While 2025 marked the sixtieth anniversary of Alpina, it also represented the most significant turning point in the brand’s history. Since its founding in Buchloe by Burkard Bovensiepen, the manufacturer has been inextricably linked to BMW, focusing its high-performance tuning exclusively on Munich’s finest machinery. Despite this proximity, Alpina always succeeded in imbuing its vehicles with a character entirely their own.
The news that Alpina would become an official subsidiary of the BMW Group at the start of 2026 was met with mixed emotions from its loyal following. However, the Vision BMW ALPINA, unveiled at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, provides a definitive look at the brand’s new trajectory under its new custodians. Moving forward, Alpina is destined to occupy the high-end segment, effectively bridging the gap between the BMW core brand and the pinnacle represented by Rolls-Royce.
„Alpina has always represented a very specific idea of performance and refinement — where speed and comfort are complementary ambitions. Our role as the new custodians of this brand is to preserve this distinctiveness and shape it for a contemporary context”, states Adrian van Hooydonk, head of Design of the BMW Group.
A Modern Interpretation of the B7 Turbo Coupé
This design study takes the form of an imposing Gran Turismo, measuring 5.20 meters in length. This substantial presence surpasses the last BMW 8 Series, which was discontinued last year, by more than thirty centimeters. With the 8 Series having no direct successor, a production version of this vision could naturally assume the role of a stately performance coupé within the BMW Group.
The primary source of inspiration is the B7 Turbo Coupé based on the E24 6 Series, Alpina's flagship that dominated the late seventies and early eighties with its turbocharged straight-six producing up to 330 horsepower. The resemblance is clear at first glance, particularly in the forward-leaning shark nose and the elongated bonnet that echoes the classic lines of the iconic Paul Bracq design.
Familiar brand trademarks are present throughout the exterior. The signature deco-lines, which have been part of Alpina’s aesthetic since 1974, are applied beneath the clear coat for a more refined appearance. The 22-inch front and 23-inch rear wheels feature the iconic 20-spoke design utilized by the brand since 1971. At the rear, the elliptical four-pipe exhaust remains a defiant statement of Alpina performance.
“Neue Klasse” High-Tech and Craftsmanship from the Alps
While the silhouette remains traditional, the slim lighting units and sculpted kidney grille reflect BMW's modern design language. The interior, however, is a leap into the future, as the Panoramic iDrive cockpit has been largely adopted from the “Neue Klasse” electric models. Both the large central screen and the wide display bar at the base of the windshield, as well as the polarizing steering wheel with its spokes at the top and bottom, are already known from the iX3 and the upcoming electric 3 Series. In Alpina’s vision, an additional touchscreen for the passenger is also added.
While at least the base versions of the electric BMWs use “vegan” leather as standard, this coupé is finished with high-quality full-grain leather sourced from the Alpine region. Details like stitching inspired by Alpina's deco-lines and metal trim elements, using both satin and polished finishes, ensure a high-end feel. Crystal elements are reserved specifically for the controls that dictate the driving experience, emphasizing the value placed on the act of driving itself.
Alpina is keeping the V8 alive
While technical specifications remain guarded, it is confirmed that a powerful V8 powertrain resides beneath the long bonnet. This engine is tuned to deliver the signature Alpina exhaust note, described as deep and rich at low speeds and sonorous at higher revs. Although performance figures have not yet been released, the choice of a V8 ensures that the brand’s commitment to effortless speed remains unchanged.
The combination of a traditional powertrain and a heritage-conscious design should reassure those who feared for Alpina’s soul. The brand appears set to maintain its identity even as it develops models which differ way more from the standard BMW base cars. The first production model of this new chapter in the company's history is supposed to debut in 2027, drawing on the DNA of the BMW 7 Series.
“In Vision BMW ALPINA, we distil every element of the brand to its essence and apply it in a deeply modern and sophisticated way. Every detail reflects substance: in engineering, in materials, and in the story it tells. The statements it makes are subtle and revealed only on a closer read. This interplay between purity and richness defines our approach to BMW ALPINA design,” as Maximilian Missoni, head of design for BMW luxury cars and Alpina, notes.
Photos: BMW Group / RM Sotheby's
