06:38 02-01-2026

What to expect from the first BMW-era Alpina B7 sedan

Alpina is moving into a new phase: after BMW acquired the rights to the brand in 2022, the first car developed fully under the group’s control is coming into view. Sources suggest the debut could be a 7 Series–based sedan — essentially a reboot of the B7, which has yet to appear in the current generation of the flagship.

The logic behind the deal has less to do with demand and more with regulation. For a small manufacturer, average fleet emissions have become a tough balancing act: the better the sales, the harder it is to sidestep strict limits and possible penalties. Within BMW, Alpina gains a safety net. The group can offset overall figures with electrified models, keeping space for image-driven versions with internal combustion engines.

The technical side is where it gets most interesting. Reports indicate the next Alpina will be linked to the updated 7 Series expected in 2026. That gives the project a chance to pair a fresher design and a refined cabin with clearer separation from standard trims. There’s also the V8 angle. Today, an eight-cylinder in the 7 Series officially remains a rarity in many markets, and Alpina could theoretically be the way to bring a classic luxury V8 back where regular versions run into restrictions.

For those who still appreciate the old-school formula, that sounds like promising news. Instead of a token badge, there’s potential for a genuine flagship — quick, serene, and true to the spirit of the finest German executive sedans.