17 MPG combined won’t win any fuel economy awards, but that’s the price you pay for the 630 horsepower and handcrafted exclusivity of the 2025 BMW Alpina XB7. This isn’t a vehicle purchased by bargain hunters; it’s for individuals who prioritize breathtaking performance and bespoke luxury over squeezing every last mile from a gallon of fuel. Owners accept the XB7’s thirst because it delivers a driving experience simply unmatched by any hybrid minivan. This is about excess, performance, and handcrafted excellence.

City and highway performance

The XB7’s figures break down to 16 MPG in the city and 20 MPG on the highway. The city number reflects the realities of piloting a large, powerful SUV through stop-and-go traffic. Highway fuel economy is a bit better, but still not exceptional. The twin-turbocharged 4.4L V8 demands fuel to deliver its prodigious power. Expect to see the MPG gauge dip noticeably lower when you use the XB7’s acceleration, as most owners inevitably will. The eight-speed automatic transmission, specially tuned by Alpina, does its best to keep the engine in its efficiency range when cruising, but that’s not the Alpina’s primary mission and is reflected in the MPG delivered. View all all Bmw fuel economy data here.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates that the 2025 BMW Alpina XB7 will cost approximately $3,400 per year in fuel. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles annually, with 55% of those miles driven in the city and 45% on the highway. The calculation also assumes national average fuel prices, which can fluctuate considerably depending on location and grade of fuel. XB7 owners will be well aware that the high-performance engine requires premium fuel, so actual costs could easily exceed the EPA estimate if fuel prices rise or if more city driving is done.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized estimate, real-world fuel economy will vary depending on driving habits, road conditions, and even weather. Aggressive driving, frequent use of Sport mode, and extended idling will significantly decrease fuel economy. Conversely, a more relaxed driving style and consistent highway cruising can potentially yield figures slightly above the EPA estimate. However, to buy an Alpina XB7 and drive it gently everywhere would be akin to owning a racehorse and never letting it run. For more model specific MPG data, view ALPINA MPG across all years.

How it compares

In the realm of ultra-high-performance luxury SUVs, fuel economy is rarely a primary concern, but comparisons are still useful. The Mercedes-AMG GLS 63, another potent competitor, achieves around 15 MPG combined. The Land Rover Range Rover Sport SV, boasting similar power levels, averages around 16 MPG. These figures highlight that the XB7’s fuel consumption is in line with its direct rivals, none are thrifty. While the standard BMW X7 with a six-cylinder engine can achieve closer to 22 MPG combined, its performance is significantly less thrilling. Those prioritizing fuel efficiency above all else will likely look to other segments entirely, foregoing the immense power and bespoke luxury that define the XB7.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While the Alpina XB7 is not designed for maximizing fuel economy, there are still a few strategies owners can use to improve it. Gentle acceleration and avoiding unnecessary hard braking will help conserve fuel, as the engine doesn’t need to work as hard in these scenarios. Anticipate traffic flow and maintain a steady speed whenever possible.

Ensure that the tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy. Check your tire pressures regularly and inflate them to the recommended settings listed on the driver’s side door jamb.

Minimize idling time. Letting the engine idle for extended periods burns fuel without covering any distance. If you anticipate a prolonged stop, turn off the engine.

Avoid using Sport mode excessively. While tempting to unleash the XB7’s full potential, using Sport mode often keeps the engine at higher RPMs, consuming more fuel. Use Comfort or Adaptive mode for everyday driving to optimize efficiency.

Keep up with scheduled maintenance. A well-maintained engine runs more efficiently. Follow the recommended maintenance schedule in the owner’s manual, including regular oil changes and filter replacements, to ensure optimal performance and fuel economy for many years.