• Future of BMW M performance: The fully electric BMW M Concept Neue Klasse previews the next era of BMW M with advanced vehicle control, M-specific Neue Klasse technology, and a quad-motor performance concept.
• Dawn of a new era for BMW ALPINA: The one-of-one design study translates a heritage of speed, comfort, and sophistication into a modern design defined by subtle craftsmanship, advanced technology, and refined high-performance luxury.
• 40 years of the BMW M3: BMW will celebrate four decades of the M3 with landmark road cars and race cars at Legends of the Autobahn^® and the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion.
• Kith for BMW collaboration: BMW will host an invitation-only panel with Kith Founder and CEO Ronnie Fieg, unveiling the fourth chapter of the BMW and Kith collaboration including a new collection and bespoke automobiles celebrating BMW’s past and present.

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – August 4, 2026…BMW arrives at Monterey Car Week 2026 with a full slate of debuts, heritage celebrations, motorsport appearances, and design-led programming across the Monterey Peninsula. From the North American introductions of two visionary concept vehicles to a celebration of 40 years of the BMW M3 and the latest chapter in BMW’s collaboration with fashion and lifestyle brand Kith, BMW will showcase the breadth of its performance, luxury, and design leadership throughout one of the world’s most important automotive gatherings.

The week will feature the North American debut of the BMW M Concept Neue Klasse, following its world premiere at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and the North American debut of the Vision BMW ALPINA, first revealed at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. Together, the two concepts highlight BMW’s forward-looking approach to electrified performance, modern luxury, and emotionally engaging design.

BMW will also honor four decades of the BMW M3 with landmark road and race cars on display at Legends of the Autobahn^® and running at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, while an invitation-only panel with Ronnie Fieg, Founder, CEO, and Creative Director of Kith, will spotlight the next chapter in the collaboration between BMW and Kith.

Thursday, August 13: BMW M Concept Neue Klasse Debut and 40 Years of BMW M3 History

BMW’s Monterey Car Week program begins Thursday morning at Legends of the Autobahn^®, with a special exhibition commemorating 40 years of the BMW M3. The display will bring together standout examples tracing the celebrated history of the icon that exemplifies “Born on the racetrack – made for the streets”, including the first-generation E30 M3, E36 M3 Lightweight, E46 M3, E92 M3 Lime Rock Park proof-of-concept prototype, F82 M4 GTS, and the new G80 M3 CS Handschalter.

Legends of the Autobahn^® will once again be held at the Pacific Grove Golf Links in Pacific Grove, CA. The event runs from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM and admission is free. Full descriptions of the vehicles BMW will be showing can be found at the end of this document.

Thursday evening, BMW will bring the fully electric BMW M Concept Neue Klasse to the House of M in the heart of Monterey for its North American debut. The concept previews the future design language of BMW M and brings into focus how the Neue Klasse technology suite will be applied to high-performance BMWs, including M-specific programming for the Heart of Joy ‘superbrain’ to deliver unprecedented control of a quad-motor drive system. Focused on all-electric performance, advanced vehicle control, and a new dimension of driving dynamics, the BMW M Concept Neue Klasse points directly to the next era of BMW M.

Following its debut at House of M, the BMW M Concept Neue Klasse will be on public display Friday and Saturday in the BMW paddock at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion at Laguna Seca, and Sunday on the concept lawn at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

Friday, August 14: Vision BMW ALPINA Debuts at The Quail

On Friday morning, BMW will present the North American debut of the Vision BMW ALPINA at The Quail: A Motorsports Gathering. The design study heralds a new era for a brand defined by effortless capability, sophistication, and the mastery of both performance and comfort.

A sweeping coupé roofline, assertive forward stance, and carefully modeled shark nose reinterpret signature ALPINA design elements for a new moment. Subtly updated deco-lines, applied beneath the clear coat, combine with nuanced “Second Read” details to encourage closer study, creating richness without ostentation. The interior conveys both openness and exceptional craftsmanship, with full-grain leather from the Alpine region, heritage-referencing stitching, metal surfaces inspired by fine watchmaking, crystal controls, and considered hospitality touches emphasizing the precision and care behind every point of contact.

Reimagining BMW ALPINA’s heritage with contemporary purpose, aesthetics, and technology, the Vision BMW ALPINA demonstrates BMW’s commitment to preserving and elevating the distinctive character of BMW ALPINA for the future.

The Quail: A Motorsports Gathering runs from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. A press conference will be held at the BMW ALPINA stand on the show field at 11:25 AM.

