Allemagne
BMW Alpina
Alpina is a German automaker established on January 1, 1965, founded by Burkard Bovensiepen (1936-2023) in Kaufbeuren, Bavaria. The story began in 1962 when Bovensiepen developed a dual Weber carburetor for the BMW 1500. The quality of the product impressed both the press and BMW's sales management, which from 1964 granted a factory warranty to vehicles fitted with this accessory. That endorsement gave rise to the company Alpina Burkard Bovensiepen KG, which at the time employed only eight people. In 1970, the workshop moved to Buchloe, in the Ostallgäu district, where the brand has maintained its historic headquarters ever since. Unlike a mere tuner, Alpina obtained official automobile manufacturer status from the German vehicle registration authority (Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt) in 1983: its cars carry their own identification number and are sold with the full manufacturer's warranty. The house philosophy sets itself apart from BMW's M division: where M favors the racetrack and raw performance, Alpina aims for a fast, refined grand touring car, combining high power, ride comfort and premium finish. The models are recognizable by their signature touches: Alpina Blue or Alpina Green paint, decorative stripes, distinctive multi-spoke wheels, leather interiors and hand-stitched steering wheels. For many years Alpina received partially assembled BMW bodies, which it transformed extensively (engine, transmission, suspension, aerodynamics). In March 2022, the BMW Group announced the acquisition of the Alpina brand; the existing cooperation agreement runs through the end of 2025, after which BMW fully integrates the brand, now positioned as a luxury and performance label above standard BMW models. In North America, several Alpina models (notably the B7 and XB7) were officially distributed through the BMW network, sold and warranted as BMWs.
ActivePerformanceÉlectrique / hybrideCamion / utilitaireEuropéennesAllemandes
History
History of BMW Alpina
Alpina is a German automaker established on January 1, 1965, founded by Burkard Bovensiepen (1936-2023) in Kaufbeuren, Bavaria. The story began in 1962 when Bovensiepen developed a dual Weber carburetor for the BMW 1500. The quality of the product impressed both the press and BMW's sales management, which from 1964 granted a factory warranty to vehicles fitted with this accessory. That endorsement gave rise to the company Alpina Burkard Bovensiepen KG, which at the time employed only eight people. In 1970, the workshop moved to Buchloe, in the Ostallgäu district, where the brand has maintained its historic headquarters ever since. Unlike a mere tuner, Alpina obtained official automobile manufacturer status from the German vehicle registration authority (Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt) in 1983: its cars carry their own identification number and are sold with the full manufacturer's warranty. The house philosophy sets itself apart from BMW's M division: where M favors the racetrack and raw performance, Alpina aims for a fast, refined grand touring car, combining high power, ride comfort and premium finish. The models are recognizable by their signature touches: Alpina Blue or Alpina Green paint, decorative stripes, distinctive multi-spoke wheels, leather interiors and hand-stitched steering wheels. For many years Alpina received partially assembled BMW bodies, which it transformed extensively (engine, transmission, suspension, aerodynamics). In March 2022, the BMW Group announced the acquisition of the Alpina brand; the existing cooperation agreement runs through the end of 2025, after which BMW fully integrates the brand, now positioned as a luxury and performance label above standard BMW models. In North America, several Alpina models (notably the B7 and XB7) were officially distributed through the BMW network, sold and warranted as BMWs.
Public founding or origin of BMW Alpina.
Technologies
Technologies, innovations and platforms
At the heart of Alpina's approach are BMW powertrains extensively reworked to favor low-end torque and flexibility rather than peak rpm alone. Recent models use twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8s and inline-six engines (gasoline or diesel) modified with specific turbochargers, recalibrated electronic management, and reinforced cooling and lubrication. Alpina has historically collaborated with ZF on automatic transmissions with adapted shift programming (Switch-Tronic steering-wheel paddles). The cars are based on the original BMW platforms, with xDrive all-wheel drive on modern versions, air suspension or adaptive damping tuned for comfort, and high-performance braking. Safety and driver-assistance equipment comes from BMW's technology bank. Electrification follows the BMW Group's trajectory (hybridization and electric powertrains to come under the new management). The XB7 uses a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 reworked by Alpina (more than 600 hp), paired with a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission and xDrive all-wheel drive. Adaptive air suspension, high-performance braking, and the BMW X7 (G07) platform. BMW powertrains reworked by Alpina: twin-turbo 4.4 L V8 (up to more than 600 hp) and inline-six gasoline or diesel engines (D range). ZF Switch-Tronic automatic transmission, xDrive all-wheel drive on recent versions, adaptive damping, and original BMW platforms. This lineup will follow the BMW Group's electrification technologies: plug-in hybrid and fully electric powertrains on modern BMW platforms, with electronic management, regenerative braking, and all-wheel drive depending on the model. The details will depend on the new Alpina management under BMW.
Brand image
Identity, reputation, strengths and weaknesses
Positioning
A German maker of fast, refined grand tourers, the luxury and high-performance version of BMW, combining power, comfort, and exclusivity.
Reputation
Alpina enjoys an enviable reputation for discreet exclusivity: less ostentatious than a BMW M, but just as fast and often more comfortable on long trips. Build quality, artisanal finish, and reliability inherited from BMW underpinnings are regularly praised by the specialized press. The scarcity of examples (limited annual production) supports strong resale value retention, especially for emblematic models and well-maintained examples. Reviews highlight the rare balance between performance and refinement. Sensitive points shared with high-end BMWs: high maintenance costs and mechanical complexity. The integration into the BMW Group starting in 2026 sustains collector interest in Alpinas from the independent era.
Strengths
Alpina combines high performance with grand-touring comfort, with generous low-end torque and a refined driving experience. The artisanal finish, exclusivity (limited production), and understated styling appeal to a discerning clientele. The BMW technical foundation ensures reliability and a service network, while the xDrive all-wheel-drive versions offer reassuring traction in all weather.
Points to watch
Exclusivity comes at a price: high purchase costs and expensive maintenance and parts, as with high-end BMWs. The scarcity of a specialized Alpina network can complicate certain repairs. The powerful, heavy powertrains weigh on fuel consumption. The brand's future, now steered by BMW, alters its historic artisanal character. The large wheel diameters increase the cost of tires.
Models
BMW Alpina models
Current or active models by market
Production and compatibility
Plants, tires and wheels
Production
Alpina's historic site is located in Buchloe, Bavaria (Germany), where the brand assembled its vehicles by transforming BMW bodies. Production remained artisanal and low-volume, a world away from large-scale production lines. Alpina does not own an automobile manufacturing plant in North America. The models sold in the North American market (B7, XB7) were produced from BMW underpinnings and then distributed through the BMW network, with some bodies assembled at BMW's plants in Dingolfing (Germany) or Spartanburg (South Carolina, United States) before transformation. With the acquisition by BMW, the Buchloe site is being refocused toward restoration, parts, and accessories for classic Alpinas, while future models fall under BMW engineering.
Tires and wheels
Built on BMW platforms, Alpinas generally share the BMW bolt pattern (often 5x120 on older models, and the BMW standard specific to each generation on recent ones). The sport sedans and coupes frequently run large diameters (typically 19, 20, or even 21 inches) with low-profile tires and often staggered fitments (rear tires wider than the front), which calls for replacement in axle pairs and strict adherence to the original dimensions. In Quebec, dedicated winter tires are mandatory and strongly recommended on these powerful, heavy vehicles: consider a second set of wheels in an appropriate diameter for winter. Always verify the exact size and the load and speed ratings according to the model and year.