BMW vs ALPINA

BMW Just Took Full Control of Alpina.

One of the most respected names in understated performance has officially entered a new era. As of January 1, 2026, Alpina is no longer an independent manufacturer. BMW has fully absorbed the brand, reintroducing it to the world as BMW Alpina and closing a chapter that began in a small workshop in Buchloe more than six decades ago.

Alpina has always been different. While AMG chased aggression and M leaned into motorsport, Alpina quietly perfected the art of effortless speed. Its cars were faster than they looked, more luxurious than expected, and engineered for people who valued torque, comfort, and long-distance composure over lap times and loud exhausts. Crucially, Alpina was not just a tuner. It was a recognized manufacturer with its own VINs, homologation, and philosophy.

That identity now lives under the BMW Group umbrella. The takeover was announced back in 2022, but this marks the moment it becomes a reality. BMW gains full rights to the Alpina name, branding, and product direction. Alpina’s original company will shift focus toward engineering services and classic car support, including restoration of older Alpina models.

BMW says the goal is preservation, not dilution. Future BMW Alpina models are expected to sit above BMW’s standard lineup, offering exclusive engines, chassis tuning, interiors, and design details. Think refined power rather than raw aggression. Still, enthusiasts are watching closely. Whenever a small, character-driven brand is folded into a corporate giant, there is always a fear that something intangible could be lost.

For now, Alpina’s legacy remains intact. Its past cars are unlikely to be forgotten, and their status may only grow with time. What comes next will define whether BMW Alpina becomes a worthy continuation or simply a badge. The first new model under this new structure will answer that question.