BMW Alpina presents the first teaser of its own car
BMW Alpina is finally preparing to present something more than just an improved version of a production sedan. On Friday, May 15, at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este elegance competition, the company will show the Vision BMW Alpina concept. This is the first car fully developed after BMW completed its acquisition of Alpina earlier this year (the deal itself was concluded back in 2022).
The published teaser image shows the silhouette of the car against a rocky coastline. The photo reveals a low coupe with a long hood, a fastback-style sloping roof, and a tapered rear. It is not yet clear whether the car has two or four doors, but it looks like an elegant grand tourer that is currently missing from BMW’s lineup.
Related topic: BMW found a new role for Alpina, and it starts with two models
New approach to design and positioning
Some sources suggest that the concept resembles the old 8-Series Gran Coupe in size and style but features unique lighting design. This is important because previously Alpina (even the latest XB7 Manufaktur model based on the X7) were only improved versions of existing BMWs. The new concept hints that BMW will finally allow Alpina to create more unique cars.
According to Autocar, future Alpina models will focus on comfort, luxury, and personalization, rather than chasing absolute performance figures like BMW M. BMW Group Head of Research and Development Joachim Post stated:
We will not talk about sport, but about speed, comfort, and luxury.
This philosophy is well known to longtime Alpina fans. In recent decades, the company built fast autobahn cruisers with understated design, soft suspension, and luxurious interiors, rather than track monsters.
Connection with Rolls-Royce
Additional excitement comes from information about the involvement of renowned designers. BMW Blog claims that the project was likely worked on by Alex Innes, a former Rolls-Royce coachwork designer who created masterpieces such as the Boat Tail and La Rose Noire Droptail. This promises a real “wow effect” in design.
The choice of Villa d’Este is also no coincidence. BMW could have shown the concept at a regular auto show, but chose one of the most prestigious elegance competitions, where design matters as much as power. Previously, at the same event, BMW presented concepts that later went into small-series production (Concept Skytop) or previewed future models (Concept XM).
The word “Vision” in the name Vision BMW Alpina indicates that this coupe will not be ready for series production, but will give a clear idea of how the parent company sees its new sub-brand. It seems BMW wants to position Alpina not as an alternative to M, but as a German interpretation of luxury in the style of Bentley, but with a modern twist. More details will be revealed this Friday.
BMW Alpina
Thus, BMW is taking a very interesting step by separating Alpina from direct competition with the M division. Instead of creating another powerful sports car, the company is betting on the niche of ultra-comfortable and luxurious grand tourers that can compete with Bentley and Mercedes-Maybach. The involvement of Rolls-Royce designers and the prestigious Villa d’Este venue emphasize that this is not just another concept, but a statement for a new brand status. If the production version retains at least some of the promised elegance and uniqueness, BMW will have a very strong player in the premium segment.