Hot! News and rumors about Alpina

[Swissbob]

Choosing the X7 makes perfect sense. It sells more than the 7 Series, and being an SUV is an added advantage.

The big suv killed the saloons .

 

[Esp5]

Choosing the X7 makes perfect sense. It sells more than the 7 Series, and being an SUV is an added advantage.

Wrong, the first model to be launched under the new ALPINA concept will be the 7 series; this X7 is just a farewell to the brand in its previous form.

 

[Esp5]

The big suv killed the saloons .

I wouldn't say SUVs killed them in this particular case; the 7 and the X7 sell almost equally well.

 

[Swissbob]

I wouldn't say SUVs killed them in this particular case; the 7 and the X7 sell almost equally well.

It depends from the market.

 

[Esp5]

It depends from the market.

I'm referring to total worldwide X7 sales of 48,000/49,000 and the 7 around a little over 50,000, but as you point out, for example USA accounts for almost 30,000 of those X7s vs aprx. 12.000 7 series

 

[Swissbob]

Chinese are still buying limousines, but almost nobody else I guess.

 

[Centurion]

Chinese are still buying limousines, but almost nobody else I guess.

And for some saloons, fleet might account for a big percentage of buyers.

 

[SCOTT27]

Perhaps. But I am referring to the genuinely brand new BMW and ALPINA vehicles designed under Missoni's supervision. As the successors to the current G70 7er and G60/61 5er are quite some years away, perhaps some sort of bespoke bodied, very limited production future, NKL-based ALPINA vehicle could be an interesting precursor. An approx. 5000mm long and under 1450mm tall 4 door shooting brake configuration could provide an interesting canvas, for example.

Next Alpina’s are Grand-Klasse Luxury only and possibly bespoke. Seems the days of B3 and B5 are over. And the Tourings now being supplemented by the M Division which many will lament.
They missed a trick with Skytop and Speedtop not being identified as Alpinas. But their design timeframes show why it was not possible.

 

[Esp5]

Next Alpina’s are Grand-Klasse Luxury only and possibly bespoke. Seems the days of B3 and B5 are over. And the Tourings now being supplemented by the M Division which many will lament.
They missed a trick with Skytop and Speedtop not being identified as Alpinas. But their design timeframes show why it was not possible.

Creating something "bespoke" would be wonderful, and I don't rule out the possibility that they might do something like that to generate iconic status and support the brand launch, perhaps they'll pursue both paths together...

But this whole issue of acquiring Alpina for fronting purposes to further elevate the positioning and price of its "normal" cars, has the fundamental goal of selling far more than the 2,000 units per year that the "old" Alpina sells.

I estimate that the basis of the discussion is to increase sales to around 15,000 (or more) new, high-priced units per year, matching the sales figures and profits of Bentley and Maybach, and obviously entering that upper-middle market between BMW and Rolls Royce with a strong differentiated presence.

 

[Esp5]

BMW Is Modernizing The Iconic ALPINA Stripes: First Look
In the BMW era, the new luxury models will feature a hand-painted ALPINA Deco-Set.

BMW Is Modernizing The Iconic ALPINA Stripes: First Look

BMW shares a first look at the updated side stripes ALPINAs have had for decades. On the new models, the side accents will be hand-painted.

www.bmwblog.com

 

[Design FIRST]

I understand (I've read it somewhere) that the new 7 Series Alpina will be presented at the end of 2026

"Werkscode" G72.

 

[Centurion]

Why not the 5Series or X3 given that the 7 and X7 are due heavy facelifts later this year? https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/first-new-era-bmw-alpina-models-be-revealed-15-may

 

[leylandi]

Alpina will compete with Maybach. It's pointless with the 5 and X3.

 

[Design FIRST]

Alpina will compete with Maybach.

Although ALPINA may have a business plan that it more akin to Manufaktur+M-B Advanced Design Studio.

It's pointless with the 5 and X3.

Yes. ALPINA will concentrate on the most exclusive, large luxury offerings. Automobiles designed under the supervision of Herr Missoni, who will be responsible for the design of future large, luxury/sport vehicles.

 

[Centurion]

Alpina will compete with Maybach. It's pointless with the 5 and X3.

I think the number of X7/7 alpina sold is tiny compared with alpina versions of lesser models.

Yes. ALPINA will concentrate on the most exclusive, large luxury offerings

I don't think so. The 3Series/M3/M4 is BMWs halo model. That has the biggest market for Alpina variants.

 

[Matski]

I don't think so.

BMW has pretty much said so.

 

[Esp5]

Alpina will compete with Maybach. It's pointless with the 5 and X3.

Yes. ALPINA will concentrate on the most exclusive, large luxury offerings. Automobiles designed under the supervision of Herr Missoni, who will be responsible for the design of future large, luxury/sport vehicles.

Initially, the correct approach is to start with the top models; that's where the quick cash is, and it also positions you to compete with Maybach, but who knows if they won't expand to lower series in the near future? Alpina's history is also built on the 3, 5 series, etc., and they managed to position themselves as ultra-luxury cars from lower segments—an asset that Maybach doesn't have, and practically no one else has or has achieved.

 

[Centurion]

BMW has pretty much said so.

Oh really? So no more Alpina models based on anything below 7 and X7? What a bummer?

 

[leylandi]

I think the number of X7/7 alpina sold is tiny compared with alpina versions of lesser models.

Alpina is now represented as a luxury brand. Previously, it was sold as a different interpretation of M cars. Change your perspective.

 

[Matski]

Oh really? So no more Alpina models based on anything below 7 and X7? What a bummer?

Zipse spoke about it at the AGM.

At the beginning of this year, we added another highly exclusive dimension to our brand portfolio: BMW ALPINA.

The long-established BMW ALPINA brand embodies maximum performance and exceptional driving comfort, combined with unique options for individualisation.

This makes it an ideal addition to our existing product range in the segment for individual, highly customised vehicles.

In this way, we are tapping into a highly profitable segment with great growth potential, positioned above the BMW brand’s top models and below our Rolls-Royce luxury brand.

It's clearly positioned at the top of the line, a stepping stone to Rolls-Royce... it would totally undermine that goal to do anything below below the GKL. I can imagine there might be an Alpina accessories range for lesser cars like there used to be - but BMW Alpina is just not going to be what Alpina was, and it's not going to do the things Alpina did... so yeah, definitely a bummer.