BMW finally buys Alpina. It feels like AMG, which was originally independent, had the same fate as it came under the umbrella of Mercedes in 1999.

As an independent automobile manufacturer, Alpina has been manufacturing Alpina cars by receiving body supply from BMW, but the system will end at the end of 2025. It seems that the Alpina model will be available as a BMW brand from 2026. This news is a bit disappointing, but considering the upcoming electrification, I think this is inevitable or unavoidable, and I think it will be a good decision for both parties.

However, now that AMG has become a "mere luxury grade of Mercedes", the delicate relationship between BMW and Alpina (although most of the recent models are made by BMW, the final assembly is done in Alpina. That was a strong aspect, but ...) was a rare existence unlike any other. From the buyer's point of view, it was good to have the peace of mind that while purchasing a special tuning car from a small German car maker, the quality assurance including painting can receive the same service as a BMW car. However, it seems that the limit has been reached for external manufacturers to tune the latest models, including electrification, using the classic method.

Cf.alpina