Alpina is alive. Or at least it will be once the ink dries and the factory ramps up.
BMW just dropped the Vision Alpina concept at Villa d’Elonganza in Italy. It’s a statement. A big one.
It looks like a predator. Long, low, 5.2 meters of shark-nose aggression. Roughly the same length as a Rolls-Royce Wraith, actually. But let’s get the record straight. You won’t be able to order this exact car. This isn’t a product launch. It’s a mood board made of aluminum and leather. A manifesto.
Alpina is moving up. Past current BMW models, but staying below the Rolls-Royce ceiling.
Full ownership changed hands earlier this year from the Bovensiepen family to BMW. The dust settled. Now they’re showing you what that money buys. The first actual car you can buy will be based on the 7 Series chassis. We get to see it in 2027. If you’re quick with the checkbook, you get it early in 2028.
Respecting the roots
Maximilian Missoni is in charge. Former Polestar design head, current boss of the mid-size luxury sector. He says they are treating Alpina’s six-decade history with “utter care.” Care is good. Respect is better.
He points to the 1978 B7 Turbo. The icon. That machine breathed directly into the veins of this new concept. You can see the homage. The multi-spoke wheels are there. The wordmarked chin spoiler. Quad exhaust tips that promise noise.
Then there’s the striping.
Alpinas are famous for Deko sets. Two stripes along the side. Before, those were decals. Stickers. Now? Hand-painted. Why bother? Because BMW wants exclusivity. They want it to feel expensive without costing a Ferrari’s weight. Even the subtle chrome on the front nods back to the mythical 507.
Inside? It’s soft. Too soft maybe.
Lots of leather. Specifically Lavalina grade. If you know, you know. Wood with open pores so you can actually see the grain. Machined metal details that BMW insists were inspired by high-end watches. Which they probably are. Precise. Cold.
But the weird bit is behind the rear console. Crystal glassware. Built right into the car. Do you really need stemware when you’re parked at the track? Probably not. But you might want it at the yacht club.
The goal is clear. Beat the Maybachs. Challenge the Range Rovers. Offer that specific slice of Ferrari-level exclusivity.
It’s a gamble. Mixing Bavarian reliability with boutique pretension. It works on paper. The concept is handsome, sure. Sharp lines. Elegant curves.
Will it sell?
Nobody knows. But BMW isn’t asking for answers yet. They’re just waiting. Until 2028
