BMW acquires the Alpina brand after 60 years of partnerships

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Munich-based automaker BMW has purchased the Alpina brand, a previously independent company sub-assembling specialised BMW models with a focus on high-end dynamics tinged with comfort.

BMW and Alpina have reached an agreement that “will secure the long term future of the Alpina brand”.

“BMW and Alpina are a perfect fit! The Alpina brand has matured alongside BMW over the past 50 years and has everything it takes to make the heart of an automotive connoisseur beat faster all over the world. It finds the right balance between cultivated sportiness, luxury, and exclusivity. 

“We are delighted to acquire the trademark rights to ALPINA and add new vehicle capturing DNA to the BMW portfolio,” said BMW’s senior vice president of customer and brand, Jens Thiemer. 

In 2020, BMW renewed the partnership conditions with Alpina until 2025 where the relationship between the two will operate as it has done for the past 60 years.

From 2025 onwards, BMW will own all trademark rights to Alpina and at this time the relationship will enter a new era. 

What is Alpina exactly?

Alpina was officially founded on 1 January 1965 as an aftermarket supplier for BMW models. 

Burkard Bovensiepen, the company’s founder, started out by developing a Weber carburettor for the BMW 1500, which impressed BMW so much that the company decided to award all BMW models fitted with Alpina parts a full factory guarantee.

From 1965 to 1978, Alpina was very active in the BMW tuning scene and in motorsport. In 1978, Alpina began producing factory production cars based on BMW products.

Alpina is only a relatively small company, employing around 300 people in its factory in Buchloe. In 2021, Alpina produced approximately 2000 cars.

The Alpina brand has seen popularity in a variety of global markets including Japan, the USA, the Middle East and of course Europe. 

Interestingly, the brand’s second biggest business is not in fact automotive manufacturing but is instead wine production which also falls under the Alpina brand name. 

Current Alpina models 

Alpina currently sells four models in Australia in limited numbers.

The Alpina B3 is based on the BMW 3 Series and gives M3-rivalling performance with a plush and luxurious interior. 

The Alpina XD3 features a turbo-diesel engine and mild-hybrid technology and is based on the BMW X3 SUV. It can achieve the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.9 seconds. 

Stepping up to the larger XB7 model is Alpina’s take on the X7 with twin-turbo V8 power and all-wheel drive. 

Finally, Alpina offers their take on the BMW 8 Series again featuring twin-turbo V8 power in the Alpina B8. 

Alpina 2022: prices in Australia

All prices listed are before on-road costs.

• Alpina XD3: $114,900
• Alpina B3 sedan: $142,900
• Alpina B3 wagon: $145,900
• Alpina XB7: $264,900
• Alpina B8: $322,900