BMW Alpina 7 Series previews lustier V8
We'll see the first of the new Alpina generation next year - here's your first look
Anybody concerned about the future of Alpina under BMW’s tutelage can hopefully rest easy with the release of these testing photos. While whatever’s coming isn’t as sexy as the Vision Alpina Concept - in fairness, they did say it never would be - the new model does tick a few boxes to please the aficionados. It’s a four-door saloon, for one thing, rather than an enormous SUV; it sits on a spectacular set of Alpina 20-spoke light alloy wheels, with bespoke tyres; there’s a V8 under the bonnet, with 186mph potential. And it's green - gloriously green. The more things change, the more they stay the same…
Alright, so it’s a 7 Series rather than anything more affordable (and parkable), but then Alpina has created cars built from the 7 before, so it does have some heritage on its side. There isn’t a confirmation of name, price, power, weight or anything like that for the moment, but what is being shared for the moment is encouraging. As well as the performance potential of the V8, BMW is promising ‘masterful’ power delivery with a ‘rich, deep’ sound from the four oval tailpipes that are instantly recognisable as an Alpina hallmark. Certainly the car in the clip sounds a lot more exciting than any 7 Series has for a while.
The gearbox has been revised to handle more power than standard (we’ll assume standard refers to the 530hp/553lb ft found in 60i-grade M Performance BMWs with the V8), the throttle calibration altered for maximum smoothness, and - you’ll like this - ‘the utmost emphasis on the harmonious interaction of all components’. Alpinas were always renowned for their seamless, cohesive driving feel, so it’s good to know BMW is continuing that tradition.
There’s plenty more good stuff coming, including a foam layer in the tyres, a ‘dynamic yet comfortable’ suspension set-up and an aero-optimised body. Whatever this 7 Series becomes it’s going to excel at high speed: see the video for how calm and composed 186mph looks. This is the ‘Speed, not Sport’ mantra the new Alpina has espoused, brought to life.
As BMW-Alpina VP Oliver Viellechner puts it: “Speed has always been baked into the Alpina brand’s DNA. However, we are not just interested in top speed alone. What matters is how natural, stable and confident it feels to drive at that speed.”
Add all that to the usual level of Alpina lavishness, and the 7 Series could be something pretty special. Which of us, after all, wouldn’t want a ‘vehicle for connoisseurs who appreciate the exceptional’? Expect to find out more early in 2027. In the meantime, for a taste of V8 Alpina opulence at less than the new era will cost, don’t forget there was a B8 based on the 8 Series Gran Coupe - this 2025 car is M5 money, and 10 times cooler…
I'm not complaining, provided they stick to 3 and 5 series based cars too. If it just ends up being BMW's Maybach trim equivalent on 7ers and X7s, it'll be a bit disappointing.
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