BMW has officially taken full control of Alpina from 1 January 2026, integrating it as a standalone brand within the BMW Group alongside BMW, Mini, and Rolls-Royce. For enthusiasts, the move feels akin to a factory team embracing a respected privateer, formalizing a long-standing partnership. Alpina has always been closely tied to BMW, much like a race-tuned engine built on a familiar block. With trademark rights transferred from the Bovensiepen family, the brand enters a new chapter that emphasizes continuity, with BMW now formally backing a name it has shared DNA with for decades.
Alpina traces its origins back to January 1965, when Burkard Bovensiepen established the brand. BMW formally acquired Alpina in 2022, but a special agreement with the Bovensiepen family allowed the company to function independently for a transitional period. That arrangement concluded in December 2025, marking the end of Alpina's standalone operations. The brand's last independently developed model was introduced in 2025, closing a significant chapter in its history before being fully integrated under BMW's umbrella for the future.
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Now operating as BMW Alpina, the brand distinguishes itself from BMW's M division by prioritizing a balance of performance, comfort, and clarity in driving feel. Rather than pursuing the outright track-focused goals of M cars, Alpina continues to emphasize precision tuning, bespoke specifications, and carefully chosen materials, similar to preparing a touring bike for endurance rather than sprint racing. Alongside this philosophy, BMW Alpina has unveiled a new wordmark, inspired by a 1970s asymmetrical logo, which will feature prominently at the rear of future models, linking heritage with modern identity.
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BMW Alpina's design direction will be guided by Max Missoni, who previously worked with Polestar. Development activities remain centred at the Buchloe facility, where limited-series models are currently being evaluated. Specific details regarding upcoming products and launch schedules are expected to be shared at a later stage, as BMW Alpina transitions into its new phase under the BMW Group while retaining its distinctive character.