BMW Previews Alpina’s Future With V8 Coupé Concept

The show car draws inspiration from the shark nose of the 507 roadster and the split-stacked headlights of the recently facelifted 7 Series, while looking like a copy of neither. Alpina lettering stands upright atop the splitter, showing the new typeface developed for use under BMW ownership. The large kidney grille matches the four-segment crystal running lights with an amber glow, and despite appearing blanked off, a V8 is found behind.

No performance figures are mentioned, and we can only assume the concept shares the S63 4.4-litre biturbo engine with the M8, Skytop and Speedtop, bestowing it with 616bhp and 553lb-ft (750Nm) of torque. This breathes through a quartet of elliptical exhaust pipes at the rear, emerging above a subtle diffuser split by a central air channel. Dual-stacked light strips show a minimalist rendition of BMW’s L-shaped brake light signature, and align with the Neue Klasse range.

Subtly flared arches punctuate the wheelbase, and contain staggered 22/23” wheels in Alpina’s trademark 20-spoke design. These are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tyres, and require the centre caps to be removed to access the air valve. Another brand staple is the optional pinstriping, and this has been revised for use on the concept. Rather than being placed on an already painted surface the stripes are added before the clearcoat is applied, and blend into the body panels more so than on previous Alpina models.

Dual-tone materials split the cabin in two, allowing the vast screens to blend into the darkened upper surfaces. The Vision BMW Alpina employs the Panoramic iDrive infotainment concept of the i3 saloon with a pillar-to-pillar display at the base of the windscreen. There’s an angled touchscreen for the driver and the front passenger, both running an Alpina-specific version of iDrive with unique graphics, and showcasing exact renderings of the mountain range visible from Buchloe - the brand’s former hometown.

The lighter colour of the interior’s lower half shows off classic green and blue contrast stitching, and new detailing for the backrests inspired by the Deco line pinstriping. Space for four fully-grown adults is promised, with a full-length glass sunroof stretching over the entire length of the cabin. Typical of high-end BMW models, crystals are used for the window and seat adjustment switches, but also for the drive mode selector.

Two settings are available: Speed and Comfort+. The latter is carried over from the final independent Alpina models, going a step beyond a regular BMW’s standard driving mode for increased long-distance comfort. Activating Speed mode will sharpen up the car’s responses, and showcase new graphics on the head-up display.

Fears of Alpina becoming nothing more than a trim level appear entirely unfounded, with the brand continuing to focus on refined performance models that fly under the radar at great speed. The first BMW Alpina production model will arrive in 2027 and be based on the 7 Series, likely heralding the return of the B7 name after a five-year absence.