Saturday, August 15: BMW M3 Racing Legacy and 2026 Kith for BMW

BMW continues the 40 Years of BMW M3 celebration at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, where four generations of one of the most successful GT racing cars of all time will be on display and on track. The lineup will include a 1992 E30 M3 DTM driven by Mike Skeen, the Daytona 24, and 12 Hours of Sebring winning 1997 E36 M3 GT2, the Grand Am championship winning 2004 E46 M3 GTR driven by IMSA legend Bill Auberlen, and the 2011 E92 M3 GT driven by BMW M CEO Frank van Meel.

Full descriptions of the race cars BMW will be fielding can be found at the end of this document.

Saturday evening, BMW will host an invitation-only panel discussion with BMW design leadership and Ronnie Fieg, Founder, CEO, and Creative Director of Kith. The evening will feature the unveiling of bespoke automobiles designed by Fieg, a longtime BMW enthusiast and collector, that celebrate BMW’s past and present through the Kith lens. Guests will also receive an exclusive preview of the 2026 Kith for BMW clothing and accessories collection. 

Sunday, August 16: The Concept Lawn at the 75^th Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance

BMW’s Monterey Car Week program concludes Sunday at the 75^th Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance at The Lodge at Pebble Beach, where the BMW M Concept Neue Klasse and the Vision BMW ALPINA will take their places on the Concept Lawn. Their appearance will give concours guests a final opportunity to experience two important expressions of BMW design, performance, and innovation during the week’s signature event.

The 75^th Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance will take place at The Lodge at Pebble Beach Sunday, August 16, from 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM.

Vehicle Backgrounds: 40 Years of M3 at Legends of the Autobahn^®

1^st Generation: E30: The first BMW M3 was created to represent BMW in racing series around the world. To homologate the car for Group A competition, BMW needed to build and sell 5,000 road-going examples in just 12 months. Starting with the 3 Series coupe, engineers at BMW Motorsport GmbH – now BMW M – reduced weight, increased power, improved aerodynamics, and strengthened the chassis for track use while preserving the 3 Series’ everyday usability.

Introduced at the IAA in Frankfurt in 1985, the M3 signaled its purpose with flared fenders, a flattened and widened C-pillar, and a distinctive rear wing. Its 4-cylinder engine was enlarged to 2.3 liters and extensively revised using technology proven in Formula 1, producing 192 hp at a 6,750 RPM redline. Power was sent through a Motorsport-derived 5-speed manual gearbox with a “dogleg” shift pattern, placing first gear down and to the left.

The racing version won a world championship in its first year of competition and continued to dominate. By the time it retired in 1992, the E30 M3 had claimed more than 1,500 international victories and over 50 international championship titles, making it the most successful touring car racer ever.

2^nd Generation: E36: Although the second-generation BMW M3 achieved strong racing success in the US and Europe, the E36 placed greater emphasis on road performance. It was the only M3 generation offered with a US-specific engine: a torquey 240-hp 3.2-liter inline-6. It was also the first M3 available in the US as a sedan and convertible in addition to the coupe. The formula proved successful, earning the E36 M3 a place on Car and Driver’s 10Best list every year it was sold. The US-market pinnacle was the limited-edition M3 Lightweight that will be on display. Offered only in white with the Motorsport checkered flag motif, it deleted air conditioning and other comfort and convenience features, added aluminum doors, and thus weighed about 200 pounds less than a standard M3 coupe. It also featured an adjustable front splitter, a rear wing, and an oil scavenge pump to support engine lubrication under high cornering loads on track. With only 126 units produced, it has become one of the most collectible BMWs ever.

3^rd Generation: E46: The E46 M3 advanced The Ultimate Driving Machine with a larger, significantly stiffer body shell than the E36 it replaced. Offered as a coupe or convertible, it was powered by a high-revving 333-hp 3.2-liter S54 inline-6 paired with either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed SMG-II transmission. A strong seller in its day, the E46 M3 is now regarded as one of the all-time great driver’s cars. The E46 M3 GTR race car also became a global force in motorsport with both inline-6 and V8 power. The example that will be displayed is a well-preserved 2006 model.

4^th Generation: E9x: The E9x M3 was the only road-going M3 powered by a V8: a 4.0-liter, 414-hp masterpiece with an 8,300 RPM redline, paired with either a 6-speed manual or M-DCT dual-clutch transmission. Strong US demand brought the sedan back to the lineup, and the E9x became the first M3 to offer BMW iDrive for navigation, infotainment, and key vehicle functions. It also proved phenomenally successful in racing, sweeping the 2011 ALMS Championship and winning the 12 Hours of Sebring in 2011 and 2012.

The example on display at LOTA is the proof-of-concept for the 200 US-market M3 Lime Rock Park Editions produced in 2013. Wearing a coat of Fire Orange flex paint over its original Valencia Orange metallic, this M3 was subjected to a full day of concept validation testing at Lime Rock Park by racing legends Bill Auberlen and Skip Barber in 2012.

