Alpina operated independently of BMW for decades while maintaining a close relationship with the automaker and producing highly regarded BMW-based cars. Now fully owned by BMW, the brand is preparing its first model under the new arrangement. Based on the refreshed 7-Series, the upcoming sedan is already looking like something special.
Fresh spy photos provide an early look at the luxury sedan and highlight several features that will separate it from a standard 7-Series. At the front, the prototype—photographed near BMW’s Nürburgring test center—wears distinctive amber LED daytime running lights. Although BMW and Alpina could still omit them from the production car, their presence seems likely. The newly relaunched Alpina brand showed a similar treatment on its striking Vision Alpina concept in May, suggesting amber DRLs could become a signature feature of future models.
The prototype also features a revised interpretation of BMW’s large kidney grilles, with three horizontal slats instead of the seven used by the regular 7-Series. The lower bumper section and bottom air intake appear to have been redesigned as well. Black wheels accented with silver details give the car an additional visual distinction, while the rear receives fewer apparent changes, including Alpina’s recognizable oval tailpipes. A redesigned rear bumper could still be added to the production version.
Alpina’s previous 7-Series-based B7 was produced from 2016 to 2022 and used the 750Li’s twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8, upgraded to produce 600 horsepower. BMW introduced the new M760 xDrive in the U.S. earlier this month, with the latest version of that engine making around 570 hp and all-wheel drive included as standard.
The upcoming Alpina will likely be based on the M760 xDrive and use the same fundamental engine, with revisions expected to raise both horsepower and torque. As with previous Alpina models, the changes should extend well beyond the powertrain. The brand is known for blending agile, sporty handling with comfort and composure, qualities expected to carry over to this new 7-Series. The prototype’s wheels may not survive to production, with Alpina’s traditional closely spaced-spoke design appearing more likely.
BMW has not announced when the new Alpina 7-Series will debut, though an unveiling next year is considered likely. For buyers seeking something other than a large luxury sedan, BMW also confirmed earlier this year that Alpina will produce its own version of the next-generation X7, which is tipped to arrive in 2027.
BMW’s first Alpina model under full ownership is taking shape as a distinctive, performance-focused version of the updated 7-Series. Expected to draw on the M760 xDrive’s twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8, it should combine greater power with Alpina’s trademark balance of comfort and handling. The sedan is likely to debut next year, ahead of an Alpina version of the next-generation X7 expected in 2027.
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