Alpina

Information about Alpina

Headquartered in the tranquil Ostallgäu district of Bavaria, Germany, Alpina Burkard Bovensiepen GmbH & Co. KG stands as an epitome of automotive excellence. This manufacturing firm specializes in crafting high-performance variants of BMW cars. What sets Alpina apart is its unique status; it’s officially recognized by the German Ministry of Transport as an automobile manufacturer, as opposed to being an aftermarket tuner. Therefore, this elevates the brand from mere modification to an integrated part of BMW’s intricate production lines.

The collaboration with BMW is most evident in models like the Alpina B7. Produced on the same assembly line in Dingolfing, Germany, as BMW’s 7 Series, the B7 showcases a meticulous blend of luxury and performance. Notably, the B7’s twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 engine is painstakingly assembled by hand at Alpina’s Buchloe facility. Once the engine is ready, it’s shipped to BMW for installation, and the vehicle is sent back to Alpina for those finishing touches that define the brand’s uniqueness.

Founded in 1965 by industrialist Burkard Bovensiepen, the company has a history that merges passion with innovation. It all began in 1962 when Burkard developed a Weber dual carburetor for the BMW 1500. This invention received not just media acclaim but also an endorsement from BMW itself. With the establishment of Alpina Burkard Bovensiepen KG in 1965, the company initially had eight employees and was located in Kaufbeuren, Bavaria. Over the years, Alpina evolved from tuning carburetors and crankshafts to becoming a full-scale automobile manufacturer with a distinct identity.

Alpina vehicles are distinguished by a manufacturing process that could be best described as “manu-factured,” or made by hand. The production process is not simply an assembly line but a choreographed dance between Alpina and BMW. The engine is fine-tuned at Alpina’s facility, sent to BMW for marriage with the body, and then returned to Alpina for an interior that exudes luxury and performance. The Alpina hallmarks are evident from the 20-spoke alloy wheels to the Alpina Blue or Alpina Green metallic exterior colors.

In terms of performance, Alpina emphasizes on high torque and touring capabilities. Unlike BMW’s M Series that often relies on naturally aspirated, high-revving engines, Alpina opts for a different approach. For example, the Alpina B5, a high-performance variant of the BMW E60 5 Series, utilizes a supercharged 4.4L V8 engine, providing similar horsepower to the M5 but offering greater torque at lower RPMs.

The significance of Alpina to the automotive world was further affirmed when BMW officially acquired the brand on March 10, 2022. This acquisition serves as a testament to Alpina’s remarkable contribution to automotive engineering and its seamless integration into BMW’s legacy.

In summary, Alpina is not just another tuner or even a luxury sub-brand; it is a manufacturer that stands shoulder-to-shoulder with BMW, redefining what is possible in the realm of performance, luxury, and craftsmanship.