Latest Rumours- only B7 and XB7 from BMW?

[JohnW]

There are more rumours around I’m reading when BMW take the reins around 2026, they are staying upmarket with Alpina, in current B7 and XB7 territory, and filling the gap between the 7 Series and Rolls Royce.

The former Vice President of BMW did state in 2022 that it doesn’t make sense in spending 250,000 Euro on a luxury car to see a B3 or D3 pull alongside at the lights.

Many now won't be surprised if Alpinas based on the 3,4 and 5 series are discontinued and the B7 and XB7, or their replacements perhaps a B8, only to be made with Alpina badging, along with EV variants past 2028. That’s a great shame.

(Don’t forget the new Alpina Trademark that BMW has registered recently too.)

Nothing about Alpinas racing heritage either though, again a concern and looks about to be confined to history.

Hold onto your B3, B4 and B5.

[Jonnywishbone]

I think writing was on the wall when the acquisition was announced. Alpina has always had niche appeal, the average punter doesn’t even know what it is and of the folk that do, many equate them with cars that BMW already sells (M3 and M5). Hard to see that BMW would find it worthwhile selling expensive low volume cars which would cannibalise sales of pre-existing models.

As you imply this is all the more reason to cherish the cars we have.

[Wellsy]

I think also, after speaking to BMW Sales person, the problem is the % split of cars that must be sold as Hybrid EV at the moment. I think he said 22% of all cars sold now must be either hybrid or EV and the sales are just not there. For every Petrol or Diesel car sold over this carries a £15,000 penalty. So for BMW to take on another brand and add more petrol and diesel cars to the range gives them an even bigger issues. He has said BMW has already slowed down production of ICE cars depending on the numbers of hybrid and EV sold.

[Norrie]

I suspect that the aforementioned comments are true and like the 760Li etc, when they were still being made one hardly saw any in a showroom. Why not, because the dealership who are franchisees except the wholly owned BMW Park Lane have to purchase the vehicles when the arrive in the UK.

I visited the receiving facility at North Killingholme and the cars are prepared there and even the dealer number plate is affixed there, so when you get a new car the actual dealer might just wipe it over.

If one can then I agree hang on to your, not be replicated, ALPINA model and if you have the money and feel so inclined see what BMW has to offer? Who knows perhaps you will tell the sales person "sorry that's not a real ALPINA, but I do own one."

[JohnW]

The latest badges BMW registered in 2023, again I think will stick with my old badge:

[Norrie]

Which kindergarden competition was that the winner of? It looks like about 2 minutes design work went into that, awful.

[big blue]

As you imply this is all the more reason to cherish the cars we have.

There is a few articles online on this one such as here dated 15th March 2024 https://www.bmwblog.com/2024/03/15/bmw- ... g-back-b7/ where the following is stated:

"ALPINA is expected to stop being a mélange of luxury and sporty to focus on the former and bridge the gap between the fanciest BMW and Rolls-Royce. It likely means the entry-level ALPINAs are going to be discontinued. In 2022, former BMW Vice President, Head of Series Luxury Class, Christian Tschurtschenthaler even suggested the B3 and D3 (and by extension the XD3, XD4, and B4) are living on borrowed time"

Though Christian is no longer in post so a new person is at the helm now after 5 years in the role. Maybe the new large front kidney grill was one update to many !!

[Wellsy]

In a way I am glad the logo looks completely different. This way it doesn't dilute the history of "ALPINA" as we know it. they will have a separate identity and proposition. Keeping the heritage of ALPINA alive and not confusing people with a new model range that doesn't really fit with the history.