- Alpina looks to have worked its magic on the potent XB7.
- Existing XB7 delivers 613 hp from its 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8.
- BMW is also celebrating 40 years of the M3 at Amelia Island.
As of the start of 2026, Alpina sits fully under BMW control, relaunched as a standalone marque within the group’s portfolio. And it hasn’t been lounging around polishing old wheels and badges either, though to be fair, it probably did spend a week doing exactly that. BMW is already rolling out a new Alpina for the US and Canada, a limited-run special set to debut at the end of this week.
Launching at the Amelia Concours d’Elegance, BMW has released exactly one teaser image of the new model. It is suitably shadowy, but there is enough light to confirm it is based on the current BMW X7, complete with the expected Alpina detailing.
Read: BMW Took Over Alpina And This Is What They Teased First
Alpina revealed its most recent version of the X7, the XB7, in 2024, layering on comprehensive visual tweaks, cabin upgrades, and performance enhancements. BMW could use this relaunch moment to introduce an all-new XB7, but the safer bet is a limited-run take on the existing car, likely distinguished by a unique paint finish or a carefully curated set of options
Whatever shape it takes, expect something very quick and very pricey. The current XB7 packs a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 delivering 613 hp and 590 lb-ft (800 Nm) of torque, good for 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) in 3.9 seconds. In the US, it starts at $156,000.
M3 Celebration
BMW is not heading to Amelia Island just to toast Alpina. It is turning the weekend into a rolling birthday party, marking 40 years of the M3, 50 years of the 6-Series, and 60 years of the much-loved BMW 2002. Not a bad excuse to clear some space on the lawn.
For the M3’s big 4-0, BMW Classic USA has lined up one example from each of the six generations, beginning with the E30 and running through the E36, E46, E92, F80, and G80. Highlights include an E36 M3 Lightweight, an E46 M3 GTR race car, and an E92 M3 Lime Rock Park Edition, a US-only special limited to just 200 units.
