Munich, January 9, 2026 – In a seismic shift for luxury performance, BMW confirms Alpina as a fully independent brand under BMW Group ownership, effective immediately. No longer a bespoke tuner, Alpina will craft its own vehicles, starting with reimagined B8 Gran Coupe and B5 models blending iconic performance with standalone identity. This bold pivot promises clearer driver focus, long-term strategy, and exceptional comfort – signaling the end of an era that birthed legends like the B10 Biturbo.
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Alpina, founded 1965 by Burkard Bovensiepen, evolved from BMW customizer to veiled division. Now, BMW elevates it to parallel marque status – think Mini or Rolls-Royce – retaining 100% ownership for synergy. Production stays at Buchloe, but Alpina gains autonomy in design, marketing, R&D.
CEO Frank van Meel: “Independence unleashes creativity while leveraging BMW tech.” First standalone models roll Q2 2026, badged purely Alpina. This mirrors Ferrari-Maserati dynamics, but under one roof.
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Why Now? BMW’s Masterstroke Strategy
BMW’s move integrates Alpina’s portfolio seamlessly – B3 saloons, XB7 SUVs – into global lineups. Driver-centric ethos shines: Superior blending of power, poise, comfort. Long-term: Dedicated platforms post-2026, eyeing EV hypers.
Rivals like Mercedes-AMG, Porsche eye warily – Alpina’s 600+ hp subtlety threatens.
Alpina Lineup Evolution: Icons Reborn Standalone
Flagship B8 Gran Coupe leads: 4.4L twin-turbo V8 (620hp), 0-100kmh 3.4s, top 330kph. New standalone tweaks: Unique switchgear, Alpina Blue paint, 20-spoke alloys.
B5 Touring next: Wagon supremacy with 630hp, 800Nm – family hauler meets supercar.
| Model | Engine | Power/Torque | 0-100kmh | Price Est. (€) | Key Standalone Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B8 Gran Coupe | 4.4L V8 TT | 620hp/800Nm | 3.4s | 1.50L | Custom Gauges |
| B5 Touring | 4.4L V8 TT | 630hp/850Nm | 3.3s | 1.60L | Air Suspension |
| B3 Sedan | 3.0L I6 TT | 510hp/700Nm | 3.8s | 1.20L | Alpina Blue Brake |
| XB7 SUV | 4.4L V8 TT | 620hp/800Nm | 3.9s | 1.80L | 7-Seat Luxury |
From 1970 B10 (first Alpina BMW), to 2000B10 S (V8 missile), Alpina mastered subtlety. 5,000+ cars built yearly, 100% BMW-sourced but hand-finished. F1 flirtations aside, road focus endures.
New era: Electric Alpina by 2028? Hybrids confirmed for B3.
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Alpina excels in “exceptional long-term comfort” – supple suspensions devouring autobahns. Clear driver focus: Intuitive controls, no-nonsense dynamics. Wind-tunnel aero yields 0.28 Cd on B8.
Track laps? Nurburgring Nordschleife in 7:45 for tuned B3 – AMG GTR pacesetter.
BMW Group Synergy: Win-Win Power Play
BMW gains premium halo without dilution; Alpina accesses iDrive 9, xDrive evos. Shared platforms (CLAR chassis) evolve uniquely. Global expansion: US dealerships double, India/China entries.
Rolls-Royce parallel: Ultra-lux without badge engineering.
Rival Reactions: Luxury Shake-Up
AMG: “Competition sharpens us.” Porsche 911: Silent upgrades. Bentley eyes Conti tweaks.
Fan forums buzz: “Alpina purer now?”
Market Impact: Sales Surge Predicted
2025 Alpina sales: 3,000 units. Standalone status eyes 5,000 by 2027. B8 waitlists hit 12 months; prices hold firm.
EV pivot: Alpina i7 tuner by 2027?
Tech & Comfort Deep Dive
iDrive-integrated Alpina cluster, Bowers & Wilkins audio, massaging seats. Safety: Level 3-ready ADAS, 360-view.
Ride: Switchable dampers – plush or planted.
Global Rollout: Dealers, Deliveries, Drama
US launch March 2026; India Q3 via BMW outposts. Custom orders: 6 months build.
Collector frenzy: Launch editions with plaques.
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The Road Ahead: Alpina’s Golden Era?
This split crowns Alpina’s 60th – standalone freedom unleashes potential. BMW’s genius stroke preserves heritage, fuels innovation. From Biturbo to battery beasts, Alpina endures.
Watch Geneva for debuts. Luxury performance redefined – Alpina ascends!
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