5^th Generation: F8x: The fifth generation brought major changes to the M3/M4 lineup: coupes and convertibles became M4s, while the M3 name continued on the sedan. The F8x was the first turbocharged generation, powered by the 3.0-liter S55 M TwinPower Turbo inline-6 producing 425 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, with 0-60 mph acceleration as quick as 3.9 seconds with the optional M-DCT dual-clutch transmission. Its peak expression was the limited-production 2016 M4 GTS on display. Built in about 700 units, the track-focused GTS used carbon fiber inside and out, replaced the rear seats with a partial roll cage, and added water injection to raise output to 493 hp.

6^th Generation: G8x: The G8x M3/M4 represents four decades of evolution for BMW M’s definitive sports sedan and coupe, advancing performance, safety, efficiency, comfort, and everyday usability while preserving the emotional character of The Ultimate Driving Machine.

To close the sixth generation, BMW M will offer the limited-edition 2027 BMW M3 CS Handschalter, pairing CS lightweight construction and track-focused chassis tuning with a 6-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel drive for maximum driver involvement.

Carbon fiber reinforced plastic, forged alloy wheels, a titanium muffler, standard M Carbon bucket seats, and related measures cut weight by nearly 75 pounds when equipped with optional M Carbon Ceramic brakes. Model-specific chassis hardware and calibration, plus a 6mm lower ride height, sharpen steering, suspension, and overall response. Power comes from a 473-hp M TwinPower Turbo inline-6, paired exclusively with a precise 6-speed manual and rear-wheel drive.

Production of the M3 CS Handschalter began in July, with deliveries expected in the fall. MSRP is $107,100 plus $1,350 destination and handling.

Vehicle Backgrounds: 40 Years of M3 at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion

1992 BMW E30 M3 DTM: The 1992 Deutsche Touringwagen Meisterschaft (DTM) season would be the last for the E30 M3. Facing ever-increasing pressure from rivals Audi and Mercedes-Benz and their newer, more advanced race cars, BMW Motorsport threw everything they had at the M3 to keep it competitive. The 2.5-liter S143 4-cylinder was developed to produce 340-360 horsepower at 9,300 RPM and was paired with a new 6-speed gearbox from Holinger. Aerodynamic enhancements, such as a 3-way adjustable front splitter and rear flap, improved speed and stability.

The #9 car running in the Rolex Reunion this year was fielded by BMW Team Bigazzi and piloted by Emanuele Pirro. While the M3 conceded power to its German competitors, its lighter weight and superior agility kept it in every fight, capturing several podium finishes and ultimately earning Pirro 4^th place in the 1992 Driver’s Championship. The E30 M3 would retire as the most successful racing sports sedan of all time.

1997 BMW E36 M3 GT2: The example on track this year is one of the specially prepared BMW M3 race cars that won both the 1997 and 1998 Drivers’ and Manufacturers’ Championships in SportsCar GT2 category for production-based cars. Based on the M3 coupe, these purpose-built machines were equipped with race-tuned versions of the 3.2-liter inline 6-cylinder production engine. Removal of normal road equipment such as air conditioning, audio system, anti-lock braking system, sound insulation, and interior fitments reduced the weight to around 2,350 pounds, contributing to a favorable power-to-weight ratio in their racing class. Engine power reaches a peak of 425 hp; with top speeds ranging up to 175 mph, depending on gearing selected for specific racetracks.

The E36 M3 GT2 won 17 straight races in the 1997 and 1998 seasons. The chassis running at Laguna Seca this year won its class at both the 24 Hours of Daytona in 1997 and the 12 Hours of Sebring in 1998.

2004 BMW Team PTG M3 GTR (E46): The final race of the 2006 season closed the most successful chapter in BMW of North America’s first 30 years. From 1995 to 2006, BMW Team PTG M3s earned 53 wins in 118 races, including class victories at the Rolex 24 at Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring in 1997 and 1998, and collected 14 sports car championship trophies.

The M3 on the track at Laguna Seca this year is one of the Team PTG cars that swept the Manufacturer, Driver, and Team GT class championships in the 2004 Rolex Sports Car Grand Am Series. With 10 wins in 12 races, including six 1-2 finishes, 2004 was the most dominant North American season for the BMW M3 after 2001, when the P60 V8-powered M3 GTRs swept all GT titles in the American Le Mans Series.

The car appears in its 2006 IMSA Grand Am Series livery and specifications.

