BMW News

McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

By Khris Bharath – May 15, 2026

BMW Vision ALPINA Concept breaks cover at the 2026 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este

BMW’s relationship with Lake Como has increasingly become about more than elegance and heritage. Over the past several years, the Bavarian automaker has transformed the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este into its preferred launchpad for low-volume halo cars, design studies, and ultra-luxury concepts aimed at the highest end of the collector market. Last year alone, the company revealed the limited-production Concept Speedtop shooting brake, the M2 CS, and the Motorrad Concept RR. The year before that, BMW introduced the Concept Skytop, a 617-horsepower targa-style roadster limited to just 50 examples. The group’s flagship brand, Rolls-Royce, has also done the same over the years, and we saw the one-off Phantom Dentelle last May and the five hand-painted Cullinan Black-Badge SUVs done by Cyril Kongo, which were shown earlier today. Now, this latest reveal may be one of the most significant ones yet. Just days after a teaser dropped earlier this week, BMW officially unveiled the Vision BMW ALPINA at Villa d’Este, confirming many of the details hinted at beforehand, including its long-wheelbase grand touring proportions, dramatically raked roofline, and positioning as the first true Alpina-era concept developed fully under BMW ownership. At 204.7 inches long, the Vision BMW ALPINA immediately separates itself from every current BMW production model. The proportions lean heavily into classic grand touring design themes, combining a low-slung body, stretched hood, slim greenhouse, and coupe silhouette capable of carrying four adults comfortably across continents at high speed. BMW also confirmed that the concept packs a V8 powertrain paired with a specially tuned Alpina exhaust system engineered around deep low-speed tones and richer acoustics at higher revs. More importantly, the Vision BMW ALPINA looks intentionally restrained compared to some of BMW’s increasingly aggressive M models. The illuminated kidney grille avoids oversized vertical proportions, while the warm white daytime running lights appear softer and considerably more elegant than anything currently offered by BMW M, whereas the flush glasshouse and fixed panoramic roof visually stretch the profile even further. BMW has also packed the concept with subtle heritage references that longtime Alpina enthusiasts will immediately recognize. The shark-nose front fascia recalls the original Alpina B7 Coupé, while the signature deco lines first introduced during the mid-1970s have been retained. Even the signature classic multi-spoke Alpina wheels return, now enlarged to massive 22-inch front and 23-inch rear. Inside, BMW deliberately avoided the minimalist approach dominating many modern luxury interiors today. Instead, the cabin focuses heavily on architectural layering, material richness, and long-distance comfort. Sculpted rear seats, crystal switchgear, machined metal accents, and full-grain leather sourced from Alpine-region suppliers reinforce Alpina’s long-standing philosophy that effortless speed and luxury should coexist. Combined with the aforementioned panoramic roof, it makes for a truly airy on-board experience. “Alpina has always represented a very specific idea of performance and refinement, where speed and comfort are complementary ambitions” - Adrian van Hooydonk, Head of BMW Group Design. <- Gallery -> This reveal also marks a significant moment for the Alpina brand itself. BMW formally assumed control of Alpina in January this year, ending an independent era that began in 1965 when Burkard Bovensiepen started building refined, high-speed BMW grand tourers in Bavaria. Models like the B7 and B5 eventually earned loyal followings among enthusiasts wanting V8 performance without sacrificing on understated luxury. But following BMW’s acquisition announcement in 2022, Andreas and Florian Bovensiepen moved on toward independent projects, most notably the Bovensiepen Zagato revealed almost exactly one year ago during the Fuori Concorso event beside Lake Como. That 611-horsepower carbon-bodied grand tourer, based on the BMW M4 and styled by Zagato. As for Alpina, BMW has confirmed the first production-era model will debut next year, and will be based on the BMW 7 Series, but developed with its own distinct identity. View All BMW Alpinas For Sale Images: BMW Alpina

