Alpina has been a niche tuning firm that concentrates on BMW models, much like RUF does for Porsche. Alpina has been a separate entity for more than 50 years, developing high-performance BMW cars, but in March 2022, news of BMW’s acquisition of the luxury brand was more of a surprise. However, the switch of ownership will not come into effect until 2026. But the million-dollar question remains- why did Alpina agree to the acquisition? Can you blame the pressure of electrification and stricter emission norms?

You could assume that financial constraints sparked BMW's acquisition of the Buchloe-based automaker. But then you would be mistaken because 2021 has been Alpina's best year, with more than 2,000 vehicles delivered. But let's face the inevitable- Alpina could produce only about 5,000 units in five years. So with the help of the Bavarian auto giant, the production rate could jump in time.

When Bimmer Today asked a representative of Alpina about the reasons for the acquisition, he replied: "the sale is an early reaction to the constantly tightening legal framework." He also added that the sale escalated "due to the politically decreed transformation towards electromobility and the increasing regulations worldwide, the requirements and thus also the costs and risks for small series manufacturers are increasing significantly."

However, the pressure of electromobility is no stranger, and small-scale manufacturers like Alpina are severely affected. Throughout the years, Alpina's specialty has been making high-end luxury cars, and they will continue to do so under the umbrella of BMW. Also, the production of components like battery packs and motors is more expensive than the ICEs. With the help of BMW, Alpina could offer high-performance luxury EVs in the future.

Alpina's CEO, Andreas Bovensiepen, has confirmed its loyal consumers' low demand for electric cars. But with stricter emission norms and global EV revolution, the brand has to step up its game to survive in the future. After the current operating agreement ends in 2025, Alpina will become BMW-Alpina, just like Mercedes and Maybach did. This joint venture may permit both parties to continue printing more money, and BMW could guarantee Alpina's future.