BMW is testing its first production model under the newly established BMW Alpina subbrand, a high-performance luxury sedan based on the 7-series platform. The car reached over 186 mph during high-speed testing in Italy.
The sedan features Alpina's signature 20-spoke light alloy wheels wrapped in specially developed tires with an internal foam layer designed for a smoother ride. Power comes from a V-8 engine. The rear displays quad-oval exhaust pipes and a small spoiler that differentiate it from the standard 7-series.
The interior mirrors the 7-series layout with a thin panoramic display and dual dashboard screens, though the seats appear upgraded and the cabin will use higher-grade materials than the production sedan.
BMW Alpina, originally a German tuner founded in the early 1960s known for high-performance engines paired with comfortable, luxury cabins, was recently brought under BMW's control and repositioned as a subbrand similar to Mercedes-Maybach. The ultra-luxury sedan is expected to arrive next year. BMW has not announced additional models for the Alpina brand, though the X7 SUV may receive similar treatment.