By Khris Bharath – May 11, 2026

BMW to Unveil Vision Alpina Concept at Villa d’Este on May 15

With the 2026 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este now just days away, BMW is once again preparing to use the shores of Lake Como in Italy as a stage for one of its most significant reveals of the year. On May 15, BMW will unveil the Vision BMW Alpina concept. Since it assumed full ownership of the Alpina name on January 1 and subsequently announced with a new logo, this will be the second presentation as a stand-alone brand after the 120-unit XB7 announced at Amelia Island in early March. A teaser image of the upcoming car shows the profile of a long-wheelbase coupe with a dramatically raked roofline and what appears to be bespoke lighting signatures not shared with any existing BMW model. The front bumper shows vertical aero elements and a chin spoiler, while brightening up the image reveals what appears to be a fixed glass roof, sleek rear view mirrors, and exhaust pipes in the rear bumper. Exactly what will power this upcoming GT car needs to be seen. As one of the official organizers of the historic event alongside the Grand Hotel Villa d’Este, the Bavarian automaker has transformed the annual gathering into far more than a concours weekend. In recent years, it has become BMW’s preferred venue for unveiling low-volume halo cars, design studies, and future-facing concepts aimed at collectors and ultra-luxury clientele. View this post on Instagram A post shared by BMW ALPINA (@bmwalpina.official) Last year, BMW revealed the Concept Speedtop, a low-slung shooting brake grand tourer limited to 70 examples, alongside the M2 CS (which we’ve since reviewed) and the Motorrad Concept RR. The year prior, it debuted the Concept Skytop, a 617-horsepower targa-topped roadster now heading to 50 lucky customers at roughly $550,000 each. The group’s flagship brand, Rolls-Royce, has also done the same over the years, and we saw the one-off Phantom Dentelle last May. Alpina, meanwhile, has roots stretching back to 1965, when Burkard Bovensiepen founded the company in Buchloe, Bavaria, building performance-tuned BMWs that earned a devoted following for combining speed with grand tourer refinement. Sedans like the B7 and B5 became favorites among enthusiasts who wanted V8 performance without sacrificing refinement. That original era has now closed, and BMW announced its acquisition of the brand in 2022. With the brand now fully absorbed, Bovensiepen's sons, Andreas and Florian, have since moved on, and almost exactly a year ago, at the Fuori Concorso fringe event on the shores of Lake Como, they unveiled the Bovensiepen Zagato, a 611-horsepower, carbon-bodied grand tourer built on the BMW M4 and styled by the Milanese design house Zagato, limited to 99 units at $406,000. According to Autocar UK, the first new-age Alpinas to reach showrooms will be based on the 7 Series and X7. BMW Group R&D chief Joachim Post said Alpina will prioritize "speed, comfort, and luxury," positioning it between the likes of BMW’s sporty M Division and Rolls-Royce. View All BMW Alpinas For Sale Images via Instagram: @bmwalpina.official, @bmw

