Alpina: The Ultimate Driving Machine, Perfected
In the world of high-performance German automobiles, there is BMW's M division, and then there is Alpina. While M cars are built for the racetrackâsharp, loud, and aggressiveâAlpina creates cars for a different, yet equally demanding, purpose: the unlimited autobahn. An Alpina is not a tuner car; it is a bespoke automobile, manufactured by a family-owned company in Buchloe, Germany, and recognized by the German government as a standalone automaker since 1983. Founded by Burkard Bovensiepen in 1965, Alpina has a singular philosophy: to create the ultimate high-speed grand tourer, a car that blends monumental, effortless performance with supreme luxury and long-distance comfort. An Alpina is the iron fist in a velvet glove.
The Genesis: From Typewriters to Tuning
The Alpina story begins not with cars, but with typewriters. Burkard Bovensiepen's family business produced office equipment, but his personal passion was for tuning and racing BMWs. He developed a Weber dual carburetor kit for the then-new BMW 1500, which was so well-engineered that it received an official endorsement from BMW's own legendary head of sales. This was the beginning of a uniquely close and symbiotic relationship. Alpina quickly became a dominant force in touring car racing in the late 60s and 70s, which served as the perfect development ground for its increasingly sophisticated road cars.
Core Philosophy: The Alpina Way
The Alpina philosophy is a distinct and consistent approach that sets it apart from its M division counterparts:
- Effortless Torque, Not High Revs: While M cars often use high-revving engines, Alpina has always focused on immense, low-end torque. They re-engineer BMW engines with their own bespoke components to deliver a massive, locomotive-like wave of power that makes for devastatingly fast and relaxed high-speed cruising.
- Comfort in Speed: An Alpina's suspension is tuned for stability and compliance on real-world roads and high-speed autobahns, not just for the smoothest racetrack. The result is a car that is incredibly fast yet supremely comfortable.
- Understated Elegance: An Alpina is instantly recognizable to the connoisseur, but subtle to the uninitiated. The signature design elements are a discreet front spoiler, a subtle rear spoiler, the classic 20-spoke Alpina Classic wheels, and a beautifully hand-finished interior with Lavalina leather. It is the definition of a "sleeper."
The Icons of Buchloe: A Legacy of Autobahn Legends
Alpina's history is a hall of fame of some of the most desirable and legendary high-performance sedans and coupes ever made.
The B10 Bi-Turbo: The Car That Forged the Legend
In 1989, Alpina created a masterpiece: the Alpina B10 Bi-Turbo. Based on the E34 BMW 535i, this was a twin-turbocharged monster that was, at the time of its launch, the fastest production sedan in the world. It could humble Ferraris and Lamborghinis on the autobahn, all while carrying four people in absolute luxury. The B10 Bi-Turbo cemented Alpina's reputation as a builder of true super sedans.
The B7: The Quintessential Flagship
The Alpina B7 has been the flagship of the brand for generations. It takes the BMW 7 Series and transforms it into the ultimate high-speed executive limousine. With its immense twin-turbo V8 power and luxurious, bespoke interior, the B7 is the chosen vehicle for those who want to cross continents at incredible speeds in unparalleled comfort.
The XB7: The King of SUVs
Applying its philosophy to the SUV world, Alpina created the XB7. Based on the BMW X7, the XB7 is a true three-row super-SUV, a 600+ horsepower behemoth that combines family-hauling practicality with the performance and luxury that only Alpina can deliver. It is arguably the most desirable and exclusive vehicle in its class.
The BMW Acquisition and an Electrified Future
In 2022, a new chapter began. The BMW Group officially acquired the Alpina brand, securing its long-term future. While the Bovensiepen family will continue to service classic models, future Alpina vehicles will be developed and produced within the BMW Group, ensuring the legacy of these unique automobiles will continue into the electric era.
Target Audience: The Discerning Connoisseur
The Alpina customer is a unique and discerning individual. They are often a successful professional who appreciates the performance of a supercar but desires a more understated, comfortable, and exclusive package. They are not looking for the flashy aggression of a Lamborghini or even a BMW M car. Instead, they want a car that is supremely capable, exquisitely crafted, and effortlessly fast. They are the person who has nothing to prove, and for them, an Alpina is the only choice. It is, and always has been, a car for the true automotive connoisseur.