BMW Officially Ties the Knot with One of Its Coolest and Most Iconic Partners

Alpina is now formally a division of BMW, meaning more ultra-cool Roundels are on the way.

BMW Alpina

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By Chris Chin

Published January 8, 2026

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Updated March 9, 2026

Alpina, the German tuning firm known exclusively for upgrading BMW models with factory-backed support and a purveyor of some of the coolest Bavarian models to ever roam asphalt, is now legitimately a part of the automaker’s portfolio.

Both companies officially announced their tying of the knot yesterday as part of BMW’s expansion. Despite operating separately for more than half a century, the two entities have closely collaborated to produce some of history’s fastest and most distinctively collectible Bimmers. Now, they’re officially one.

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The name’s Alpina, BMW Alpina

BMW and Alpina are now rebranding as one, complete with an official new logo and name.

BMW Alpina

Back in 2022, BMW acquired a greater controlling stake in Alpina. But in the latest move, the company fully absorbed the tuning firm to make it an official part of the BMW Group.

To commemorate the occasion, the two jointly revealed a new company logo and name, which is now officially “BMW Alpina.” And alongside, BMW issued a statement noting that Alpina will continue its original mission of producing new, limited-production and distinctively high-performing models.

Front view of a dark green Alpina BMW with distinctive kidney grille and multi-spoke alloy wheel on grass. — Alpina is a household name in the world of BMWs as a different take on high-performance models.

Or more specifically, cars with an emphasis on “maximum performance and superior ride comfort, combined with hallmark driving characteristics.”

If that sounds awfully familiar, as in, “doesn’t BMW already produce fast, comfortable” luxury machines? The answer is yes, it is familiar.

Blue Alpina luxury sedan with silver multi-spoke wheels parked under a concrete archway. — Alpina-tuned BMWs are known for their larger multi-spoke wheels, subtle exterior body kits, and upgraded powertrains.

But Alpina goes even further by squeezing even more power out of BMW’s factory engines, adding more drivetrain and chassis upgrades, and topping it all off with bespoke colors, trim bits and options.

Dark blue BMW Alpina B7 sedan driving on a desert highway with mountains in the background. — The BMW 7 Series-based Alpina B7 is one of the brand’s most iconic contemporary models.

It’s a recipe that’s defined Alpina-modified BMWs since the two began working together in the 1960s. However, Alpina’s significance to BMW’s history is much deeper rooted than just being a tuning firm for the ultimate driving machines.

In short, Alpina had a significant role in putting BMW on the map and elevating its image.

Alpina helped BMW win motorsports before M existed

Orange and black BMW Alpina race car number 21 on a racetrack with sponsor decals. — Alpina started off providing upgraded BMW engine parts, which later led the two to collaborate more closely in motorsports.

Back in 1965, a man by the name of Burkard Bovensiepen established Alpina as an automobile manufacturing company. It remains the only German performance tuning firm recognized by the country’s Ministry of Transport as a carmaker.

But Alpina didn’t cement its origins by taking some of BMW’s earliest models and giving them treatments that they’re known for today.

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Rather, Alpina worked with BMW initially, developing improved carburetors and cylinder heads for the automaker’s models at the time. Upon BMW’s engineers approving of Bovensiepen’s work, the two companies tightened their collaborative efforts.

Close-up of a BMW Alpina B7 plaque on a brown wood and leather car center console. — All Alpinas come with plaques to certify their authenticity.

That opened the door for Alpina to develop further upgraded engine components, such as high-performance camshafts. The two eventually jointly entered motorsports, winning several major events throughout the 1970s.

Some include the European Touring Car Championship and even the 24 Hours of Spa. Such success in competition helped further elevate the Roundel’s global reputation.

Silver two-door Alpina car with blue stripes parked on a mountain road with snow-capped peaks in the background. — The BMW E21 3 Series-based B6 2.8 was one of Alpina’s earliest standalone and fully-developed models.

However, due to limited operational capacity, Alpina eventually withdrew from motorsports as BMW’s then-newly-established M Division started stepping in. It wouldn’t be until the 1980s that Alpina began producing fully completed high-performance variants of preexisting cars.

A lot different than traditional M cars

Red BMW Alpina sedan parked on an airport tarmac with a Concorde airplane in the background. — Older Alpina models, like this original E34 5 Series-based B10 Bi-Turbo, are some of the most collectible classic BMW models.

With BMW M punching out its own performance variants of standard models, it’s not uncommon to perceive Alpina’s existence as confusing. Why have two different firms and lineups of fast BMWs?

It may seem redundant, but both achieve their missions with different methodologies. Whereas BMW M cars are geared towards track performance, BMW Alpina models are aimed at hauling ass on the Autobahn in total comfort.

Silver BMW Alpina sedan parked on grass near a hot air balloon basket with a person in a yellow jacket. — The E32 7 Series-based Alpina B12 is one of the rarest of the breed.

M cars focus more on stiffer suspension and quicker steering, and lightning responses. Alpinas, however, feature softer, more high-speed-tuned suspension and powertrains, automatic transmissions, and more supple interiors.

Blue Alpina B7 car dashboard with speedometer, tachometer, fuel, and temperature gauges showing 0 mph and 2183 total miles. — One of Alpina’s most distinctive features compared to standard or M BMW cars is blue-colors dials..

Because of their significantly smaller production numbers, Alpinas are also far more exclusive, making older models some of the most highly desirable and collectible. Many were also forbidden fruit to North America.

Silver BMW Z8 convertible with red interior parked on a driveway in front of a stone building. — The Z8-based Alpina roadster is one of the most valuable collectables to date.

However, with the two firms officially working together as one, there’s an even greater chance for more epic Alpina models to come to the United States.

About the Author: Chris Chin is an associate editor at Gear Patrol, covering cars, trucks and anything else with four wheels. He has over a decade of experience writing news and reviews but considers himself an enthusiast first, with a passion for classics and European cars. His daily driver is a 1987 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL with nearly 250,000 miles (87,000 are his).

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