2011 BMW M3 GT ALMS (E92): Based on the fourth-generation BMW M3 (E92), the 2011-2012 M3 GT was developed by BMW Motorsport for the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) and Intercontinental Le Mans Cup (ILMC) competition and campaigned by BMW of North America with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing. Though similar in appearance to the 2009-2010 M3 GT2, the 2011 car represented a major development step to remain competitive in the GT field.

The results came quickly. At the end of the 2011 season, the BMW M3 GT swept the ALMS Driver, Team, Manufacturer, and Michelin GreenX efficiency championships, while nearly identical sister cars competed in Europe’s ILMC series.

BMW Group in the US

BMW Group began operations in the U.S. over 50 years ago. In addition to the sales, marketing, and distribution of BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce, and BMW Motorrad vehicles, BMW Group’s business in the U.S. spans 30 locations in 12 states including BMW Group Financial Services, BMW Manufacturing, Designworks, BMW Technology Office USA, and BMW i Ventures. The company’s U.S. plant in South Carolina is the largest single BMW production facility in the world and the global center of competence for BMW Sports Activity Vehicles. The BMW Group sales organization is represented by a nationwide network of 355 BMW retailers, 147 BMW motorcycle retailers, 105 MINI passenger car dealers, and 37 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. Taken together, BMW Group’s business activities in the U.S. provide and support over 120,000 jobs and contribute more than $43.3 billion to the U.S. economy annually.

For more information about BMW Group’s business and products in the U.S., please visit: PressClub USA.

                                    #      #      #

• A one-of-one design study signaling a new era for BMW ALPINA.
• Reimagines the brand’s heritage with contemporary purpose, aesthetics, and technology.
• Deepens the defining principles of BMW ALPINA: speed, comfort, and sophistication.
• Demonstrates the BMW Group’s commitment to preserving and elevating BMW ALPINA.

Woodcliff Lake/Cernobbio – May 15, 2026… Revealed at the 2026 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, the Vision BMW ALPINA is a design study that heralds a new era for a brand defined by extreme capability, sophistication, and the mastery of both performance and comfort.

“Alpina has always represented a very specific idea of performance and refinement—where speed and comfort are complementary ambitions. Our role as the new custodians of this brand is to preserve this distinctiveness and shape it for a contemporary context,” says Adrian van Hooydonk, head of BMW Group Design. “Vision BMW ALPINA shows how these qualities can be expressed with discipline and modernity, suggesting what our direction is for this brand as we move it into the future.”

DESIGN AND FORM: THE SHAPE OF SPEED

The Vision BMW ALPINA is a respectful interpretation of the brand’s heritage, shaped by the most contemporary creative instincts. At 204.7 inches in length, its presence is substantial: wide, low, and confident. The coupé roofline is long and raked, its form immediately signals both speed and the ability to accommodate four adults in genuine comfort. A V8 powertrain drives the experience, tuned to produce the characteristic notes of the Alpina exhaust: rich and deep at low speed, sonorous at high revs.

“In Vision BMW ALPINA, we distill every element of the brand to its essence and apply it in a deeply modern and sophisticated way,” says Maximilian Missoni, head of BMW Design Midsize & Luxury Cars and BMW ALPINA. “Every detail reflects substance: in engineering, in materials, and in the story it tells. The statements it makes are subtle and revealed only on a closer read. This interplay between purity and richness defines our approach to BMW ALPINA design.”

The front end is defined by powerful volumes and a forward-leaning stance that promises speed without overstatement. The shark nose—a signature that traces back to the Alpina B7—reinterprets BMW’s kidney grille as a three-dimensional sculpture that leads the car’s form and frames the brand emblem with quiet confidence.

From this shark nose, the exterior is organized around a single visual axis: the speed feature line. Rising from the lower front corners at a six-degree inclination, it runs along the side of the body and wraps around the rear—assertive enough to suggest motion, controlled enough to remain refined. 

HALLMARKS AND PRINCIPLES: “SECOND READ” SOPHISTICATION 

Subtle secondary details reward attention without demanding it. This “Second Read” principle runs throughout the Vision BMW ALPINA.

Deco-lines have been part of Alpina’s language since 1974. For the Vision BMW ALPINA, the modernized deco-lines are distilled and painted on the side of the body beneath the clear coat—a quiet gesture that reflects how the brand’s defining details can be adapted to what comes next.

Inward-facing return surfaces are treated with particular care, finished in a dark metallic tone that rewards a closer read. This approach is inspired by the BMW 507, which uses chrome only on the inside of its kidney grilles.

The shark nose captures the same “Second Read” sophistication: the inner surfaces feature a finely scaled signature Deco-line graphic, while a concealed, softly backlit perimeter reveals it only when active.

A warm white tone characterizes the daytime running lights and traces the kidney surrounds, inspired by the first light over the Bavarian Alps. Clear-cut illuminated crystals add a precise highlight within the slender lamps.

