Article Abstract
- BMW’s Skytop (50 models) and Speedtop (70 models) proved the market can pay €500,000 for bespoke vehicles with a roundel — opening a door Adrian Van Hooydonk spent a long time attempting to unlock.
- A bespoke ALPINA grand touring coupe would slot naturally towards the Bentley Continental GT, Aston Martin DB12, and Mercedes-AMG GT Coupe, leveraging ALPINA’s heritage of Rolls-Royce-rivaling leather-based, comfort-tuned suspensions, and understated class.
- At 50–70 models and €500,000, the value would not really feel like a stretch — ALPINA clients already anticipate a premium — and it might cement ALPINA’s place in BMW’s Luxurious Layer slightly below Rolls-Royce.
The Skytop modified all the pieces. Not as a result of it was the quickest BMW, or probably the most technologically superior, and even probably the most sensible — it was none of these issues. What the Skytop did — a two-seater open-top with a detachable hardtop that tucks neatly into the trunk — was show that BMW’s board of administrators might say sure to a dream. After a long time of Adrian Van Hooydonk sketching ideas that by no means left the present ground — the Zagato Coupé, the Pininfarina Gran Lusso, the M1 Hommage, the Z4 Touring Idea — the top of BMW Design lastly received his inexperienced gentle. And at 500,000 euros for 50 hand-built models, the market responded with a powerful sure of its personal.
Then got here the Speedtop. Seventy models, similar value level, however a unique animal solely. The place the Skytop was a romantic open-top tribute to the 507 and Z8, the Speedtop is a taking pictures brake — a physique fashion BMW has by no means tried in manufacturing. That lengthy, sweeping roofline falling right into a muscular rear finish created some of the putting silhouettes to put on a roundel.
The inside pushed even additional upmarket, with refinements that made the already distinctive Skytop really feel like a primary draft. Each vehicles share correct V8 energy from the M8’s S63 engine, which alone is sufficient to make fans weep with pleasure in an period more and more outlined by electrification.
So the query isn’t whether or not BMW ought to preserve going. They’ll. The query is: what comes subsequent?
The Case for a Grand Tourer
Right here is our opinion, and we wish to be clear — this isn’t based mostly on any inside info. It’s a thought train. One that won’t even be possible from a enterprise standpoint. But when BMW’s bespoke group is searching for the subsequent logical step, we consider the reply is staring them within the face.
It’s time for a coupe. Not one other M automotive. Not a observe weapon. A grand tourer — one thing impossibly elegant, deeply luxurious, and constructed for crossing continents in absolute consolation. Consider the section occupied by the Bentley Continental GT, the Aston Martin DB12, the Ferrari Roma. These are vehicles that ship a singular presence and refinement, together with incredible lap occasions, if wanted. There are vehicles that make an announcement pulling as much as a resort in Monaco simply as convincingly as they devour a mountain move within the Alps.
BMW, by itself, would battle to justify a half-million-euro coupe, a minimum of in line with fans. The model’s DNA leans sporty, dynamic, driver-focused. A grand touring coupe at this value level may really feel like a stretch. However BMW now not stands alone within the luxurious area.
Why ALPINA Is the Excellent Vessel
Since BMW accomplished its acquisition of ALPINA, the query has at all times been what the model would develop into below Munich’s full possession. The rumored ALPINA B7 remains to be based mostly on the present 7 Collection platform and concepts. However a bespoke ALPINA coupe might reply it much more powerfully.
Think about what ALPINA has at all times represented: refinement over aggression, consolation over lap occasions, craftsmanship over spec-sheet wars. ALPINA interiors have traditionally gone toe-to-toe with Rolls-Royce in leather-based high quality. Their suspensions have at all times been tuned for grand touring consolation relatively than track-day stiffness. Their design philosophy favors class over theatrics — refined pinstripes as a substitute of carbon splitters, traditional multi-spoke wheels as a substitute of angular motorsport designs, reserved coloration palettes that whisper relatively than shout.
Now think about all of that channeled right into a low-volume, bespoke grand touring coupe.
What It Might Look Like
Image a long-hooded, two-door coupe with proportions that echo the good GTs of automotive historical past. A fastback roofline that manages to look each athletic and dignified. The ALPINA signature components could be current however restrained: the traditional multi-spoke wheels, maybe in a solid 21-inch configuration, a heritage coloration created solely for the mannequin, and that particular ALPINA lettering built-in into the design relatively than merely utilized to it.
Below the hood, a twin-turbocharged V8 — they’ve the S68 engine — would obtain ALPINA’s signature tuning philosophy. Not essentially extra energy, however extra usable energy, delivered with a smoothness and linearity that flatters the driving force relatively than intimidating them. The exhaust be aware could be deep and cultured, not aggressive. The suspension could be tuned for long-distance consolation with out sacrificing composure.
Inside is the place the idea actually comes alive. ALPINA-quality leather-based all through, with hand-finished particulars that rival something popping out of Goodwood. The brogue stitching launched within the Skytop would discover a pure residence right here. Handcrafted wooden or open-pore aluminum trim, relying on the shopper’s choice. Each floor your hand touches would really feel thought of, intentional, bespoke.
The Enterprise Case Writes Itself
Right here is the great thing about the proposition: the value wouldn’t really feel like a stretch. BMW’s bespoke clients have already demonstrated a willingness to pay 500,000 euros for a automotive carrying a roundel. An ALPINA grand tourer at that very same value — and even barely above it — would really feel solely justified. ALPINA has at all times commanded a premium over normal BMW fashions.
Prospects anticipate it. They welcome it. The model fairness is already there.
A manufacturing run of fifty to 70 models would keep the shortage and exclusivity that makes these vehicles particular. It could additionally place ALPINA exactly the place BMW needs it of their luxurious structure: sitting within the higher reaches of the BMW Luxurious Layer, slightly below Rolls-Royce. Not competing with Rolls-Royce, however complementing it. The place Rolls-Royce provides opulence and chauffeur-driven grandeur, ALPINA would provide sporting class and driver-focused luxurious.
Will It Occur?
Possibly not this 12 months. Possibly not even with the subsequent bespoke launch. However the door is open now, and Adrian Van Hooydonk’s group has confirmed they’ll stroll by way of it. The Skytop proved the idea. The Speedtop proved it wasn’t a one-off. A bespoke ALPINA grand touring coupe would show that BMW is severe about taking part in in a section it has lengthy admired from the skin.
And actually? We don’t see the design group in Munich not a minimum of sketching this one out. Some concepts are just too good to remain on the shelf ceaselessly.
