Can Alpina’s retuned XB7 take down the reigning section champ – the Mercedes-AMG GLS63 – on this showdown?
On the planet of plush SUVs/crossovers which might be additionally insanely-fast, the most recent Mercedes-AMG GLS63 ranks fairly excessive on the record. What’s significantly particular in regards to the GLS63 is that it has room for the complete household, due to its legit three-row seating, and a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 that produces a wholesome 603 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque. That interprets to a blistering 3.6-second 0-60 in the true world, although Mercedes solely quotes it as 4.1 seconds.
These are insane numbers for a bigger SUV able to hauling the complete prolonged household. However in fact, the Mercedes-AMG GLS63 isn’t the one such automobile on the planet. On this video from Throttle Home, the group decides to throw no matter it will possibly in opposition to the section stalwart to see if it may be taken down. So on this case, they went with a fortified model of the BMW X7 – the Alpina XB7.
Alpina tunes the BMW’s inventory 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 and massages 612 horsepower and 590 pound-feet from it, adequate for a 4.0-second 0-60. However in fact, the tuner additionally tweaks the suspension and exterior/inside finishes to make it extra of an unique product.
So how do these two German machines stack up? By way of styling, the duo has gripes in regards to the BMW. “The factor that makes me so upset about this grille is that now that is the small grille,” TH says. “That is terrible like this. Additionally, the chrome lips don’t assist.” Additionally they choose the GLS63’s extra SUV-like profile, in addition to its plush, fashionable, and tech-friendly inside.
So far as the driving expertise goes, TH notes that the Mercedes GLS63 “is extra alive, extra frantic, extra of a brute as it’s loud.” Nevertheless, they just like the Alpina extra. “The Alpina gained us each over this present day with its completely tuned stability of efficiency and luxury. It’s one of many few tremendous SUVs on sale that appears to sacrifice nothing.”
Sure, plainly the driving expertise overshadows the entire BWM’s different issues. “As ridiculous because it seems and despite the fact that Alpina sadly didn’t rework any of BMW’s inside points, I genuinely cherished dwelling with it and it makes me want I had entry to extra of the Alpina merchandise over right here in North America,” TH concludes.
It’s an fascinating conclusion to this comparability, given the truth that TH appears to choose the Mercedes in just about each class, save for driving expertise. However as fellow fans, we are able to definitely perceive.