For over 60 years, Alpina operated as an independent company that took standard BMW cars and turned them into faster, more luxurious machines. While they worked very closely with BMW, they were legally a separate manufacturer. As of January 1, 2026, that has changed. BMW has officially completed its acquisition of the Alpina brand. This means Alpina is now a full member of the BMW Group, sitting alongside other famous names like MINI and Rolls-Royce.
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With this transition, what exactly happens to Alpina as a brand?
The most immediate change is how these cars will be branded. Moving forward, the vehicles will use a new BMW Alpina logo. This design is placed in the center of the back of the car and is inspired by a classic look the company used in the 1970s. BMW wants to make sure Alpina stays special, so it is being treated as a “standalone” brand. This means it will have its own personality and will not just be another trim level like the “M” sport models.
The goal for this new version of Alpina is to fill the gap between the top-of-the-line BMW models and the ultra-expensive Rolls-Royce cars. These vehicles will focus on three main things: extreme speed, superior comfort, and custom building. Customers will have more options than ever to pick out special paints, leathers, and interior woods to make their car one of a kind.
What can we expect from the cars that will come in the near future?
Even though the companies have officially joined, the team at the original Alpina factory in Buchloe is still very busy. They will continue to help develop and service these cars. Many car enthusiasts are excited about the possible return of the Alpina B7. This was a very famous, high-speed version of the BMW 7 Series sedan that was discontinued a few years ago. Reports suggest that a new version could arrive as early as mid-2026.
There are also rumors about a massive new SUV called the XB8. While BMW has not confirmed this yet, they have recently protected the name for future use. This suggests that the future of BMW Alpina will include both traditional sedans and very powerful SUVs. Some of these future models might even be fully electric, following the global trend toward battery-powered cars.
What happens to the Bovensiepen family?
Now that BMW owns the Alpina brand, the family who started it in the first place, the Bovensiepens, will now operate their own independent business under their family name. They are shifting their focus to maintaining and restoring classic Alpina cars from the past. They also recently showed off a special new car called the Bovensiepen Zagato, which is a rare and expensive convertible designed with a famous Italian styling house.
By selling the brand to BMW, the family has ensured that the Alpina name will survive for many more years. It allows the brand to use BMW’s massive resources to meet new environmental laws while keeping the “handmade” feel that fans love.
