BMW Just Dropped a Big Hint About Alpina's FutureGudrun Muschalla - MotorTrendThe spiritual successor to the BMW 8 Series is expected to come from BMW's newly minted BMW Alpina subbrand, and it will adopt styling cues from the Vision BMW Alpina concept shown in May.After decades of cooperation, BMW effectively acquired the storied Alpina tuning house in 2022 and finalized the deal early this year. But instead of simply continuing to enhance existing models as Alpina had done for decades, BMW is focusing the bulk of its initial efforts on creating a distinct BMW Alpina model, which is coming next year in a luxury segment not covered by BMW's existing product lineup, according to Philip Koehn, senior vice president Head of Product Line BMW Luxury Class Vehicles, BMW Alpina, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.A new-generation BMW Alpina version of the recently discontinued 8 Series makes sense given that there has been no announcement of a direct BMW replacement.Hardy MutschlerBMW Alpina Vision Concept is StrikingThe BMW Alpina Vision concept that the 8 Series–inspired model will likely derive much of its styling from is a large, four-passenger coupe with V-8 power. BMW has described the concept as inspired by the 7 Series, and given that the previous Alpina B7 sedan was 7 Series–based, it makes sense. It also makes sense that the new BMW Alpina will use the 7 Series platform.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe 8 Series was offered in two-door and four-door Gran Coupe versions, so it remains to be seen how BMW will develop the first model, which will come with numerous Alpina signature cues such as its distinctive striping, but they'll now be painted lines under the clear-coat.Although Koehn said the Vision BMW Alpina is a one-off concept, he confirmed that it offers a pretty good idea of what the first new BMW Alpina model will look like. During a media roundtable after the global reveal of the new 2027 BMW X5, Koehn said reaction to the Alpina Vision and the BMW Alpina effort in general has been positive thus far. That includes from dealers who have been shown the concept as well as an Alpina variant of its coming new-generation BMW X7, which would be a successor to the XB7 SUV (below) that is in its final model year.MotorTrend - MotorTrendThe present Alpina XB7 is built at BMW's plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina, home of the BMW X3, X5, X6, X7, XM, and electric versions of some of the SUVs. Koehn would not say if a future XB7 would continue to be built at the U.S. plant.The Alpina treatment gives models a distinctive look and takes them more upscale, while offering speed and a comfortable driving experience. BMW Alpina as a brand will offer luxury models that slot above BMW but below Rolls-Royce, said Koehn, who describes his job as overseeing the "candy shop of BMW." That means BMW Alpina vehicles would live in the $160,000 to $340,000 price range, competing with the Mercedes-Maybach brand.MotorTrend - MotorTrendNo More Lower-End Alpinas?The positioning largely knocks out smaller models like the 3 Series getting the Alpina treatment. In the past, there were Alpina variants of almost every BMW, but going forward, BMW Alpina will concentrate on the higher-end segments to convey the vision BMW wants for the brand. While Koehn said it would be nice to have Alpina variants of all models, the brand is not at that point.AdvertisementAdvertisementAlpina needs significant differentiation from BMW models, through styling, powertrain, and interior quality, Koehn said. But that doesn't mean the lineup needs dedicated powertrains; engineering additional performance from shared powertrains would work. A blend of attributes and upgrades would be sufficient differentiation to justify the price. Koehn also said BMW won't rush the rollout of the portfolio.High-End Models Are ImportantThe emphasis on high-end models developed under the BMW Alpina banner will help BMW continue to be the top seller of luxury vehicles in the U.S. Koehn is also in charge of Rolls-Royce, a brand that he believes is on a good trajectory and has no fundamental changed planned. Nor does he see any big gaps he needs to fill. The only gaps, it seems, will soon be filled by the coming BMW Alpina models.
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