Photo: Alpina
As Alpina continues to work closely with BMW on a variety of new models, it was only a matter of time before a discussion about hybrid models would need to be held. As it turns out, the Buchloe-based tuner/manufacturer is looking into the matter as well.
Call me arrogant or whatever you want but this was foreseeable for quite some time now. With BMW focusing more and more on reducing fuel consumption and emissions and introducing more hybrids in their lineup, it was only a matter of time until Alpina jumped on the bandwagon too. After all, their cars are made on the same assembly lines after all, even though they have different VINs.
In a recent interview with Autocar, the CEO of the company, Andy Bovensiepen said: “Hybrid technology is advancing quickly. We’re now seeing what I’d call ‘second-generation’ hybrids and EVs, like the BMW i8, and it’s becoming more interesting. The thing we have to remember is that our customers like to drive quickly and they also buy our cars to be used daily. And hybrid technology hasn’t been good enough for that up to now. The danger is that the car is terrific for 200 miles, but then the small battery runs out and for the rest of the journey you have a disappointing drive.”
He’s right but then again, the numbers he chose might’ve been a bit off. I mean, after 200 miles (320 km) anyone gets a bit tired behind the wheel and less enthusiastic as when he/she set off.
Leaving this aspect aside, a hybrid model would definitely fit the Alpina line-up a lot better than a diesel, be that even a smooth inline 6-cylinder. According to the CEO, if BMW offers a good technical base, they could have a model on sale within just two years.
So we know now that making such a car is not an issue. The question is: which one will be first? Our money is on the facelifted 3 Series, the 328e model to be more precise.
In a recent interview with Autocar, the CEO of the company, Andy Bovensiepen said: “Hybrid technology is advancing quickly. We’re now seeing what I’d call ‘second-generation’ hybrids and EVs, like the BMW i8, and it’s becoming more interesting. The thing we have to remember is that our customers like to drive quickly and they also buy our cars to be used daily. And hybrid technology hasn’t been good enough for that up to now. The danger is that the car is terrific for 200 miles, but then the small battery runs out and for the rest of the journey you have a disappointing drive.”
He’s right but then again, the numbers he chose might’ve been a bit off. I mean, after 200 miles (320 km) anyone gets a bit tired behind the wheel and less enthusiastic as when he/she set off.
Leaving this aspect aside, a hybrid model would definitely fit the Alpina line-up a lot better than a diesel, be that even a smooth inline 6-cylinder. According to the CEO, if BMW offers a good technical base, they could have a model on sale within just two years.
So we know now that making such a car is not an issue. The question is: which one will be first? Our money is on the facelifted 3 Series, the 328e model to be more precise.
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