The elliptical four-pipe exhaust remains, as does the “ALPINA” lettering—reinterpreted as a machined, polished metal element on the lower front apron. The 22-inch front and 23-inch rear wheels feature the 20-spokes design that has been a constant at Alpina since 1971.

INTERIOR AND DETAILS: ARCHITECTURAL CLARITY

The cabin is generous in every sense: space, material quality, and the care with which technology has been integrated. Architectural volumes define the layout, with each element designed as a standalone form, not absorbed into a homogeneous interior.

The six-degree speed feature line continues through the interior, dividing the darker upper segment and the lighter lower segment. Full-grain leather— sourced from producers across the Alpine region—pairs with stitching inspired by the Deco-lines.

Craft details are restrained but well considered: a bridge stitch inspired by historic steering wheel hand-stitching appears sparingly in heritage blue and green colors, while a watchmaking-inspired beveling technique was used for the metal components, combining satin and polished finishes. Clear-cut crystal is reserved for the controls that shape how the automobile drives, underlining the value BMW ALPINA places on the driving experience itself.

Behind the rear console, a glass water bottle sits beside BMW ALPINA crystal glasses that rise on a self-deploying mechanism. Each glass is engraved with 20 deco-lines and features a six-degree rim profile, held by concealed magnets and softly lit against the open-grain center console.

A COMFORTABLE DRIVER IS A FASTER DRIVER

Burkard Bovensiepen understood something much of the automotive world has forgotten: a comfortable driver is a faster driver. That belief remains central to the Vision BMW ALPINA. Alpina offers Comfort+, a setting beyond the standard BMW comfort calibration that delivers a more supple, refined character, and it is retained here.

BMW Panoramic iDrive, including the new passenger screen, spans the dashboard with a digital UI language crafted specifically for BMW ALPINA. Heritage blue and green are introduced with discipline, intensifying as the driver moves from Comfort+ to Speed mode within the BMW Panoramic Vision head-up display. The background imagery is equally considered. The Alpine landscape depicted is an exact rendering of the mountain range visible when looking south from Buchloe.

ROOTED IN THE BRAND’S ORIGINS

The Alpina story began in 1965 in Buchloe, Germany, a small Bavarian town in the shadow of the Alps. Burkard Bovensiepen—destined for a career in typewriter manufacturing—chose instead high-performance tuning, founding Alpina and then refining BMW road and racing cars. From the outset, his philosophy was clear: speed and comfort were complementary, not competing ambitions.

In endurance racing, while rivals stripped weight, Burkard added extra padding to the driver’s seat: he understood that a more comfortable driver is a faster driver. That insight carried over to the road cars that followed, celebrated for composure and sophistication at high speed over long distances.

ALPINA B7 COUPÉ: A POINT OF MATURITY

The Alpina B7 coupé of the late 1970s marked a turning point: Alpina’s philosophy was applied to a luxury car, and every model that followed was recognized as luxurious. Based on the BMW E24 6 Series, its long hood, wide stance, and shark nose looked fast even at rest, while the cabin could comfortably carry four people across a continent. The Vision BMW ALPINA is the next chapter of that story.

BMW ALPINA—AN EXCLUSIVE BRAND WITHIN THE BMW GROUP

BMW ALPINA became an exclusive brand within the BMW Group in 2026, bringing proven stewardship and a clear responsibility: to understand what Alpina means to those who cherish it and to honor that in what follows. 

"BMW ALPINA fills a gap in our portfolio between BMW and Rolls-Royce as we see even more potential in the high-end segment. With Alpina we have a strong legacy and a global community, which we want to build on, while preserving the essence of what the brand stands for—speed, comfort and sophistication,“ says Oliver Viellechner, head of BMW ALPINA.

Next year, customers will be able to experience the first model of the BMW ALPINA brand—inspired by the BMW 7 Series, but unmistakably BMW ALPINA.

BMW Group in the United States

BMW Group began operations in the U.S. over 50 years ago. In addition to the sales, marketing, and distribution of BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce, and BMW Motorrad vehicles, BMW Group’s business in the U.S. spans 30 locations in 12 states including BMW Group Financial Services, BMW Manufacturing, Designworks, BMW Technology Office USA, and BMW i Ventures. The company’s U.S. plant in South Carolina is the largest single BMW production facility in the world and the global center of competence for BMW Sports Activity Vehicles. The BMW Group sales organization is represented by a nationwide network of 355 BMW retailers, 147 BMW motorcycle retailers, 104 MINI passenger car dealers, and 38 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. Taken together, BMW Group’s business activities in the U.S. provide and support over 120,000 jobs and contribute more than $43.3 billion to the U.S. economy annually. For more information about BMW Group’s business and products in the U.S., please visit: PressClub USA.

