BMW Alpina is getting ready to launch its first vehicle since joining the BMW Group earlier this year.

The brand announced it has begun conducting high-speed testing for its first production model, a car based on the BMW 7 Series.

What is BMW Alpina?

Alpina formed in 1965 in Germany, initially as BMW tuner, and gained car manufacturer status in 1983. Cars from that time were branded Alpina, not BMW, though they were still sold through BMW dealerships.

In January 2026, BMW acquired Alpina and renamed it BMW Alpina. BMW Group’s plans for the brand are to position it between BMW and Rolls-Royce.

BMW Alpina vehicles will be manufactured at BMW Group’s plants.

About the first production model

The automaker took the first BMW Alpina production model to the high-speed circuit in Nardò, Italy, a 12.6-kilometre automobile testing track.

The car is clearly based on the BMW 7 Series.

The company said the car is powered by a V8 engine. It has four oval tailpipes for a distinct BMW Alpina look. These pipes help give the car a rich, deep sound, the company said.

Additionally, maximum torque is available through almost the entire rev range. Calibration of the gas pedal helps give the car smooth power delivery.

The first production car rides on 20-spoke light alloy wheels that were designed with specific tires. These tires have an extra foam layer, which enables high speeds and improves precision and comfort.

The folks drove the car at more than 300 km/h at the track.

“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,” BMW Alpina vice-president Oliver Viellechner said in a news release.

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