Where are all the XB7?

[Bob]

Interesting that the plaque isn’t numbered - is this a US market thing?

I believe that US cars are sold as BMWs, rather than as ALPINAs and so the Buchloe numbering isn't applied

They will also carry a BMW VIN not an Alpina one

The US XB7's don't even get a WBA VIN, they have a bespoke 5UXC***** VIN because they are wholly built in North Carolina. The other US market ALPINA's get a WBA***** VIN but none of them have a numbered build plaque because they don't have a second ALPINA VIN.

[B10BRW]

Brick outhouse springs to mind , even the interior is crap
The trim looks like concrete slabs

Be kind, please -

I was being kind Charles, what I really think of it is not for public consumption
The Chinese have not only given us Covid, but have created a market where these Tonka Toys are made to satisfy that market

[MikeR]

I like that interior. The "concrete" looks rather unique to me...

[TexasJester]

Brick outhouse springs to mind , even the interior is crap
The trim looks like concrete slabs

Be kind, please -

I was being kind Charles, what I really think of it is not for public consumption
The Chinese have not only given us Covid, but have created a market where these Tonka Toys are made to satisfy that market

I know most of you fellers are in some other country but over here in Texas our mothers always told us “if you can’t say something nice you shouldn’t say nothing at all!” And just scrolling through forums you get an idea who all has not had a good old fashioned ass whipping for running their mouth.

[Guy]

I know most of you fellers are in some other country but over here in Texas

That's the key point I guess.

Firstly, I think you may be interpreting the English humour/sarcasm as something ruder, which it generally isn't. I've spent a lot of time in the US and visited Texas (great state by the way and many similarities in outlook to that which caused us here in the UK to choose to leave the EU).

I think the XB7 suits the USA perfectly, having driven giant SUVs over there many times, the fact that Alpina make the XB7 as a super-SUV is a great thing, I would love to have one over there and I hope you are very happy with yours.

But the size of the XB7 is ridiculous in UK/Europe, where it simply doesn't fit in parking spaces, down many streets etc. I've driven through plenty of European cities where the roads were designed a thousand years ago for horse and cart and even trying to fit a B5 is nerve-racking.

Thats why it will often receive negative comments from Europeans, as does the B7, so don't take the criticism personally.

[Norrie]

I like the XB7. I would like to have one, I cannot afford one. Lots of local authorities are trying to ban or penalise large SUV or 4 x 4 or what terminology people like to call them including the Chelsea tractor. That name comes about from people in large vehicles in Central London who drive them to feel safe, it is alleged.

Not sure how many will be sold in the UK, but suspect for the price there are plenty of other value alternatives including large used vehicles. A 6 litre Bentley used can be bought for less than USD 28K with warranty.

[Gee.Singh]

Be kind, please -

I was being kind Charles, what I really think of it is not for public consumption
The Chinese have not only given us Covid, but have created a market where these Tonka Toys are made to satisfy that market

I know most of you fellers are in some other country but over here in Texas our mothers always told us “if you can’t say something nice you shouldn’t say nothing at all!” And just scrolling through forums you get an idea who all has not had a good old fashioned ass whipping for running their mouth.

Everybody has an opinion, so respect that, And don’t come on to the forum and dictate or threaten forum members directly or indirectly

[Charles]

The XB7 is clearly a "Marmite" car - for those who are unfamiliar with this UK cultural reference, it implies a binary polarised opinion - and so there will be extreme opinions expressed either way which are all equally valid as they relate to how someone feels about it. So long as these are not presented as personal attacks then that's fine by me. However, it is very easy to jump to the conclusion that an opinion that differs from one's own is aimed personally.

In my case, I think that Alpina has improved the looks of the standard car but it needs particular colours to bring out its best side. It is, undoubtedly, a big hunk of metal and will stand out or blend in, depending on which side of The Pond one is looking. From a practical perspective, it needs space around it and I'm sure this will dictate opinion too. As for the engineering and performance, however, I am in no doubt that Buchloe has successfully waved its magic wand and created something very impressive indeed.

As I said earlier - be kind and try to make your opinions constructively.