New BMW Alpina exceeds 300 km/h and puts luxury ahead of sportiness
BMW has released the first official footage of its new Alpina luxury saloon, which exceeded 300 km/h at the Nardò test track in Italy. The V8-powered flagship will be the first all-new model since Alpina became part of the BMW Group. Unlike BMW M models, the Alpina focuses not on lap records but on combining exceptional speed with luxurious ride comfort.
V8 takes large saloon beyond 300 km/h
BMW tested the new Alpina saloon on the 12.6 km Nardò high-speed track in southern Italy.
The model, based on the BMW 7 Series, uses a V8 petrol engine whose output the manufacturer has yet to disclose. However, figures of 439 kW and 784 Nm appear briefly in the official video. It is not known whether these represent the engine's maximum output or the power and torque being used at that point in the test.
Engineers revised the engine management, throttle response and transmission settings. The aim is to deliver strong pulling power across the widest possible rev range, avoiding the abrupt power delivery characteristic of a sports car.
This approach reflects Alpina's new guiding principle, “Speed, not Sport”, which prioritises effortless speed.
Bespoke tyres must combine speed with quietness
The new Alpina uses the brand's signature 20-spoke alloy wheels, for which Pirelli developed bespoke P Zero tyres.
A layer of foam inside the tyres helps reduce road noise while maintaining precise handling and the stability needed at high speeds.
BMW also adapted the suspension and body aerodynamics. An exhaust system with four oval tailpipes gives the V8 its characteristic deep Alpina sound.
By comparison, the previous-generation Alpina B7 reached 330 km/h, and its 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 produced 447 kW and 800 Nm. The new model's final top speed may therefore exceed the 300 km/h demonstrated so far.
Alpina to compete with Maybach
BMW launched Alpina as its standalone luxury brand in 2026. While BMW M focuses on sporty handling, Alpina combines high performance with understated elegance and long-distance comfort.
The new saloon's main rival will be the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class. Alpina aims to offer similar luxury but a substantially higher top speed and a more driver-focused experience.
In Europe, this gives BMW an opportunity to fill the gap between the standard 7 Series and Rolls-Royce.
Alpina's greatest challenge is not reaching 300 km/h, but making that speed feel entirely natural to the driver. That is what distinguishes a genuinely fast luxury saloon from a car that is simply very powerful.
The new model will make its debut in 2027. Its final name, power output and price are not yet known.
