Vision BMW Alpina concept revealed with V8 engine

The Vision BMW Alpina, revealed at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este on the shores of Lake Como in Italy, previews the design of future cars from BMW’s newest division.

While the coupe concept likely shares its foundations of the 8 Series that went out of production in April this year, the two cars have completely distinct styling. Alpina claims the new concept is heavily inspired by the B7 coupe that was based on the ‘E26’ 6 Series.

The 5.2m-long Vision BMW Alpina has smooth surfaces punctuated by sharp creases. The car’s most notable design feature is the shark nose, which is dominated by a deep double kidney grille with an illuminated frame.

Interestingly, the grille is completely closed off despite the fact the concept is powered by a V8 engine. The side profile features an updated version of Alpina’s signature ‘deco lines’, which are no longer pinstripes but are subtly painted underneath the car’s clear coat.

Like the front, the rear end has a sharply angled design, which from certain angles resembles an arrowhead. The thin LED tail-light strips, like the driving lights up front, have a lighting elements that resemble clear-cut crystal.

The concept rides on 22-inch alloy wheels up front, and 23-inch rims at the rear. Traditional Alpina cues, such as the 20-spoke wheels, and Alpina lettering on the chin spoiler and exhaust tips, have been carried forward onto the concept.

Elements so far only seen on Neue Klasse EVs and the facelifted 7 Series, such as the four-spoke steering wheel, Panoramic Vision head up display strip and rhomboid infotainment screen, are present in the concept’s cabin.

The interior is finished in full-grain leather sourced from the Alps, with crystal-style switches for the electric windows, seats, and drive mode selector. Between the rear seats is a storage cabinet with a glass water bottle, and, you guessed it, crystal glasses.

BMW bought tuning house Alpina in 2022, but as part of the purchase the brand was allowed to run independently until the end of 2025. Since it has come under BMW’s full control, the automaker has revealed updated branding and a new name: BMW Alpina. 

Although it’s not officially destined for production, the Vision BMW Alpina is said to be a design template for upcoming vehicles from the brand, starting with a 7 Series derivative in 2027 and an X7 model after that.

The brand is being positioned sit to somewhere above BMW, but below Rolls-Royce. Oliver Viellechner, BMW Alpina’s CEO, told Autocar the marque’s sales target won’t be “substantially changing” from the roughly 2500 it was selling when it was run by the Bovensiepen family.

MORE: Explore the BMW Alpina showroom