                                      #      #      #

• Special model limited to 120 units for the United States and Canada, marking the end of BMW ALPINA XB7 production.
• Available exclusively in Frozen ALPINA Green and Frozen ALPINA Blue – paint finishes never before offered on the XB7.
• Unique exterior badges and B-pillar MANUFAKTUR wordmark; heritage ALPINA script embroidery on the front seat headrests.
• Two handmade ALPINA weekender bags in brown LAVALINA leather included as standard.
• Assembly at BMW Plant Spartanburg, South Carolina, commences September 2026; deliveries expected Q4 2026.
• Single fully equipped specification; MSRP $180,000 plus $1,550 destination and handling.

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – March 6, 2026… When the first BMW ALPINA XB7 left final assembly at BMW Plant Spartanburg in South Carolina in 2020, it marked the very first time an ALPINA model had ever been completed outside of the ALPINA workshop in Buchloe, approximately one hour west of BMW's Munich headquarters. Today, we mark the close of XB7 production with the 2026 BMW ALPINA XB7 MANUFAKTUR – a special model limited to 120 examples for the United States and Canada. Embodying the MANUFAKTUR standard, the XB7 MANUFAKTUR brings together exclusive finishes, tailored details, and appointments never before offered on the XB7, alongside the hallmark BMW ALPINA balance of maximum performance, supreme ride comfort, and signature driving dynamics.

 Every BMW ALPINA XB7 MANUFAKTUR will be assembled at BMW Plant Spartanburg in South Carolina, with production commencing in September 2026 and deliveries expected in the fourth quarter of 2026. A single, fully-equipped specification ensures each of the 120 examples arrives identically appointed – clients need only select their paint finish.

MANUFAKTUR Exterior: Frozen ALPINA Green, Frozen ALPINA Blue, and a New Standard for the XB7.

The 2026 BMW ALPINA XB7 MANUFAKTUR is offered exclusively in two paint finishes never before available on the XB7: Frozen ALPINA Green and Frozen ALPINA Blue. Both finishes are new to the XB7 while remaining clearly rooted in the BMW ALPINA color heritage — a deliberate choice that honors the model's lineage in its final production year. Setting off both finishes are exterior design elements finished in Shadowline high-gloss black, including the standard 23-inch ALPINA CLASSIC forged 20-spoke wheels.

The full suite of exterior trim – grille, window surrounds, air breathers, front ALPINA logo, and rear tailpipe finishers – is presented in Shadowline high-gloss black. A unique "XB7 MANUFAKTUR" badge at the rear identifies each example. Viewed in profile, the classic ALPINA Deco-Set appliqué runs the length of the vehicle in black, while a laser-etched "MANUFAKTUR" wordmark on each B-pillar marks the designation with characteristic restraint. The standard receiver hitch supports towing capacity of up to 7,500 lbs.

MANUFAKTUR Interior: Tartufo Full Merino Leather, Heritage ALPINA Embroidery, and a "1 of 120" Plaque.

Across all 120 examples – regardless of exterior finish – the BMW ALPINA XB7 MANUFAKTUR interior is upholstered in Tartufo Full Merino leather and trimmed in ALPINA Walnut Nature Black. Each front headrest carries the heritage ALPINA script embroidered in green and blue, a detail that connects the XB7 MANUFAKTUR directly to the brand's five-decade tradition of individual expression. Black front floor mats feature silver ALPINA emblem pins; the trunk mat is embroidered with the "MANUFAKTUR" wordmark.

On the forward console lid, a silver "BMW ALPINA XB7 MANUFAKTUR" plaque confirms each vehicle's place as "1 of 120" – a direct statement of the model's significance. The 8-speed ALPINA Switch-Tronic transmission is operable via column-mounted paddles finished in anodized black.

Standard appointments include second-row captain's chairs and a Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound system. Each BMW ALPINA XB7 MANUFAKTUR is also accompanied by two handmade ALPINA weekender bags – crafted in brown LAVALINA leather and trimmed with the ALPINA script in coordinating green and blue — designed in concert with the vehicle's interior palette rather than added to it.

631 HP Bi-Turbo V8, ALPINA-Tuned Chassis, and 0-60 in 3.9 Seconds.

At the heart of every BMW ALPINA XB7 MANUFAKTUR is the 4.4-liter Bi-Turbo V8, based on the BMW S68 engine and producing 631 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an 8-speed ALPINA Switch-Tronic transmission and integrated 48-volt starter-generator, the XB7 MANUFAKTUR reaches 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds  while delivering the relaxed, effortless cruising refinement that defines the BMW ALPINA driving experience.

