Alpina Tests First In-House V8 Sedan at Nardo
BMW's revived Alpina brand is testing a 7 Series-based V8 sedan built for high-speed cruising rather than handling.
Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Performance Vehicles
BMW Alpina is testing its first fully in-house model, a camouflaged V8 sedan based on the 7 Series, at the Nardo test track in Italy. The car reached 300 km/h (186 mph) at the Nardo Ring with Oliver Viellechner in the passenger seat.
Why it matters
The test marks the first model from Alpina since BMW relaunched the brand as an in-house operation rather than a closely integrated partner. Alpina's stated target is 'speed, not sport,' signaling a focus on high-speed stability over handling.
The prototype reached 300 km/h (186 mph) at the Nardo Ring, with its power gauge reading a peak of 372 kW (499 hp) against the current 7 Series' 537 hp from a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8. Final output remains unconfirmed, with close to 600 hp projected.
The players
BMW Alpina
The high-performance tuning brand that BMW relaunched as an in-house division, known for upgrading BMW models with enhanced engines and chassis.
Oliver Viellechner
A figure present in the passenger seat during the Nardo Ring high-speed run, though his specific professional role is not detailed in the source.
The details
The car is cloaked in camouflage and features 20-spoke wheels, four oval exhaust tips, new foam-lined tires to reduce high-speed noise, and a new high-flow exhaust. A BMW test driver ran the Nardo Ring with Viellechner in the passenger seat, and a short clip captured the new exhaust.
Timeline
2027: Expected debut of the Alpina model.
Roadmap
The sedan extends Alpina's long practice of reworking BMW models beyond their factory offerings, including adding automatic transmissions that BMW did not originally provide. This relaunch pivots the brand toward high-speed cruising and stability rather than the handling focus associated with its earlier models.
Buyers interested in a high-output BMW sedan could see a new Alpina option with a projected output near 600 hp. The emphasis on high-speed stability over handling suggests it will suit owners who prioritize sustained cruising performance.
The takeaway
Alpina's return as an in-house brand signals that BMW's performance sub-brand is being repositioned around speed rather than sport. Readers tracking high-output sedans should watch for official specifications as the 2027 debut approaches.
Further reading
Explore more in Performance Vehicles for context on high-output sedans like this one.
