German automaker BMW is considering the possibility of series production of its Vision BMW Alpina concept coupe, which was unveiled at the Villa d’Este elegance competition in May, Autocar reports.

If this project is approved, it could become a turning point for the reviving Alpina brand, a kind of “M1 moment,” as company representatives call it. However, a final decision has not yet been made.

It is about a 5.2-meter-long, V8-powered, two-door coupe for four people. The car is distinguished by its luxurious design and should emphasize Alpina’s independent character after the brand came under full control of BMW.

Previously, Alpina developed sports versions of BMW cars, while remaining a legally independent manufacturer. The company had access to early BMW prototypes and engineering data, which enabled it to create its models in parallel with the base cars of the German concern. Moreover, Alpina cars have traditionally differed from the models of the BMW M division in a higher level of comfort. BMW intends to maintain this feature even after the relaunch of the brand.

The company fears that buyers may perceive the revived Alpina as just another level of completion. Therefore, a separate model could help emphasize the originality of the brand.

Speaking at the launch of the new BMW i3, Mike Reichelt, head of BMW's Neue Klasse program, expressed doubts that the Vision Alpina concept will go into production in its current form. At the same time, he admitted that the designers put the engineers in a difficult position due to the high demand for the car, and noted that Alpina would like to release the model in limited quantities.

The first car of the revived brand is expected to be a luxury sedan based on the BMW 7 Series. Its dimensions and emphasis on comfort will enable it to be distinguished from BMW M models, which are not represented in this segment. The question of whether BMW will simultaneously offer M and Alpina versions of the same model is still being discussed. According to Autocar, it is precisely the preservation of clear differences between the two directions that makes the release of a separate luxury car the most logical solution. The previous generation of the Alpina B7 was lauded in the automotive industry and served as a benchmark for competitors.

Until now, the Bovensiepen family, which founded Alpina, is preparing to create an automobile brand bearing its own surname. After the sale of Alpina, the family lost its former production advantages: previously, its cars were assembled at BMW factories, and then improved in the German town of Buchloe. The new Bovensiepen cars will be produced in small batches—in dozens or hundreds of copies. Among the expected innovations is the Spider roadster, which will be released in just 99 copies.