The standard 2-axle air suspension features ALPINA-specific damper and kinematic tuning, allows a range of 3.2 inches of adjustable ride height. Below 20 mph, ride height can be raised 1.6 inches for clearance; at higher speeds, it lowers automatically by 0.8 inches – or 1.6 inches in SPORT+ mode above 155 mph – for a reduced center of gravity and sharper dynamics. Active Roll Stabilization with electromechanical anti-roll bars and stiffer rear axle bushings minimise body roll without compromising the XB7 MANUFAKTUR's signature ride quality.

Integral Active Steering delivers direct response and rear-axle turning of up to 2.3° for both low-speed agility and high-speed stability. Three driver-selectable modes – COMFORT, SPORT, and SPORT+ — allow the XB7 MANUFAKTUR to be precisely tailored to any driving situation.

Deliveries of the 2026 BMW ALPINA XB7 MANUFAKTUR are expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026.

BMW Group in the United States

BMW Group began operations in the U.S. over 50 years ago. In addition to the sales, marketing, and distribution of BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce, and BMW Motorrad vehicles, BMW Group’s business in the U.S. spans 30 locations in 12 states including BMW Group Financial Services, BMW Manufacturing, Designworks, BMW Technology Office USA, and BMW i Ventures. The company’s U.S. plant in South Carolina is the largest single BMW production facility in the world and the global center of competence for BMW Sports Activity Vehicles. The BMW Group sales organization is represented by a nationwide network of 355 BMW retailers, 147 BMW motorcycle retailers, 105 MINI passenger car dealers, and 37 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. Taken together, BMW Group’s business activities in the U.S. provide and support over 120,000 jobs and contribute more than $43.3 billion to the U.S. economy annually.

For more information about BMW Group’s business and products in the U.S., please visit: PressClub USA.

#      #      #

• World premiere of an exclusive, limited-production ALPINA model for the United States and Canada — full details released Friday, March 6 at 2:15 PM ET.
• BMW Classic USA presents a six-generation BMW M3 display at The Amelia Concours 2026, marking 40 years of the iconic sports sedan.
• Sunday's Cars & Caffeine event celebrates three BMW milestones: 40 years of the M3, 50 years of the 6 Series, and 60 years of the BMW 2002.

Fernandina Beach, FL – March 2, 2026…At The 31st Amelia Concours d'Elegance, held March 6–8, 2026, at the Golf Club of Amelia Island and The Ritz-Carlton Resort, BMW will mark three milestones in its performance heritage — 40 years of the BMW M3, 50 years of the BMW 6 Series, and 60 years of the BMW 2002 — alongside the world premiere of an exclusive, limited-production ALPINA model for the United States and Canada.

North American Debut: An Exclusive ALPINA Model for the United States and Canada.

BMW’s activities at The Amelia Concours 2026 begin on Friday with the debut of an exclusive, limited-production model for the United States and Canada. ALPINA has long defined a singular expression of maximum performance and supreme ride comfort — an exceptional balance that has made the marque revered among connoisseurs of refined performance.

Full details remain under embargo until the reveal on Friday, March 6, 2026, at 2:15 PM ET / 11:15 AM PT. The new ALPINA model will remain on display at the main entrance to The Ritz-Carlton throughout the weekend of The Amelia Concours 2026.

40 Years of the BMW M3: Six Generations on Display at The Amelia Concours 2026

2026 marks 40 years since the introduction of the BMW M3 — released in 1986 as a homologation special for Group A racing competition. At The Amelia Concours 2026, BMW Classic USA will present a curated six-generation display tracing the M3's evolution from the E30 to the current G8x, with each example illustrating the direct connection between BMW Motorsport's racing development and the road cars BMW M has delivered to customers worldwide.

1^st Generation: E30 - The BMW E30 3 Series spawned the first BMW M3 – a car designed by BMW Motorsport to represent BMW in race series around the world. Initially, 5000 street examples needed to be produced to homologate the car for Group A competition. The car that will be on display is one of 600 1990 Sport Evolution street examples produced to allow further racing development. It is equipped with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, revised aerodynamics and 18-inch wheels. Through the course of its racing career, E30 M3 became the most successful racing sports touring car ever.

2^nd Generation: E36 - Although the E36 M3 was raced very successfully in the US and Europe, its primary focus was performance on the road. The E36 M3 was the only generation with a unique engine for the US market; a 240 hp 3.2-liter inline-6, and the first M3 offered as a sedan and convertible as well as a coupe. The formula was successful; the E36 M3 was on Car and Driver’s 10Best list every year it was in production. The pinnacle of the E36 M3 in the US was the limited edition M3 Lightweight displayed – available only in white with the Motorsport checkered flag motif. This track-focused model deleted the air conditioning and other comfort and convenience features and had aluminum doors, all of which made it 200 pounds lighter than the stock M3 coupe. It also featured an adjustable front splitter, a rear wing, and an oil scavenge pump.

