly larger interior presence. Cargo space is superior with the automatic upper and lower tailgate opening and closing quickly. With second-and-third-row seats folded, a small cave is available to carry groceries, luggage and golf clubs — at the same time.
Despite its opulence, the Range Rover has two miscues. While the technology and safety features are top-line, why did Land Rover include such small, nearly obscured and difficult to use door handles? Also, the infotainment system has multiple screen options, but using the features requires a severe learning curve.
The 2025 Land Rover Range Rover SE, 2025 BMW Alpina XB7 and the rest of the luxury SUV lineup represent their respective manufacturers’ signature vehicles. They’re all expensive and catered to brand connoisseur consumers. They know what they like and are willing to pay for it.
James Raia, a syndicated automotive columnist in Sacramento, also contributes business, lifestyle and sports content to several print and online publications. E-mail: james@jamesraia.com.
