After six decades of crafting distinctive, performance-focused cars, Alpina’s last model under its founding family’s guidance is a limited-edition take on the XB7 luxury SUV, marking the end of an era before BMW fully integrates the brand.
Set to debut shortly, this special XB7 is aimed at the US and Canadian markets and was completed before Alpina officially became part of BMW on January 1, 2024. It represents a final farewell to the Bovensiepen family’s almost 60-year stewardship of the brand, known for its refined performance saloons and coupes based on BMW platforms.
A legacy shaped by subtle performance and independence
Founded in 1965 by Burkard Bovensiepen, Alpina grew alongside BMW as a respected tuner that blurred the lines between manufacturer and specialist, offering factory warranties on its enhanced models. Classic examples include the B3 and D3 saloons based on the 3 Series, vehicles celebrated for understated elegance paired with potent performance.
The family’s decision to sell Alpina to BMW in 2022 came from concerns over maintaining their ”no compromise” approach amid the complexities of the electric vehicle transition. Developing bespoke electric powertrains and software would demand talent and financial input that Alpina, as an independent niche builder, could ill afford.
BMW’s vision for a newly integrated Alpina
BMW, in acquiring Alpina, positioned the brand to complement its lineup by offering a range of highly customized luxury cars that stand apart from standard BMW models. The appointment of Max Missoni, former Polestar design chief, signals a push to refresh Alpina’s aesthetic while sharpening its identity as a performance luxury alternative-a rival to Mercedes-Benz’s ultra-luxury Maybach sub-brand.
While this first BMW-controlled Alpina model remains under wraps for now, the debut of the limited-edition XB7 stands as a symbolic bridge between Alpina’s past and future. The Bovensiepen family, meanwhile, is embarking on a new chapter with its own car company and has already revealed a coachbuilt M4 coupé collaboration with Zagato, showing their ongoing passion for bespoke automotive projects.
The broader automotive world is watching how BMW handles Alpina’s transition, balancing tradition with modern demands. Niche performance brands often struggle under larger corporate umbrellas, but BMW’s commitment to ”bespoke options” could allow Alpina to thrive within a luxury landscape increasingly dominated by electrification and personalization.
Whether Alpina’s classic spirit endures in its new era remains to be seen, but this final Bovensiepen-era XB7 is a fitting sendoff for the last ’true’ Alpina before its identity blends more deeply with BMW’s luxury ambitions.