In the world of fast BMWs, M gets the headlines — but Alpina has always been the connoisseur’s choice. Less brash, more bespoke. Think: powerful straight-sixes and V8s wrapped in subtle pinstripes and finer materials, engineered not for Nürburgring lap times but for autobahn supremacy and cross-continent composure. But now, the long-standing collaboration between Alpina and BMW is entering a new era. Or rather — BMW’s buying the lot.
Yes, from 2026, Alpina becomes a fully integrated BMW sub-brand, and the Bavarians aren’t being shy about reinventing things. With ex-Polestar talent now leading design, BMW plans to maintain Alpina’s reputation for luxury and refinement — but this will no longer be the family-run operation quietly tinkering in Buchloe. This is evolution. And maybe a little revolution too.
Alpina: A Brief History of Doing Things Differently
To understand what’s at stake, a quick rewind. Founded in 1965, Alpina started out building carburettors for BMWs before evolving into one of the most respected low-volume manufacturers in Europe. By the 1970s, they were winning touring car races and building fire-breathing 3 Series saloons with automatic gearboxes, walnut dashboards, and leather that wouldn’t look out of place in a high-end lounge.
Throughout the decades, Alpina became known for its unique recipe: take a BMW, make it faster, smoother, and more luxurious, then slap on those glorious turbine wheels and a discreet spoiler. The result? Cars like the B10 Bi-Turbo, which in the late ‘80s could outpace a Ferrari Testarossa while carrying four adults in comfort.
In the modern era, Alpina’s V8-powered B5s and B7s offered an alternative to BMW’s own M5s and M760s, but with a softer ride, more torque, and interiors that felt like someone had spent an extra week getting the leather just right. They were cars for people who liked speed, but didn’t need to shout about it.
So What Now?
Now that BMW owns Alpina outright, the mission is to bring the brand into the future — without losing its identity. Design boss Adrian van Hooydonk has confirmed that Alpina won’t become an “M-lite” division. The focus will shift further toward luxury, refinement, and exclusivity — likely incorporating hybrid and electric powertrains, plush materials, and that trademark understated styling.
In other words, don’t expect Alpina to start chasing lap times. Expect it to offer a new level of comfort and character — BMWs for people who want something even more special than an M car.
Van Hooydonk has also said there are no plans to dilute the badge. Alpinas will remain rare, desirable, and aimed at buyers who know what they’re looking for.
The first of these next-gen Alpinas is expected in 2026. Will they still have that old-school charm? Time will tell. But if anyone can combine tradition with tech, it’s probably the Germans.
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