By Charles Bradley – March 06, 2026

Final BMW ALPINA XB7 Arrives as a 120-Unit MANUFAKTUR Edition

For collectors of high-performance luxury SUVs, the arrival of the 2026 BMW ALPINA XB7 MANUFAKTUR signals the end of an era. Limited to just 120 examples for the United States and Canada, the special edition marks the close of production for the BMW ALPINA XB7, one of the most powerful and luxurious three-row SUVs ever created. When the first XB7 left final assembly at BMW Plant Spartanburg in 2020, it represented a historic milestone for ALPINA – the first time one of its vehicles had been completed outside the marque’s legendary workshop in Buchloe, about an hour west of BMW’s Munich headquarters. Now, the final chapter arrives with the XB7 MANUFAKTUR, bringing together exclusive finishes, tailored details, and appointments never before offered on the model, while maintaining the hallmark BMW ALPINA balance of maximum performance, supreme ride comfort, and signature driving dynamics. Production will begin in September 2026 at BMW’s South Carolina facility, with deliveries expected in the fourth quarter of 2026. Each example will be offered in a single, fully equipped specification priced at $180,000 plus $1,550 destination and handling, leaving clients with just one decision: choosing between two exclusive exterior finishes. Exclusive Colors and Signature ALPINA Details Revealed at the Amelia Concours today, XB7 MANUFAKTUR is offered exclusively in two finishes never before available on the model: Frozen ALPINA Green and Frozen ALPINA Blue. Both colors draw inspiration from the brand’s heritage palette while giving the final-edition SUV a distinctive, modern presence. Contrasting the matte finishes are Shadowline high-gloss black exterior elements, including the grille, window surrounds, air breathers, and rear tailpipe finishers. The look is completed by the standard 23-inch ALPINA CLASSIC forged 20-spoke wheels, finished to match the SUV’s sophisticated aesthetic. Subtle design cues distinguish the limited model. A unique “XB7 MANUFAKTUR” badge sits at the rear, while the iconic ALPINA Deco-Set striping runs the length of the vehicle in black. On the B-pillars, a laser-etched “MANUFAKTUR” wordmark quietly signals the model’s exclusivity. Practical capability remains intact as well, with the standard receiver hitch supporting towing capacity of up to 7,500 pounds. A Bespoke Cabin With Heritage Craftsmanship Inside, every XB7 MANUFAKTUR receives the same meticulously appointed interior regardless of exterior color. The cabin is upholstered in rich Tartufo Full Merino leather and complemented by ALPINA Walnut Nature Black trim. The front seat headrests carry 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, while the trunk mat is embroidered with the MANUFAKTUR wordmark. On the forward console lid, a silver plaque reads “BMW ALPINA XB7 MANUFAKTUR” and confirms each vehicle’s status as “1 of 120.” Even the 8-speed ALPINA Switch-Tronic transmission controls reflect the model’s bespoke nature, with column-mounted paddles finished in anodized black. Luxury features come standard, including second-row captain’s chairs and a Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound system. Each vehicle is also delivered with two handmade ALPINA weekender bags crafted from brown LAVALINA leather, trimmed with the ALPINA script in coordinating green and blue to complement the interior palette. 631 Horsepower Meets ALPINA Refinement Under the hood, the XB7 MANUFAKTUR continues the model’s legacy of blending performance with long-distance comfort. Power comes from a 4.4-liter bi-turbocharged V8 based on the BMW S68 engine, producing 631 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. Paired with the 8-speed ALPINA Switch-Tronic transmission and an integrated 48-volt starter-generator system, the SUV can sprint from zero to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds while maintaining the relaxed cruising refinement expected from an ALPINA model. The chassis is equally sophisticated. A two-axle air suspension with ALPINA-specific damper and kinematic tuning allows up to 3.2 inches of adjustable ride height. At low speeds below 20 mph, the vehicle can be raised 1.6 inches for added clearance. At higher speeds, the suspension lowers automatically by 0.8 inches – or by 1.6 inches in SPORT+ mode above 155 mph – to improve stability and reduce the center of gravity. Active Roll Stabilization with electromechanical anti-roll bars and stiffer rear axle bushings minimizes body roll while preserving ride comfort. Meanwhile, Integral Active Steering provides rear-axle turning of up to 2.3 degrees, enhancing agility at low speeds and stability on the highway. Drivers can tailor the experience with three selectable modes – COMFORT, SPORT, and SPORT+ – ensuring the XB7 MANUFAKTUR is equally suited to long-distance touring or spirited driving. The End of a Remarkable Chapter With just 120 examples planned for North America, the 2026 BMW ALPINA XB7 MANUFAKTUR represents a fitting sendoff for one of the most distinctive luxury performance SUVs of the modern era. Combining handcrafted interior details, exclusive finishes, and ALPINA’s signature balance of speed and comfort, the limited edition ensures the XB7 exits production with the same quiet confidence that has defined the brand for decades. Deliveries are expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026. View All BMW Alpina XB7s For Sale Images: BMW Alpina

