BMW Opened the Bespoke Door With Skytop and Speedtop. Now It’s Time for an ALPINA Coupe.

The Skytop modified all the things. Not as a result of it was the quickest BMW, or probably the most technologically superior, and even probably the most sensible — it was none of these issues. What the Skytop did — a two-seater open-top with a removable hardtop that tucks neatly into the trunk — was show that BMW’s board of administrators may say sure to a dream. After many years of Adrian Van Hooydonk sketching ideas that by no means left the present ground — the Zagato Coupé, the Pininfarina Gran Lusso, the M1 Hommage, the Z4 Touring Concept — the top of BMW Design lastly bought his inexperienced mild. And at 500,000 euros for 50 hand-built items, the market responded with a convincing sure of its personal.

Then got here the Speedtop. Seventy items, similar value level, however a distinct animal fully. The place the Skytop was a romantic open-top tribute to the 507 and Z8, the Speedtop is a taking pictures brake — a physique type BMW has by no means tried in manufacturing. That lengthy, sweeping roofline falling right into a muscular rear finish created probably the most placing silhouettes to put on a roundel.

The inside pushed even additional upmarket, with refinements that made the already distinctive Skytop really feel like a primary draft. Each automobiles share correct V8 energy from the M8’s S63 engine, which alone is sufficient to make lovers weep with pleasure in an period more and more outlined by electrification.

So the query isn’t whether or not BMW ought to preserve going. They may. The query is: what comes subsequent?

The Case for a Grand Tourer

Right here is our opinion, and we need to be clear — this isn’t based mostly on any inside data. It’s a thought train. One that will not even be possible from a enterprise standpoint. But when BMW’s bespoke workforce is on the lookout for the subsequent logical step, we consider the reply is staring them within the face.

It’s time for a coupe. Not one other M automobile. Not a observe weapon. A grand tourer — one thing impossibly elegant, deeply luxurious, and constructed for crossing continents in absolute consolation. Consider the section occupied by the Bentley Continental GT, the Aston Martin DB12, the Ferrari Roma. These are automobiles that ship a singular presence and refinement, together with unbelievable lap occasions, if wanted. There are automobiles that make a press release pulling as much as a lodge in Monaco simply as convincingly as they devour a mountain move within the Alps.

BMW, by itself, would battle to justify a half-million-euro coupe, no less than based on lovers. The model’s DNA leans sporty, dynamic, driver-focused. A grand touring coupe at this value level would possibly really feel like a stretch. However BMW not stands alone within the luxurious house.

They have ALPINA.

Why ALPINA Is the Excellent Vessel

Since BMW accomplished its acquisition of ALPINA, the query has all the time been what the model would grow to be below Munich’s full possession. The rumored ALPINA B7 continues to be based mostly on the present 7 Sequence platform and concepts. However a bespoke ALPINA coupe may reply it much more powerfully.

Contemplate what ALPINA has all the time represented: refinement over aggression, consolation over lap occasions, craftsmanship over spec-sheet wars. ALPINA interiors have traditionally gone toe-to-toe with Rolls-Royce in leather-based high quality. Their suspensions have all the time been tuned for grand touring consolation reasonably than track-day stiffness. Their design philosophy favors magnificence over theatrics — refined pinstripes as an alternative of carbon splitters, traditional multi-spoke wheels as an alternative of angular motorsport designs, reserved shade palettes that whisper reasonably than shout.

Now think about all of that channeled right into a low-volume, bespoke grand touring coupe.

What It May Look Like

Image a long-hooded, two-door coupe with proportions that echo the good GTs of automotive historical past. A fastback roofline that manages to look each athletic and dignified. The ALPINA signature parts can be current however restrained: the traditional multi-spoke wheels, maybe in a solid 21-inch configuration, a heritage shade created completely for the mannequin, and that particular ALPINA lettering built-in into the design reasonably than merely utilized to it.

Below the hood, a twin-turbocharged V8 — they’ve the S68 engine — would obtain ALPINA’s signature tuning philosophy. Not essentially extra energy, however extra usable energy, delivered with a smoothness and linearity that flatters the driving force reasonably than intimidating them. The exhaust notice can be deep and cultured, not aggressive. The suspension can be tuned for long-distance consolation with out sacrificing composure.

Inside is the place the idea really comes alive. ALPINA-quality leather-based all through, with hand-finished particulars that rival something popping out of Goodwood. The brogue stitching launched within the Skytop would discover a pure house right here. Handcrafted wooden or open-pore aluminum trim, relying on the shopper’s desire. Each floor your hand touches would really feel thought-about, intentional, bespoke.

The Enterprise Case Writes Itself

Right here is the great thing about the proposition: the value wouldn’t really feel like a stretch. BMW’s bespoke clients have already demonstrated a willingness to pay 500,000 euros for a automobile carrying a roundel. An ALPINA grand tourer at that very same value — and even barely above it — would really feel fully justified. ALPINA has all the time commanded a premium over normal BMW fashions.

Prospects count on it. They welcome it. The model fairness is already there.

A manufacturing run of fifty to 70 items would keep the shortage and exclusivity that makes these automobiles particular. It could additionally place ALPINA exactly the place BMW desires it of their luxurious structure: sitting within the higher reaches of the BMW Luxury Layer, slightly below Rolls-Royce. Not competing with Rolls-Royce, however complementing it. The place Rolls-Royce presents opulence and chauffeur-driven grandeur, ALPINA would supply sporting magnificence and driver-focused luxurious.

Will It Occur?

Perhaps not this yr. Perhaps not even with the subsequent bespoke launch. However the door is open now, and Adrian Van Hooydonk’s workforce has confirmed they will stroll via it. The Skytop proved the idea. The Speedtop proved it wasn’t a one-off. A bespoke ALPINA grand touring coupe would show that BMW is severe about enjoying in a section it has lengthy admired from the surface.

And truthfully? We don’t see the design workforce in Munich not no less than sketching this one out. Some concepts are just too good to remain on the shelf perpetually.