For decades, Alpina occupied a unique space in the automotive world. Founded by Burkard Bovensiepen in 1965, the Buchloe-based brand became renowned for tuning high-performance BMW road and racing cars. Now, following its integration into the BMW Group in 2026, the next chapter begins with the unveiling of the BMW Vision Alpina Concept at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este.
Rather than reinventing the brand, the Vision BMW Alpina appears focused on preserving its identity for a modern era. Measuring 5.2 metres in length, the concept adopts a low, elegant grand touring silhouette with proportions clearly influenced by classic Alpina coupés, particularly the late-1970s B7. Its long bonnet, sweeping roofline, and signature shark nose convey a restrained sense of speed rather than outright aggression.
Design details, including traditional Alpina deco-lines, return in a modernised form, while the illuminated kidney grille incorporates hidden graphics that reveal themselves only when active. The familiar 20-spoke wheels remain, now measuring 22 inches at the front and 23 at the rear, while the elliptical quad exhausts continue to define the rear profile. Under the bonnet sits a V8 powertrain accompanied by the signature deep Alpina exhaust note, maintaining the brand’s long-standing connection to effortless high-speed performance.
The cabin reflects the same philosophy. Full-grain leather sourced from the Alpine region combines with crystal detailing, open-grain materials and architectural forms to create an atmosphere closer to a luxury lounge than a conventional car interior. BMW’s new Panoramic iDrive system is integrated with Alpina-specific graphics, while Comfort+ mode remains central to the experience, reinforcing the brand’s belief that a more comfortable driver is ultimately a faster one.
As a statement of intent, the Vision BMW Alpina feels remarkably confident. The first BMW Alpina production model, based on the BMW 7 Series, is expected to arrive in 2027 following this one-off concept.
