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BMW Buys Long-Time Performance Partner Alpina

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BMW has purchased Alpina, the independent coachbuilder that has long served up alternatives to the Bavarian automaker’s familiar M models.

BMW Alpina B6 Gran Coupe engine badge
BMW acquired its performance partner Alpina, which will be integrated into the company in 2025.

The deal won’t go into effect immediately, however. Alpina won’t be brought in-house until Dec. 31, 2025 when the current five-year agreement between the two companies expires. The two companies have worked together for nearly six decades, Alpina creating limited-edition variants of products like the BMW 7 Series and 8 Series Grand Coupe.

The timing of the deal is linked to the industry’s ongoing shift from internal combustion to battery-electric propulsion, said Pieter Nota, the BMW board member overseeing Customer, Brands and Sales. “The automotive industry is in the midst of a far-reaching transformation towards sustainable mobility. For that reason, existing business models need to be re-examined on a regular basis.”

“We recognized the challenges facing the automotive industry early on and are now setting the right course for Alpina and for our family firm, Bovensiepen,” added Andreas Bovensiepen, co-managing director and son of Alpina founder Burkard Bovensiepen.

A long history

Formally known as Alpina Burkard Bovensiepen GmbH + Co. KG, the company started out in 1965 racing BMW products and marketing performance tuner accessories. Three years later, Alpina took the next step, producing customized versions of mainstream BMW models.

BMW Alpina B8 engine
The move is similar to Mercedes’ acquisition of AMG in 1999.

Today, that includes products like the 2022 BMW Alpina B8 Gran Coupe. As with prior Alpina offerings, the upgrade process begins under the hood. The twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 found in standard versions of the 8 Series gets a big bump in output, at 612 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. Only the M8 Competition, at 617 hp, managed to deliver more power in an 8-Series shell.

The B8 also features a modified suspension, unique exhaust system and other performance enhancements.

But Alpina models aren’t just clones of the familiar M brand. Its product line “combines the highest levels of performance, dynamics and comfort in a bold and beautiful design,” BMW explained at the launch of the Alpina B8 last year. Along with the performance upgrades, the B8 features illuminated door sills, unique walnut trim, a modified steering wheel and a crystal glass iDrive controller with a laser-etched Alpina logo.

Challenging times

BMW Alpina B8 badge
The BMW Alpina B8 puts out 612 horsepower.

Independent brands like Alpina are facing significant challenges, however, largely due to the ongoing shift to electrification. Tuning a battery-electric vehicle isn’t as easy as beefing up an internal combustion engine.

“Acquiring the trademark rights will allow us to shape the long-term course of this brand steeped in tradition,” said BMW’s Nota.

There has been ongoing speculation about a possible takeover of Alpina. Mercedes-Benz took a similar path when it acquired a controlling stake in the once-independent tuner brand AMG in 1999. Following that move, Mercedes quickly expanded the availability of AMG models. Today, that badge is available, in one form or another, on virtually every product line Mercedes offers. And it would surprise few if BMW moves in that direction once the acquisition of Alpina is completed.

The purchase will result in the loss of jobs at Alpina’s plant in Buchloe, located about 40 miles away fro
m BMW headquarters in Munich. In a statement, the Bavarian automaker said it will “offer those employees who will not be able to continue working at the Buchloe site a new position with the BMW Group and also help them find new jobs with suppliers and development partners.”

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