3^rd Generation: E46 - The E46 M3 continued the evolution of The Ultimate Driving Machine with a somewhat larger yet significantly stiffer body shell than the E36 it replaced. The third generation M3 was offered as a coupe and convertible and was powered by a high revving, 333 hp 3.2-liter inline 6-cylinder engine paired with either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed SMG-II transmission. A highly successful sales leader in its day, the E46 M3 is today revered as one of the all-time best handling cars. The E46 M3 GTR race version became a dominant force in racing around the world – both with 6-cylinder and V8 power. The example on display is a well preserved 2006 model.

4^th Generation: E92 - The E9x M3 is the only road-going M3 to be powered by a V8 engine. The 4-liter, 414 hp V8 with an 8,300 RPM redline was a masterpiece of engineering and could be paired with either a 6-speed manual or a fast-shifting M-DCT double-clutch gearbox. High US demand meant the fourth generation M3 was again offered as a sedan as well as a coupe and convertible. The E9x was the first M3 to include the BMW iDrive system to control navigation, infotainment, and essential vehicle functions. It was also a remarkably successful race car, sweeping the ALMS Championship in 2011 and winning the 12hrs of Sebring in 2011 and 2012. The example shown here is one of 200 US market-only M3 Lime Rock Park Editions produced in 2013.

5^th Generation: F8x - The 5th generation saw substantial changes for the M3/M4. Going forward, coupes and convertibles would be badged M4s, with the M3 badge reserved for the sedan. The F8x generation was the first one turbocharged, powered by a new S55 TwinPower Turbo inline-6 cylinder 3-liter engine developing 425 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. Acceleration from 0-60 mph dropped to 3.9 seconds with the optional M-DCT dual clutch transmission. The peak version was the track oriented, limited production M4 GTS shown here. The hardcore GTS included extensive use of carbon fiber inside and out, a standard partial roll cage in place of the rear seats, and water injection for the higher output S55 engine.

6^th Generation: G8x - The G8x M3/M4 is the result of the continuous evolution of the definitive M sports sedan and coupe over the past four decades. Today’s M3/M4 have benefitted from extraordinary advancements in technology and engineering, improving performance, safety, efficiency, comfort, and convenience, all without compromising the emotional experience of The Ultimate Driving Machine. The G8x generation are available in rear wheel drive or xDrive all-wheel drive, with a 6-speed manual or a fast shifting 8-speed automatic derived from the GT4 race car. The example on display is a manual transmission version in BMW Individual Laguna Seca Blue with accessories from BMW M Performance.

Saturday, March 7: The 31st Amelia Concours d'Elegance — BMW Award for Engineering Excellence

The 31st Amelia Concours d'Elegance takes place Saturday, March 7, 2026, on the fairways of the Golf Club of Amelia Island at The Ritz-Carlton Resort, featuring over 250 vehicles across 35 classes. Among the awards presented is the BMW Award for Engineering Excellence, recognizing vehicles that demonstrate forward-thinking technologies and innovations that transcend their era. The Amelia Concours d'Elegance is open from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM.

Sunday, March 8: Cars & Caffeine Celebrates 50 Years of the BMW 6 Series and 60 Years of the BMW 2002

Sunday, March 8, Cars & Caffeine at the Golf Club of Amelia Island will feature over 400 vehicles. BMW Classic USA will mark three milestone anniversaries: 40 years of the BMW M3, 50 years of the BMW 6 Series, and 60 years of the BMW 2002 — with dozens of excellent examples from each model's history entered by members of the BMW Car Club of America. Cars & Caffeine runs from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

BMW Group in the United States

BMW Group began operations in the U.S. over 50 years ago. In addition to the sales, marketing, and distribution of BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce, and BMW Motorrad vehicles, BMW Group’s business in the U.S. spans 30 locations in 12 states including BMW Group Financial Services, BMW Manufacturing, Designworks, BMW Technology Office USA, and BMW i Ventures. The company’s U.S. plant in South Carolina is the largest single BMW production facility in the world and the global center of competence for BMW Sports Activity Vehicles. The BMW Group sales organization is represented by a nationwide network of 355 BMW retailers, 147 BMW motorcycle retailers, 105 MINI passenger car dealers, and 37 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. Taken together, BMW Group’s business activities in the U.S. provide and support over 120,000 jobs and contribute more than $43.3 billion to the U.S. economy annually.

#      #      #

Journalists note: For more information about BMW Group’s business and products in the U.S., please visit: PressClub USA.

#      #      #