Farewell to ALPINA, Welcome to Boven Zeppen
As the curtains close on the iconic ALPINA brand—acquired by BMW and rebranded for corporate interests—a new legacy is rising under the Boven Zeppen name. This new company, run by the Boven family, aims to carry forward the precision, elegance, and engineering legacy of ALPINA into an entirely new stratosphere of exclusivity.
Their first car, the Boven Zeppen Zagato, debuts as a jaw-dropping, coach-built GT based on the BMW M4 Convertible, cloaked in an all-carbon-fiber body, and co-designed with the legendary Zagato atelier of Milan.
Key Technical Highlights
| Category | Details |
| Base Platform | BMW M4 Convertible (G83) |
| Engine | S58 3.0L Inline-6 Twin-Turbo |
| Power Output | 611 hp / 449 kW |
| Torque | 700 Nm |
| 0–100 km/h Acceleration | 3.3 seconds |
| Top Speed | 300+ km/h |
| Weight | ~1,850 kg (hardtop mechanism removed) |
| Construction | Full carbon-fiber body, Akrapovič titanium exhaust |
| Production Time | 250 hours per unit, hand-built |
| Interior Craftsmanship | 130 hours using 1.4 km of yarn, 390 leather pieces |
Design Philosophy: Bavarian Precision Meets Italian Soul
Boven Zeppen describes its mission as “Fine Driving.” This vision combines the precision engineering of Bavaria with the artisanal styling of Milan, courtesy of Zagato, a century-old coachbuilding house.
- No B-pillar for an uninterrupted silhouette.
- Retractable frameless windows.
- Carbon ducktail spoiler, fin elements, and laser headlights.
- Signature Boven forged wheels created specifically for this project.
- All exterior panels (even the flanks and spoiler) are crafted from carbon fiber.
The blue leather interior evokes a yacht-like ambiance, especially with the open structure of the coupe. The goal was to produce a modern Gran Turismo with timeless proportions—and Boven Zeppen succeeded.
Interior: A Cabin Crafted Like Haute Couture
| Interior Feature | Details |
| Leather Quality | Custom Lavallina leather (luxury-grade) |
| Construction Time | 130 hours per interior build |
| Material | 390 stitched leather parts, 1.4 km of yarn |
| Technology | Full BMW M4 interface with added acoustic and visual enhancements |
| Signature Touch | Twin “B” logo (Boven + Blo region in Bavaria) |
The rear-seat delete, Alcantara headliner, soft blue lighting, and handcrafted finishes elevate the cabin beyond anything seen in production M cars. You’ll also find Akrapovič titanium exhaust acoustics integrated into the cabin’s feedback loop—merging sound engineering with luxury.
Performance Enhancements: It’s Still an M4… but Sharper
Even though the M4 Cabriolet’s core structure remains intact for homologation, Boven Zeppen engineered significant enhancements:
- Custom intake system boosts airflow and power output.
- Akrapovič titanium exhaust weighs only 22 kg, improving weight balance and sound quality.
- BHV adjustable suspension system ensures comfort on long drives while maintaining track-level performance.
According to founder Andreas Boven, this tuning achieves a lighter, more agile feel without compromising grand touring comfort.
Launch Highlights & Key Events
| Event | Details |
| Brand Transition from ALPINA to Boven Zeppen | BMW acquires ALPINA; Boven family launches new brand |
| Vehicle Reveal | Debuted at Villa d’Este Concorso d’Eleganza, Italy |
| Design Partner | Zagato (Italy) |
| Construction Timeline | 2+ years of joint development and testing |
| Price Range | €400,000–€500,000 |
| Production Volume | Extremely limited, hand-built |
Symbolism Behind the Logo
The Boven Zeppen logo reflects a deep family and regional heritage:
- First B: Represents the Boven family name and founder Bart.
- Second B: Represents Blo, their Bavarian origin.
- Arrow: Symbolizes aspiration and direction—”upward mobility.”
Andreas Boven first worked on the legendary BMW Z8 project in the late 1990s, where his dream of building a Coachbuilt car began. The Zagato collaboration fulfills that lifelong goal.
Why It Matters: Redefining Coachbuilding in the EV & GT Age
In an era where many brands chase volume and tech gimmicks, Boven Zeppen offers handcrafted automotive artistry. The Zagato Edition reimagines what an M4 can be—faster, lighter, more luxurious, and infused with history.
Even though BMW now owns ALPINA, enthusiasts of German performance and Italian flair now have a new icon to admire in Boven Zeppen.
Final View: Coachbuilding Is Not Dead—It Just Evolved
The Boven Zeppen Zagato isn’t just a collector’s toy; it’s a testament to the future of luxury motoring where craftsmanship, heritage, and performance meet.
With its blend of German structure and Italian sensuality, it sets the tone for future boutique automakers who dare to go beyond corporate conformity.
FAQs: What You Need to Know
Q1. Is this an ALPINA successor?
Yes and no. While BMW acquired ALPINA, the Boven family launched Boven Zeppen as an independent, coachbuilt luxury brand continuing the family’s legacy.
Q2. How many units will be produced?
Extremely limited. Each car requires 250 hours to build by hand.
Q3. Is this street-legal worldwide?
Yes, due to its underlying BMW M4 chassis, it meets homologation standards.
Q4. Can I buy one?
You can inquire but expect a waiting list and prices above €400,000.
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