Return of the Masters: Bovensiepen GT – When a Name Means More Than a Badge
The automotive world is no stranger to surprises, and the recent debut at the prestigious Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este is a shining example. Under the Bovensiepen name, a striking new Gran Turismo coupe was unveiled — a collaboration with the legendary Italian design house, Zagato. And if the name Bovensiepen rings a bell, your instincts are spot on. This is not just a new name in the world of ultra-exclusive cars — it’s a rebirth of the Alpina spirit in a new, bespoke form.
Legacy and New Beginnings: From Alpina to Bovensiepen
The Bovensiepen family has been synonymous with BMW for decades. As founders of Alpina, they transformed exceptional Bavarian cars into even more refined, powerful, and luxurious machines. In 2022, the Alpina brand officially became part of the BMW Group, seemingly closing a legendary chapter. But as we now see, the passion for “creating exceptional cars that embody the concept of passionate driving” — as the new marque ambitiously states — is still very much alive.
Stepping out from under the Alpina umbrella gave Andreas Bovensiepen, son of Alpina founder Burkard Bovensiepen, and his sister Floriane the freedom to start fresh — bringing along decades of experience and a refined philosophy. Bovensiepen is no longer a tuning house — it’s a true manufacturer, aiming squarely at the ultra-luxury niche. And their debut project is a bold statement.
Partnering with Zagato: A Design Collaboration Like No Other
Choosing to work with Zagato is both symbolic and inspired. The Milan-based coachbuilder is known for its avant-garde and sometimes provocative designs, as well as a century-long legacy of building bespoke cars for the world’s most iconic brands. “It was a team effort driven by the enthusiasm of the project... When you merge two DNAs, the result should be a stronger DNA,” said Andrea Zagato, third-generation president of the design house.
And the result truly is breathtaking. From the profile alone, identifying the donor car is a challenge. Early guesses from industry insiders pointed to a heavily modified Ford Mustang or even a custom BMW 8-Series — a testament to how radically transformed the final product is. In reality, beneath the elegant carbon skin lies the chassis and powertrain of the BMW M4 Coupe.
But the similarities end with the dimensions. The Bovensiepen GT’s appearance is pure art. The carbon fiber body panels form a sleek, muscular silhouette.
The signature “double bubble” roof — a Zagato hallmark — adds both style and function, increasing headroom for helmeted drivers and passengers.
At the front, the controversial M4 grille has been replaced with a more refined, classic GT look. The overall aesthetic recalls BMW concept cars — perhaps even the long-discontinued i8. The rear light signatures subtly nod to Alpina’s iconic striping, as do the intricately designed 20-inch wheels.
Some critics note that the design, while elegant and clean, might lack the sharp distinctiveness often associated with Zagato. Yet that restraint could be seen as a nod to German precision over Italian flamboyance. And the disappearance of the oversized M4 grille? Undoubtedly a win for many purists.
Dimensions & Weight
Length: 4,943 mm
Width (excl. mirrors): 1,913 mm
Height: 1,394 mm
Weight (DIN): 1,875 kg
Carbon fiber construction helps offset the weight of luxury materials and custom additions, but the GT still tips the scales about 100 kg heavier than the standard M4 (1,775 kg) and 20 kg more than the AWD M4 Competition xDrive (1,855 kg). That’s the price of exclusivity and over 250 hours of handcrafted assembly.
Beneath the Carbon Skin: Bavarian Heart, Reimagined
Interestingly, Bovensiepen avoids overt references to BMW or the specific M4 variant used as the base. But the specs speak volumes. Under the hood is a significantly enhanced version of the 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six S58 engine.
Output is boosted to a remarkable 611 hp (449 kW) and 700 Nm of torque — a clear step up from the M4 Competition (510 hp, 650 Nm) and even the M4 CSL (550 hp, 650 Nm).
Performance matches the figures: 0–100 km/h in just 3.3 seconds, with a top speed exceeding 300 km/h. Given the weight and acceleration, it’s safe to assume the AWD M4 Competition xDrive is the underlying donor — essential for harnessing this level of performance from a standstill.
Sound is handled by a titanium Akrapovič exhaust system, adding both emotional depth and a 40% weight reduction compared to the standard setup. Suspension duties are handled by custom Bilstein Damptronic adaptive dampers, offering Comfort, Sport, and Sport Plus modes — a balance between GT luxury and precision handling.
Inside the GT: A Tailored World of Luxury
Step inside, and while the core architecture hints at the M4, that’s where similarities end. The interior of the Bovensiepen GT is a masterclass in customization.
The Villa d'Este show car featured deep blue leather and Alcantara finishes of the highest quality. But that’s only the beginning. Bovensiepen offers 16 standard leather colors, 45 Alcantara options, and virtually unlimited customization possibilities through its bespoke program.
Every stitch, panel, and inlay can be tailored to the client’s desires. It’s not just a car interior — it’s a made-to-measure suit crafted to perfection.
When Can You Get One?
As expected for a vehicle of this caliber, the Bovensiepen GT is not destined for mass production. Following its debut, the company plans to begin production, with customer deliveries expected by late Q2 2026.
Exact production numbers and pricing will be revealed in Q4 2025, but one thing is certain — the price tag will reflect its exclusivity, craftsmanship, and prestige partners. It’s safe to predict a figure well beyond €500,000, potentially nearing seven figures, as is common for Zagato projects.
Final Thoughts: More Than Just a Car
The Bovensiepen GT is not just another fast, luxurious vehicle. It’s a statement. A bridge connecting the illustrious Alpina legacy with a bold new future. It’s a fusion of German engineering precision, Italian design flair, and a philosophy that values craftsmanship and emotional connection over raw specs alone.
This car isn’t built to chase Nürburgring lap times — though it could hold its own. It belongs on high-speed autobahns, scenic mountain passes, and the glamorous boulevards of the French Riviera.
The Bovensiepen GT is a modern interpretation of the classic Gran Turismo ethos — built for those who appreciate speed, yes, but also style, artistry, and exclusivity. A future collector’s piece, crafted by people for whom cars are not just transportation — they are a lifelong passion.
