Starting January 1, 2026, the automotive world witnessed a true revolution: Alpina, which had been an iconic BMW tuner for decades, officially became part of BMW Group as an independent brand. This move is far from a mere formality — it fundamentally shifts the brand’s philosophy and its place in German automotive history. Alpina now stands alongside giants like Mini, Rolls-Royce, and BMW Motorrad, no longer overshadowed by its longtime partner.
Alpina’s journey began back in 1965, when a small team of enthusiasts decided that BMW’s standard offerings simply weren’t enough for them. Since then, the Alpina name has become synonymous with unique sports cars that impress not only with their performance, but also with distinctive style and meticulous attention to detail. Over the years, the company has produced a range of iconic models that are now true gems among collectors.
A historic alliance
Alpina has always been more than just a tuning workshop. Its engineers and designers have contributed to the development of some of BMW’s landmark models, including the legendary 3.0 CSL, which once challenged the fastest and lightest cars on Europe’s race tracks. In the 1970s, when the oil crisis threatened the future of many automakers, it was Alpina that helped BMW introduce innovative solutions — including being the first in the world to use metal catalytic converters in production vehicles.
Alpina’s contribution to BMW’s development is hard to overestimate. Models like the BMW 3 Series E21 upgraded by Alpina became symbols of their era: powerful, elegant, and with a character you can’t mistake for anything else. It’s no wonder these cars found their way not only into the garages of ordinary car enthusiasts but also motorsport legends—Niki Lauda, James Hunt, Jacky Ickx. For many BMW fans, Alpina truly embodied the dream of a genuine sports car.
Turning Point
The partnership between BMW and Alpina lasted nearly half a century, but only now has the time come for a new chapter. The decision to bring Alpina into BMW Group as a separate brand is a logical continuation of their longstanding cooperation. Now Alpina has every opportunity for independent growth while retaining access to the group’s technologies and resources.
Just remember the Alpina B6 based on the M3 or the ultra-rare BMW 333i, sold exclusively in South Africa and now considered a true collector’s item. Or the B10 Biturbo, built on the E34 platform and inspired by the BMW M5—by the late ’80s, it was the most powerful series-produced sedan in the world, featuring two Garrett turbochargers and producing 360 horsepower. Projects like these not only cemented Alpina’s reputation but also set new benchmarks for the entire industry.
A New Era
Alpina has survived more than one technological revolution: from the introduction of the first BMW diesel engines to the advent of hybrid systems. Each time, the company found its niche, offering cars with a unique balance of power, comfort, and refinement. Now, as Alpina joins BMW Group, new horizons—and new challenges—lie ahead.
The company emphasizes that it fully recognizes its responsibility for the brand’s future. The plan is to preserve the unique spirit of Alpina without blending it into the mainstream. This is more than just a marketing move—it’s an attempt to open a new chapter in the history of German automotive engineering, where tradition and innovation go hand in hand.
Interestingly, this strategy has already proven effective with other brands. Cupra, after separating from Seat, quickly gained popularity as an independent marque. Genesis, Hyundai’s luxury division, has also made a strong debut in the global market. Now it’s Alpina’s turn—and fans’ expectations are higher than ever.
RUSSPAIN reminds readers that Alpina Burkard Bovensiepen GmbH & Co. KG is a German company founded in 1965 by Burkard Bovensiepen. The brand specializes in creating exclusive sports cars based on BMW models, as well as producing its own range of accessories and components. Starting in 2026, Alpina officially becomes part of the BMW Group as a standalone brand, all while maintaining its core philosophy and unique approach to automotive design.
