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Alpina

Car culture term

Alpina
Photo: Calreyn88 / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0

What is Alpina?

German BMW tuner founded 1965 by Burkard Bovensiepen. Operates as a niche manufacturer producing limited-edition BMW variants with a unique character.

Alpina is a German manufacturer specializing in modified BMW vehicles, founded in 1965 by Burkard Bovensiepen. Unlike BMW M (which produces high-performance sport-focused variants), Alpina produces modifications focused on grand-touring refinement, luxury, and unique character. Alpina-modified BMWs are typically faster than the base car but tuned for refinement rather than aggressive sport-focused performance.

Alpina holds an unusual status: the company is officially a manufacturer (not just a tuner) registered with German authorities, allowing Alpina-modified BMWs to wear Alpina badging and be sold as separate vehicles. Common Alpina products include the Alpina B5 (sport sedan), Alpina B7 (luxury sedan), Alpina XB7 (luxury SUV), and the Alpina B8 Gran Coupe. Alpina cars are sold through BMW dealers in some markets.

Alpina aesthetic identity is distinctive: gold pinstriping (the characteristic Alpina detail), unique 20-spoke wheel designs, leather and wood interior trim, and subtle exterior styling differences from base BMW models. The brand has always emphasized GT-style refinement over outright sport performance. Alpina was acquired by BMW Group in 2022, after over 50 years of independent operation, with plans to continue Alpina production under BMW ownership.

Related terms

OEM-plusGrand tourer

Frequently asked questions

Is Alpina officially BMW?
Now yes, after BMW Group acquired Alpina in 2022. Previously, Alpina was officially independent (registered as a manufacturer) but had close working relationships with BMW. The acquisition has been smooth, with Alpina continuing production under BMW ownership while maintaining its distinct identity.
What is the difference between Alpina and M?
Different focuses. BMW M produces aggressive sport-focused variants prioritizing track performance and dynamic driving. Alpina produces grand-touring refined variants prioritizing luxury and refinement. An Alpina B5 is faster than a base 5-Series but tuned for highway cruising; an M5 is more aggressive on track.
Are Alpina cars common in the US?
The Alpina B7 and recent Alpina XB7 have been sold through BMW dealers in the United States. Other Alpina models are typically not sold in North America (the Alpina B5 sedan, B8 Gran Coupe). Imported used Alpinas have a small but devoted following in the US.
How fast is an Alpina B5?
The current Alpina B5 (2018+) makes around 600 horsepower and runs 0-60 in around 3.3 seconds, faster than the contemporary BMW M5 in some configurations. Top speed approaches 200 mph in some variants. The performance is competitive with M cars while maintaining Alpina grand-touring refinement.
Why is Alpina pinstripe gold?
The gold pinstripe became an Alpina visual signature in the 1970s and has been used consistently. The exact origin is debated; some sources trace it to early Alpina racing cars. The gold pinstripe is now an instantly recognizable Alpina identifier and is an option (sometimes standard, sometimes deletable) on Alpina production cars.
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