Bovensiepen Zagato: No Alpina, no kidney grille, but BMW's S58 6-cylinder

The design of the first Bovensiepen model was created in collaboration with the Milanese design studio Zagato and is formally reminiscent of the BMW 4 Series and 8 Series Coupés. Instead of the typical BMW kidney grille, a black metal grille, shaped like a stylized clown's mouth, sits between the somewhat Peugeot-esque headlights. Numerous design details give the Gran Turismo its own distinctive character. The car was handcrafted in the company's own factory in Buchloe, and the Bovensiepens estimate the production time at over 250 hours.

The length of 4.94 meters suggests that the two-door, B-pillar-less car was based on the 8 Series Coupé (4.85 meters, Gran Coupé 5.08 meters) rather than the 4 Series (4.77 meters). Bovensiepen doesn't specify the wheelbase. The weight also points toward the 8 Series: 1,875 kg without driver, despite the carbon fiber body, is more than the 840i with its 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder.

A turbocharged six-cylinder also powers the Bovensiepen Zagato, albeit in a clearly uprated M version ( S58 ). According to Bovensiepen, the 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder produces 611 hp and develops a maximum torque of 700 Nm. This should enable the coupé to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.3 seconds and reach a top speed of over 300 km/h.

The adaptive suspension with Bilstein dampers and three driving modes (Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus) is reminiscent of BMW, and the design of the 20-inch forged wheels with weight-reducing milling in the spokes is at least vaguely reminiscent of the classic Alpina rims.

Bovensiepen developed the titanium exhaust system together with Akrapovič . In addition to lower exhaust backpressure, the entire exhaust system is said to offer a 40 percent weight saving, or approximately 22 kg. Four round tailpipes peek out from under the diffuser at the rear.

Bovensiepen put a special effort into the interior, which is individually crafted in the Buchloe factory according to customer specifications. The handcrafted interior made of Lavalina leather is available in 16 standard colors or in special colors as part of the so-called Bespoke program. Almost all surfaces of the interior can be covered in leather; the upholsterers in Buchloe invest over 130 hours of manual labor in this process alone. Alcantara, among other materials, is available, which is available in 45 color variations. Custom embossing or embroidery is also possible. Each car comes with milled aluminum shift paddles, a hand-stitched leather steering wheel, and a custom production license plate.

Bovensiepen gives its handcrafted cars their own logo, just like Alpina did back then. The two back-to-back "Bs" in the middle are easy to interpret: Both company founders, brothers Andreas and Florian, share the surname Bovensiepen. The colors and shape cleverly play with those of the BMW and Alpina logos.

Bovensiepen plans to launch its first model next year. Market launch is scheduled for the end of the second quarter of 2026. Information on planned production numbers and pricing will follow in the fourth quarter of 2025. Given the effort involved in handcrafting and customization options, it's safe to assume that Bovensiepen is aiming for a price segment significantly above that of Alpina. An Alpina B8 GT, for example, currently costs at least €225,000.

On January 1, 1965, Burkard Bovensiepen founded Alpina Burkard Bovensiepen GmbH + Co. KG and headed the management, which also includes his sons Andreas and Florian, until shortly before his death on October 12, 2023. Burkard Bovensiepen's father had already run a production company under the name Alpina, but for office machines.

Until 1977, Alpina was a BMW tuner. In 1978, the Allgäu-based company became a manufacturer of passenger cars based on BMW AG products. Since 1983, Alpina has been registered as an official automobile manufacturer with the Federal Motor Transport Authority in Flensburg. In 2014, the company had approximately 200 employees and sold just around 1,700 vehicles worldwide. This generated revenue of 90 million euros. Alpina vehicles were assembled at BMW plants, where Alpina supplied specific components. The finished vehicles were then shipped to Buchloe for delivery. Burkhard Bovensiepen developed the wine trade as the second pillar of the family business.

And now, vehicle development and production are being added. According to the press release, these are intended to embody the "Fine Driving" philosophy. The press release continues: "The launch of Bovensiepen marks a new era for the company and, at the same time, the concentrated continuation of the extensive development and production expertise from Buchloe. In the future, Bovensiepen will realize unique automotive projects, with profound engineering and timeless design, fused into a precise, harmonious work of art. Each automobile is manufactured by experts with decades of experience, great passion, and extensive handcrafting."

The Bovensiepen factory is headquartered in Buchloe, the former Alpina location. According to Florian and Andreas Bovensiepen, everything from design and engineering to development, production, and hand-made customization will converge here. BMW's continued support is expected – it's no coincidence that the new Zagato will be exhibited at the 2025 Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este.