BMW Alpina's First Luxury Sedan Unveiled in High-Speed Testing
BMW's luxury subbrand, Alpina, has provided a glimpse of its inaugural production vehicle, derived from the revamped 7-series sedan, currently undergoing rigorous high-speed evaluations. This highly anticipated car is engineered to deliver an unparalleled level of ride comfort, featuring Alpina's distinctive 20-spoke wheel design and a potent V-8 engine. Its market introduction is slated for the upcoming year, signaling a new era for the brand under BMW's stewardship.
Originating as a German tuning firm in the early 1960s, Alpina carved a niche by enhancing engine performance while prioritizing supreme cabin comfort. Unlike conventional tuners focused on track capabilities, Alpina specialized in crafting vehicles that offered an exquisitely smooth on-road experience, enveloping occupants in lavish materials. Following BMW's complete acquisition, Alpina has been repositioned as a distinct subbrand, mirroring the strategy seen with Mercedes-Maybach.
Earlier this year, it was hinted that the first BMW Alpina production model would draw inspiration from the 7-series. This was further solidified in May with the unveiling of the Vision BMW Alpina concept, which served as a precursor to the forthcoming model. Recent photographic and video evidence of the prototype Alpina showcases strong foundational elements from the 7-series, presenting a more conventional sedan profile compared to the concept's sleek, flowing rear design.
A defining characteristic of any Alpina vehicle is its signature 20-spoke wheels. BMW has announced that the upcoming model will elevate this feature by integrating light alloy wheels paired with specially developed tires, which include an internal foam layer to further enhance ride smoothness, exemplifying a commitment to luxury and refinement.
Details regarding the technical specifications remain scarce, with BMW only confirming a V-8 engine for the Alpina. A recent video released by BMW captured the vehicle exceeding 186 mph during high-speed assessments in Italy. Given that this model is not designed for track-focused performance, its exterior styling deliberately eschews aggressive aerodynamic components typically found on higher-performance, more expensive BMWs. Instead, its most striking exterior features are concentrated at the rear, where quad-oval exhaust outlets and a subtle spoiler tastefully interrupt the standard 7-series' body contours.
Observations from available video footage suggest that the interior design closely mirrors that of the 7-series, complete with a slender panoramic display and twin screens spanning the dashboard. While it shares the same four-spoke steering wheel with the 7-series, the seating appears to be distinct from standard options, and it is highly probable that the cabin will be adorned with premium, upgraded materials.
This ultra-luxury sedan represents the inaugural offering under the newly consolidated BMW Alpina brand and is anticipated to arrive next year. While BMW has yet to disclose its full future plans for the brand, it is widely expected that the three-row BMW X7 SUV will be the next model to receive the distinctive Alpina treatment.
The debut of the new BMW Alpina model, based on the 7-series sedan, heralds an exciting development in the luxury automotive sector. Under BMW's complete control, Alpina continues its legacy of blending high performance with unparalleled ride comfort, distinguished by its signature wheels and refined V-8 powertrain. This sedan, expected next year, promises an opulent interior and subtle exterior enhancements, reinforcing Alpina's commitment to luxurious, high-speed touring rather than track-focused aggression, with future models like the X7 SUV also likely to adopt this sophisticated approach.