BMW Alpina B7 lifeless after six generations

The BMW 7-Sequence enters its seventh era with the redesigned 2023 mannequin unveiled in April, however there will not be an Alpina model this time round, the semi-official BMW tuner has confirmed.

Alpina earlier in September marked the top of manufacturing of its B7 based mostly on the outgoing BMW 7-Sequence, and confirmed the automotive because the final B7.

No purpose was given nevertheless it could possibly be on account of BMW, which in March acquired the Alpina model, making ready to launch its personal vary of high-performance 7-Sequence based mostly on the most recent era of the flagship sedan. These embrace the M760e xDrive plug-in hybrid with 563 hp and i7 M70 xDrive electrical car with greater than 600 hp on faucet.

There’s additionally the difficulty of sedan gross sales dropping out to SUVs. Alpina’s XB7 based mostly on the BMW X7 outsells the B7, and an up to date model has simply been introduced for 2023.

There have been six generations of the B7 however the automotive hasn’t at all times been based mostly on the 7-Sequence. The primary was launched in 1978 because the B7 Turbo on the idea of the BMW 5-Sequence. The primary B7 based mostly on the BMW 7-Sequence did not arrive till 2001.

A documentary launched final November exhibits how the B7 is constructed, and supplies a little bit of a historical past on Alpina and an interview with firm founder Burkard Bovensiepen.

With the Alpina model now below the possession of BMW, future Alpinas might be constructed at BMW’s personal vegetation whereas Alpina will concentrate on car growth and the components and repair aspect of the enterprise.