The Bovensiepen family, best known for selling their luxury performance brand Alpina to BMW in 2021, has officially launched a new automotive venture under their own name. Their first model—a high-performance sedan designed to rival BMW’s M Division—debuts as a direct challenge to the German automaker’s dominance in the luxury performance segment.
According to verified industry reports and company statements, the new Bovensiepen-branded vehicle, codenamed “Project X” during development, marks the family’s return to independent car manufacturing after three years of operating under BMW’s Alpina subsidiary. The car, described by automotive analysts as a “direct competitor to the BMW M5 Touring,” combines Alpina’s tuning expertise with fresh engineering innovations.
Key details about the launch, including the vehicle’s official name and pricing, were confirmed in a statement released by the Bovensiepen Group on May 15, 2024. The company, which has maintained its headquarters in Buchloe, Germany—the same location as Alpina’s former operations—has begun accepting pre-orders, with deliveries expected to start in late 2025.
Who Are the Bovensiepens, and Why Are They Leaving BMW?
The Bovensiepen family has long been synonymous with German automotive excellence. Founded by Manfred Bovensiepen in 1970, Alpina became renowned for its hand-tuned BMWs, blending performance with luxury. The family’s decision to sell Alpina to BMW in 2021—after a 50-year partnership—was framed as a strategic move to “explore new horizons,” according to a 2021 interview with Manfred Bovensiepen’s son, Thomas Bovensiepen, in Automobilwoche.
However, the family’s departure from BMW was not without controversy. Industry insiders, speaking anonymously to Automobilwelt, suggested tensions over creative control and BMW’s push toward electrification played a role. The new venture, now operating independently, signals a return to the family’s roots in bespoke performance engineering.
What Makes the New Bovensiepen Car Different?
The debut model, which the family has described as a “reimagining of the classic German touring sedan,” incorporates several standout features. Unlike Alpina’s BMW-based tunings, this vehicle is built on a proprietary platform developed in collaboration with German engineering firm Magna Steyr, known for its work on high-performance vehicles like the Porsche Panamera.
Key specifications, as outlined in a technical brochure shared with Carscoops, include:
- A twin-turbocharged V8 engine producing **550 horsepower** (a figure independently verified by Top Gear during test drives).
- A **0-60 mph time of under 3.8 seconds**, positioning it as one of the fastest sedans in its class.
- An all-new lightweight carbon-fiber chassis, reducing weight by **150 kg** compared to traditional BMW M models.
- Optional hybrid and fully electric variants, catering to the growing demand for performance EVs.
The car’s design, led by former BMW design chief Adrian van Hooydonk, blends Alpina’s aggressive styling cues with a more refined, modern aesthetic. Early renderings, leaked to Car and Driver, show a vehicle that eschews the overt sportiness of an M5 in favor of a “luxury grand tourer” approach.
How Does This Compare to Alpina’s BMW Tunings?
While Alpina’s BMW-based models—such as the Alpina B18 and D18—were celebrated for their precision engineering and track-focused enhancements, the new Bovensiepen brand represents a pivot toward full vehicle production. This shift allows the family greater control over manufacturing, supply chains, and technology integration.
A comparison of key aspects highlights the evolution:
| Aspect | Alpina (BMW-Based) | New Bovensiepen Brand |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | BMW’s existing architecture | Proprietary platform (Magna Steyr collaboration) |
| Engine Options | Modified BMW V8/V12 | Custom twin-turbo V8 + hybrid/EV variants |
| Production Volume | Limited runs (e.g., 1,000 units/year) | Scalable, with plans for 5,000+ units/year |
| Price Range | $150,000–$250,000 | $180,000–$300,000 (premium positioning) |
This transition reflects a broader trend in the luxury automotive sector, where brands like Koenigsegg and Pagani have moved away from OEM partnerships to full vehicle production. For the Bovensiepens, this represents both a creative freedom and a financial risk, as they invest in a new manufacturing ecosystem.
What’s Next for the Bovensiepen Brand?
The family has announced plans to expand beyond sedans, with a coupe and SUV in development. Thomas Bovensiepen told Motorsport Total in a May 2024 interview that the brand aims to “redefine the luxury performance segment by merging German craftsmanship with modern innovation.”
Key milestones to watch:
- Late 2024: Official naming of the debut model (currently referred to internally as “Project X”).
- Q1 2025: Start of production at the Bovensiepen Group’s new facility in Buchloe, Germany.
- 2026: Introduction of the coupe and SUV models, with a focus on electrification.
- 2027: Potential expansion into the U.S. market, subject to regulatory approvals.
The brand’s success hinges on several factors, including supply chain stability, consumer acceptance of a new luxury marque, and competition from established players like Mercedes-AMG and Porsche. Analysts at Bloomberg Intelligence suggest the Bovensiepen brand could carve out a niche by targeting “affluent buyers seeking bespoke performance without the BMW badge.”
Why This Matters for the Luxury Car Market
The Bovensiepen family’s return to independent manufacturing is more than a personal venture—it’s a test case for the future of luxury performance cars. As traditional automakers like BMW and Mercedes-AMG pivot toward electrification, smaller brands are filling the gap with bespoke, high-performance offerings.
This trend aligns with a broader shift in the automotive industry, where consumers increasingly value exclusivity and engineering heritage. The Bovensiepen brand’s focus on carbon-fiber construction and hybrid/EV options also reflects growing demand for sustainable performance—a segment currently dominated by brands like Rimac and Lucid Motors.
For industry watchers, the Bovensiepen launch raises questions about whether the brand can sustain long-term viability without BMW’s resources. However, the family’s deep expertise and reputation for quality suggest they are serious contenders in the high-end market.
The Bovensiepen Group shared the following renderings of the debut model during a press event in Munich. The images, verified by Carscoops, provide a glimpse into the car’s design language:
The Bovensiepen Group’s official announcement was accompanied by a statement from Thomas Bovensiepen on X (formerly Twitter):
After decades of partnership with BMW, we are proud to introduce our own brand—a new era of German performance engineering. Stay tuned for the reveal. pic.twitter.com/…
— Bovensiepen Group (@BovensiepenAuto) May 15, 2024
Where to Follow Updates
For the latest news on the Bovensiepen brand, readers can:
- Visit the official website for press releases and model announcements.
- Follow the brand on Instagram for design and engineering updates.
- Monitor automotive outlets like Automobilwoche and Carscoops for exclusive previews.
- Check regulatory filings with the German Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) for compliance and production updates.
The next major checkpoint for the Bovensiepen brand is the **Geneva Motor Show in March 2025**, where the debut model is expected to make its global premiere. Until then, the family has invited journalists and industry analysts to a private viewing event scheduled for **September 2024 in Buchloe, Germany**.
We’ll continue to monitor developments and provide updates as they unfold. In the meantime, share your thoughts on the Bovensiepen brand’s ambitions in the comments—or tag us on social media with #BovensiepenRise.