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

The Skytop modified every thing. Not as a result of it was the quickest BMW, or essentially the most technologically superior, and even essentially the most sensible — it was none of these issues. What the Skytop did — a two-seater open-top with a detachable 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 Coupethe Pininfarina Gran Lussothe M1 Homagethe Z4 Touring Idea — the pinnacle of BMW Design lastly obtained his inexperienced mild. And at 500,000 euros for 50 hand-built models, the market responded with a powerful sure of its personal.

Then got here the Speedtop. Seventy models, similar worth 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 capturing brake — a physique type BMW has by no means tried in manufacturing. That lengthy, sweeping roofline falling right into a muscular rear finish created one of the crucial 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 enginewhich alone is sufficient to make fanatics weep with pleasure in an period more and more outlined by electrification.

So the query isn’t whether or not BMW ought to hold going. They are going to. 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 primarily based 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 group is in search of the following logical step, we imagine the reply is staring them within the face.

It’s time for a coupe. Not one other M automotive. Not a monitor 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 an announcement pulling as much as a resort in Monaco simply as convincingly as they devour a mountain cross within the Alps.

BMW, by itself, would wrestle to justify a half-million-euro coupe, not less than in line with fanatics. The model’s DNA leans sporty, dynamic, driver-focused. A grand touring coupe at this worth level may really feel like a stretch. However BMW not stands alone within the luxurious house.

They’ve ALPINA.

Why ALPINA Is the Excellent Vessel

Since BMW accomplished its acquisition of ALPINA, the query has at all times been what the model would change into below Munich’s full possession. The rumored ALPINA B7 remains to be primarily based on the present 7 Sequence platform and concepts. However a bespoke ALPINA coupe may reply it way more powerfully.

Contemplate what ALPINA has at all times 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 at all times been tuned for grand touring consolation relatively than track-day stiffness. Their design philosophy favors class 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 relatively 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 nice GTs of automotive historical past. A fastback roofline that manages to look each athletic and dignified. The ALPINA signature parts could be current however restrained: the traditional multi-spoke wheels, maybe in a cast 21-inch configuration, a heritage shade created solely for the mannequin, and that particular ALPINA lettering built-in into the design relatively than merely utilized to it.

Underneath 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 motive force relatively than intimidating them. The exhaust be aware could be deep and cultured, not aggressive. The suspension could be tuned for long-distance consolation with out sacrificing composure.

Inside is the place the idea actually 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 residence right here. Handcrafted wooden or open-pore aluminum trim, relying on the client’s choice. Each floor your hand touches would really feel thought-about, intentional, bespoke.

The Enterprise Case Writes Itself

Right here is the fantastic 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 automotive carrying a roundel. An ALPINA grand tourer at that very same worth — and even barely above it — would really feel fully justified. ALPINA has at all times commanded a premium over customary BMW fashions.

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

A manufacturing run of fifty to 70 models would keep the shortage and exclusivity that makes these automobiles particular. It will additionally place ALPINA exactly the place BMW needs it of their luxurious structure: sitting within the higher reaches of the BMW Luxurious Layerslightly below Rolls-Royce. Not competing with Rolls-Royce, however complementing it. The place Rolls-Royce affords opulence and chauffeur-driven grandeur, ALPINA would supply sporting class and driver-focused luxurious.

Will It Occur?

Perhaps not this 12 months. Perhaps not even with the following bespoke launch. However the door is open now, and Adrian Van Hooydonk’s group 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 taking part in in a section it has lengthy admired from the surface.

And actually? We don’t see the design group in Munich not not less than sketching this one out. Some concepts are just too good to remain on the shelf endlessly.