BMW Alpina: The Secret BMW You've Probably Never Heard Of

Most BMW drivers have heard of the M Division. Far fewer know about BMW Alpina, a name that represents the pinnacle of BMW craftsmanship, refinement, and exclusivity. For those who appreciate grand touring comfort as much as high performance, Alpina is the best-kept secret in the BMW family. It is not a trim level or a tuning package. It is a hand-built expression of BMW luxury that few ever experience firsthand.

What Is BMW Alpina?

Alpina is a small, independent manufacturer that has partnered with BMW for more than fifty years. Each Alpina model starts life as a BMW, then undergoes a unique transformation at Alpina's headquarters in Buchloe, Germany. Engines are hand-assembled, interiors are finished by master upholsterers, and nearly every component is refined to deliver more power, more comfort, and more character.

This attention to detail is what makes Alpina vehicles so rare. Only a few hundred are built each year worldwide, and many are customized for each owner. The result is a BMW that feels familiar yet entirely different: quieter, smoother, and designed for effortless speed.

Luxury Over Performance

It is easy to assume Alpina is simply another version of BMW's M line, but their philosophies could not be more different. BMW M focuses on track-ready precision and aggressive performance. Alpina, by contrast, prioritizes refinement and grand touring comfort.

Engines are tuned for immediate, torque-rich response rather than peak horsepower. Suspension setups are softer and more adaptive, designed to absorb imperfections on long drives without losing the confident handling BMW is known for. While an M5 begs to be pushed to its limits, an Alpina B5 or B8 rewards the driver with a sense of smooth authority at any speed.

Inside, Alpina's approach is equally distinct. Every surface feels bespoke, from the hand-stitched Lavalina leather steering wheel to the deep wood inlays and subtle blue and green accents. The exterior styling is discreet yet unmistakable: signature 20-spoke wheels, an Alpina front spoiler, and exclusive paint finishes like Alpina Blue and Alpina Green. It is luxury without flash, precision without pretense.

The 2025 Alpina Lineup in Canada

While Alpina remains one of BMW's most exclusive offerings, a few select models are available to Canadian buyers in 2025. The current lineup includes:

• Alpina XB7 -- Based on the BMW X7, this three-row SUV blends family practicality with astonishing power. Its 4.4-liter bi-turbo V8 produces over 620 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. Despite its size, it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in around 4 seconds while maintaining the smoothness of a luxury sedan.
• Alpina B8 Gran Coupé -- A grand touring masterpiece built from the BMW 8 Series. With 612 horsepower and the same 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8, it delivers breathtaking performance wrapped in an elegant four-door coupe body. Inside, the B8's craftsmanship surpasses even BMW's own flagship trims.

Though other Alpina models such as the B3 and B5 exist in Europe, Canadian customers can currently order the XB7 or B8 through select authorized BMW retailers. At Elite BMW, our team can assist customers who wish to inquire about or acquire an Alpina model through BMW Canada's special-order process.

For more information about Alpina's Canadian availability, visit BMW Canada's official site or explore Alpina Automobiles.

Why Alpina Exists

Alpina was never meant to compete with BMW M. It was designed to complement it. Founder Burkard Bovensiepen believed that true performance should feel effortless and that the most luxurious cars should still inspire drivers behind the wheel. Modern Alpina vehicles embody that philosophy perfectly.

An Alpina does not shout. It does not need to. It is built for those who value craftsmanship, precision, and exclusivity above lap times or loud exhausts. From its bespoke interiors to its finely tuned powertrains, every detail is designed to enhance the journey, not just the drive.

Owning Something Rare

For Canadian drivers, especially in cities like Ottawa, Toronto, and Montréal, an Alpina represents something few others will ever own. These vehicles are not mass-produced or commonly stocked. They are crafted. And while Elite BMW may not always have an Alpina on the showroom floor, our team can facilitate an order for those who want to experience one of the most refined vehicles BMW has ever produced.

If you value individuality, performance, and comfort in equal measure, an Alpina could be the BMW you never knew you needed. And now that you do, it might just be the ultimate one to own.