Alpina has departed from life.
Exclusive: The Rise of Bovensiepen Zagato, As Alpina Yields to BMW
By Patrick Broich
Beginning in 2026, BMW will hold the trademark rights for Alpina. Despite this transition, productions lines in Buchloe, Alpina's hometown, will continue to hum with activity, introducing an ultra-exclusive creation—the Bovensiepen Zagato.
The Bovensiepen family, long-time Alpina owners, has kept fans guessing about their next step following the impending trademark transfer to BMW. While they maintain a steady business with Alpina Classic and wine trade, there was a sense of incompleteness. And now, a revitalizing revelation: At the FuoriConcorso event on Lake Como, the prestigious gathering of the automotive elite, the Bovensiepen family unveiled their new masterpiece—the Bovensiepen Zagato, meticulously co-created with Zagato, an admired Milanese coachbuilder.
The strategic partnership with Zagato is a prudent move to bolster the Bovensiepen brand as it navigates the challenges of introducing a new name, capitalizing on Zagato's prestigious reputation. The partnership is subtly showcased with the discreet Zagato lettering near the side air intakes, while the Bovensiepen name is prominently displayed on the boot lid.
Speaking of the boot: A cursory glance reveals the unmistakable BMW DNA. As with the Alpina models, the new Bovensiepen features substantial BMW underpinnings, but in a substantially modified form. Yet, this exclusive gran turismo has also been indelibly marked by Zagato.
Zagato's Timeless Elegance
Zagato's signature styling is evident in the signature "Double Bubble" roof—a characteristic curved design—typical of Zagato's grand stance. Critics opine that integrating the glass rear window into this curve posed challenges, but the result is undeniably refreshing. The front, meanwhile, boasts a new logo bearing the two Bs symmetrically arranged against the backdrop, with the iconic BMW kidney grille conspicuously absent due to obvious reasons. This revised front design lends the car a distinct, captivating appearance.
Producing the Bovensiepen Zagato requires approximately 250 working hours. Despite the unannounced production numbers, it is likely to be a limited edition with takings in low three-digit figures or fewer.
Pricing details have yet to be disclosed, but considering the exclusive materials employed, such as carbon fiber bodywork and world-renowned "Lavalina" leather interior, it's reasonable to expect this endeavor to carry a hefty premium compared to previous Alpina models.
As for the engine, the BMW M engine, designated S58, is present, albeit in a customized version, delivering 611 horsepower and generating 700 Newton meters of torque on the crankshaft. This modification shoulders the 1.9-ton carbon-fiber GT with enough power to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.3 seconds, and a top speed over 300 km/h. Despite the relatively large dimensions of the vehicle (4.94 meters in length), its sleek lines and timeless elegance make it an appealing blend of grand touring and sportiness.
Whether the Bovensiepen Zagato will feel more like a gran turismo or a track tool remains to be seen, as test drives are expected only after 2026. Andreas Bovensiepen assures that the Zagato is not intended to be a track-focused vehicle, promising a family-friendly ride. Deliveries, however, are on the horizon, keeping watchful eyes on Buchloe in anticipation.
- Bovensiepen Zagato
- Zagato
- Automaker
- The strategic partnership between the Bovensiepen family and Zagato, two renowned figures in the automotive industry, is set to bolster the Bovensiepen brand as it embarks on the production of the exclusive Bovensiepen Zagato.
- The manufacturing of the Bovensiepen Zagato is financed through a combination of the Bovensiepen family's steady business with Alpina Classic and wine trade, and the prestigious reputation of Zagato.
- The Bovensiepen Zagato, with its timeless elegance, is expected to revolutionize the transportation lifestyle, offering a blend of grand touring and sportiness.
- The automotive industry, as well as enthusiasts of luxury cars, is anxiously anticipating the energy-efficient performance of the Bovensiepen Zagato, set to hit the roads after 2026.
