If BMW enthusiasts had their way, there’d be an ALPINA version of each and every BMW model. That’s because ALPINA makes some of the coolest, most special Bimmers on the market. Sometimes they’re even more interesting than M Division cars. Unfortunately, market size and cost limit the amount of cars ALPINA can actually make. However, there are some new Bimmers which may get the blue-and-green treatment, such as the BMW X7 and Z4.
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When talking to Motor1, ALPINA Boss Andreas Bovensiepen said that an X7 might be in the cards. “Like I said, we want to work with the big SUVs,” he told Motor1. “It’s too early to tell, but I think [X7] would be great for the U.S.”
He’s not wrong. Big luxury SUVs sell like crazy here in the U.S., especially ultra-premium ones. Drive in Beverly Hills for thirty seconds and you’ll see more top-end Range Rovers and G-Wagens than you can count. So an ALPINA XB7 (or whatever it’d be named) would work very well here.
Boevensiepen also seems open to the idea of a Z4. “So we did a Z4 in the past, E85, and there were only three markets in which this car was good: Germany, Japan, and Great Britain. The rest of the market was not interesting, or it was price-wise quite difficult… so these kind of cars are not our first priority. But of course, it’s fun to have a nice roadster.”
When asked about whether or not ALPINA would ever work with a Supra, he didn’t seem opposed to the idea entirely. “I’ve never thought about this question, to be honest. First of all, we look at the Z4 and say, “what could we make out of this kind of car?” Currently, to be honest, we have not thought about making a coupe version of a Z4. As I mentioned before, in America we are looking more at big cars. The market of a Z4 and Supra is a quite limited market.” said Bovensiepen.
While difficult, he seems to think a Supra could be possible, even if it isn’t likely. “But if we would like to drive a Toyota Supra, we would ask BMW, “Can we borrow one from you for two weeks? We would like to see the concept in private.” And then BMW would say, “Maybe yes,” outside of internal BMW test tracks, this would not be a problem.”
Don’t expect much to come from either the Z4 or Supra. ALPINA is more focused on bigger luxury cars, especially for the U.S. market. However, it’s cool to know that Bovensiepen is willing to at least entertain outside-the-box ideas.
[Source: Motor1]
Yes, there’s a lot of potential i would like to see. An Alpina B4S Grand Coupe for example. BMW never had an M Version and the top model would deserve an Alpina version. All the parts are already there, just turn it into a car.
Alpina B8.
Already in the works.
If there is a car brand, that deserves to grow 50%,100%,150%,200%,250%, then it would be Alpina for sure.
I think Alpina B8 (both Coupe, Convertible and Gran Coupe) are in the works?
And also X7 Alpina. What about X5 and X6 Alpina? Seems strange to leave these out.
I think Alpina should focus on these high-value models. It fits their brand image better. A Z4 Alpina should be done as a brand builder. It would be a great-looking machine done in the Alpina style.
Overall Alpina has great potential. Looking forward to some of these models hopefully in the future.
They always wanted to do an X5.
If you think of the branding aspect Alpina can become like an exclusive high-end wine. Ultra-luxury/premium. Alpina is a brand that would fit the hybrid/electric era very well too. In fact Alpina is very Bavarian in this traditional sense and BMW have a really good marketing angle here. That is why I like the idea of Alpina concentrating on higher-end/emotional products. Alpina B8 will be great. I think products of and above BMW X5. Z4 can slot into this as well as B3/B4 but priority should be higher-value products. The B7 was a great example of where Alpina can differentiate to a massive extent vis-a-vis the regular product i.e. BMW 7 series.
Alpina designed an X5 but they didn’t end up selling it.
But you could get it later as the X5 4.6 iS at your local BMW dealer. Sort of.
They also wanted to do the second and third generation…different reasons why it was never done. Maybe now…
NOT Alpina! Very much BMW, pre- X5 M.
Wrong it has got almost the same engine as the V8 Alpina B10 launched a few years earlier. Same capacity, same power figures, only some parts differ. And, well, they publicly said it was made with Alpina.
I’ve driven it, NOT Alpina.
4.8iS is not 4.6iS. Check 4.6iS and Alpina B10 engines. Same numbers. Furthermore, as I said, BMW said they partnered with Alpina to develop the 4.6iS.
Which explains why it has no Alpina badging, nomenclature, distinctive 20 spoke rims, trim & is not included in any list of their vehicles.
B3/4 S would be a most welcome alternative.
They definitely should do a 200 – 300 run of the B5 Touring for the USA.