Heraldic Workshop from the Art Studio "Traditions of Times"

Munich. In the quiet Bavarian town of Buchloe, where for nearly six decades the Alpina name has been synonymous with a unique blend of craftsmanship, luxury, and powerful performance, a final change of eras has taken place. Effective January 1, 2026, the legendary Alpina brand, long one of the most respected automotive tuning houses, has been fully integrated into its Munich-based parent, BMW. The integration, initially announced by the BMW Group in March 2022, followed a carefully planned five-year transition plan agreed upon in 2020. This transition period, which allowed Alpina to fulfill existing orders and wind down its independent operations, is now complete. The brand will be relaunched not as a standalone entity, but as a separate sub-brand within the BMW Group portfolio under the new name BMW Alpina. The move to the largest German automaker allows Alpina to secure a clear place in its hierarchy, becoming an exclusive link between premium and absolute luxury, while preserving its unique heritage and approach.

The corporate restructuring is accompanied by a comprehensive visual rebranding. Future models will feature the "BMW Alpina" logo centered on the rear. The updated Alpina BMW symbol, according to the brand's guidelines, draws inspiration from the asymmetrical emblem used by Alpina in the 1970s and features a minimalist design that clearly distinguishes it from the blue and white BMW roundel. The fate of the classic Alpina roundel, with its stylized carburetor and crankshaft, a nod to BMW's engineering roots, remains uncertain. Sources suggest the Alpina crest may be reserved for special editions or interior badges, serving as a historical homage rather than the primary identifier of the Alpina BMW brand. Founded in 1965 by Burkhard Bovensiepen, Alpina began not on a factory assembly line, but at a desk. Burkhard, the son of office equipment manufacturer Rudolf Bovensiepen, began with a carburetor kit for the BMW 1500. His philosophy was to transform high-quality BMW sedans and coupes into ideal vehicles for high speeds and long journeys, combining crushing power with incredible comfort. And it undoubtedly resonated with a discerning clientele. Unlike more aggressive tuners, Alpina's calling card was the "velvet fist" approach—massive power delivered with a light, almost imperceptible insistence, without unnecessary noise, clad in exclusive leather, rare woods, and discreet signature graphic elements like stripes and lettering.

For decades, Alpina enjoyed a unique symbiosis with BMW. It purchased basic cars straight from the factory, stripped them down, and reassembled them with beefed-up engines, special suspensions, and luxurious interiors. Before selling them through select BMW dealers with a full factory warranty, a testament to the utmost trust between the companies. Its cars, such as the iconic B7 sedan, can be compared to those in the highest luxury segment, underscoring their exceptional status. The reborn BMW Alpina will likely adhere to a three-pronged philosophy: maximum performance paired with exceptional ride comfort and signature driving characteristics. The foundation of the new strategy will be an expanded personalization program, offering customers a vast catalog of unique materials, colors, and recognizable design touches capable of rivaling the exclusive ateliers of ultra-luxury brands. The BMW Alpina model lineup is already taking shape, according to industry analysts and supply chain sources. The next-generation BMW X7, along with its electric sibling, the iX7, will receive a more powerful version from Alpina. Preliminary data points to a hybrid powertrain producing approximately 900 horsepower.

Additionally, development is underway on a flagship sports sedan, conceived as a successor to the revered Alpina B7. This model, expected to arrive around mid-2026, is expected to be based on the updated BMW 7 Series (G70) architecture. Speculation suggests it will receive a separate internal designation, hinting at significant structural or dimensional changes that will differentiate it from the standard 7 Series. Alpina's integration represents deliberate curation of its heritage. BMW has made the Alpina philosophy part of its corporate strategy. The challenge now is to scale the intimate, artisanal essence born in Buchloe to Munich's global ambitions, while preserving the soul that made Alpina not just faster, but a completely different kind of car. For connoisseurs who cherished the old Alpina crest and admirers of the brand, the only verdict will be personal experience behind the wheel, whether the old heartbeat can be felt in the new model. Photo from Instagram bmwalpina.officialвтомобильный бренд, герб BMW Alpina