Quick look
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After becoming a ‘partner manufacturer’ in 2022, Alpina is now oficially a high-end sub-brand of the BMW Group with full integration into BMW’s production lines.
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While Alpina used to tune 3-Series and 5-Series models (B3/B5), as a brand, it will now offer the upgrades and bespoke options for other models.
Like AMG with Mercedes-Benz, Alpina was also strongly associated with BMW as a specialist tuner, from the time it was established as Alpina Burkard Bovensiepen in 1965. In 1983, Alpina had demonstrated consistent competence in preparing cars that the German Federal Ministry of Transport recognized it as an automobile manufacturer.
Alpina brand
This meant that the BMW cars developed and made by Alpina could be sold under the ‘Alpina’ brand and registered as products of that brand, instead of BMW. Nevertheless, due to the close relationship between Alpina and BMW, its cars were accepted at authorised BMW service centres and also covered by the standard warranty of BMW.
Like AMG, which was acquired by Mercedes-Benz in 2005 after 38 years as an independent business, Alpina too was acquired by BMW in 2022. At that time, there were still some regulatory matters to be sorted out and detailed information was not given.
Assembled in BMW’s factories
The company owned by the Bovensiepen family would continue to use its engineering expertise in developing, manufacturing, and selling BMW ALPINA vehicles within the existing cooperation until the end of 2025.
BMW ALPINA vehicles, which have upgraded specifications, were then pre-assembled on BMW production lines before final assembly of the vehicles taking place in workshops at Alpina.
With the original cooperation agreement having ended on December 31, the transfer of the Alpina trademark rights from January 1, 2026 marks the launch of BMW ALPINA as an exclusive standalone brand under the BMW Group umbrella.
The initial focus will be on brand activation. Key elements of the BMW ALPINA brand are its unique balance of maximum performance and superior ride comfort, combined with hallmark driving characteristics. This is complemented by an exclusive portfolio of bespoke options and custom materials along with unmistakeable details.
Exclusive, independent personality
Given the history of the Alpina brand, the BMW Group is that it is given an exclusive place and an independent personality within the group. BMW ALPINA vehicles will be manufactured according to rigorous standards for materials selection and craftsmanship.
They fulfil the most demanding expectations in terms of visuals, acoustics and feel. Moreover, buyers can choose from a remarkable portfolio of bespoke options. These will allow every BMW ALPINA to have its own, unmistakeable character.