BMW Is Revealing A New ALPINA Model At The Amelia Concours

By Tyler Rampersaud – March 03, 2026

A New ALPINA Will Debut At Amelia Concours

Going from a house known for tuning BMW models with a unique approach to design and performance to a part of the BMW Group umbrella, ALPINA is one of the most iconic names in German performance. Whether it’s for their classic creations or for their modern creations that combine robust power with plush, touring-focused elegance, ALPINA is celebrated by enthusiasts and is currently on the cusp of a new chapter as a brand. After bringing it into the BMW Group, BMW has relaunched ALPINA with a new wordmark, a new logo, and the promise of a new lineup of vehicles. The latter of those is set to be unveiled at the 31st Amelia Concours, the upcoming edition of a prestigious automotive gathering on the Atlantic coast of Florida. The new ALPINA, which will continue to represent the brand’s approach to combining superior performance and comfort, will be revealed on Friday, March 6, as part of a significant BMW presence at this year’s Amelia Concours. At the Amelia Concours, BMW will also be celebrating 40 years of one of its most cherished models, the M3, by displaying the six generations of the treasured performance machine at the event. In addition, BMW will be presenting the BMW Award for Engineering Excellence at the concours, honoring cars that represent thinking that is ahead of their time. On Sunday, March 8, BMW will celebrate 50 years of the 6 Series and 60 years of the 2002 at Cars & Caffeine at the Golf Club of Amelia Island, showcasing incredible legacies within the rich heritage of one of the automotive world’s most celebrated names. View All BMW For Sale <- Gallery -> Image Source: BMW

By Khris Bharath – February 12, 2026

BMW ALPINA Enters a New Era with Standalone Status and a New Badge

As of January 2026, BMW holds all rights to the Alpina brand. The process of acquiring the Bavarian tuner began in 2022 and has finally concluded, with the name now living on as BMW ALPINA, a fully integrated marque within the wider BMW Group, which also includes Rolls-Royce Motorcars, Mini, and BMW Motorrad. Since the German brand’s founding in 1965, the company refined BMW platforms with upgraded powertrains, bespoke chassis tuning, and cabins trimmed in rich leather and signature blue and green accents. Models like the B10, B5, and B7 built their reputations on discreet upgrades and effortless pace over headline-chasing performance figures. BMW states that future BMW ALPINA automobiles will continue exactly that approach, produced in select BMW Group plants prepared specifically for this role. View this post on Instagram A post shared by BMW ALPINA (@bmwalpina.official) Marking this change, a newly developed BMW ALPINA wordmark replaces the old standalone script. The typography specifically references the 1970s lettering that long-time enthusiasts will recognize. The badge still features the throttle body and crankshaft, a nod to the mechanical roots that defined Alpina from the onset. A transparent treatment and reduced color palette further sharpen the silhouette and signal a precise shift toward contemporary luxury. Simply put, BMW ALPINA positions itself as the elegant alternative to BMW M. If the M badge feels too aggressive for your taste, and a standard 7 Series or 5 Series just won't cut it, ALPINA sits in that space, delivering sustained high-speed capability, long-range comfort, and expanded personalization options. Superior quality leather now comes standard in every interior, offered in an extensive range of colors. You can specify contrasting stitching, curated trim materials, and subtle detailing that aligns with your taste. Outside, heritage paint finishes return alongside Alpina's signature 20-spoke alloy wheel design, creating visual continuity with past icons while fitting seamlessly into a modern portfolio. While the first model to carry the BMW ALPINA name has not yet been announced, if you value discreet luxury, comfort, and relentless speed in a single package, this evolution of the Alpina brand should already be on your radar. View All BMW Alpinas For Sale Images: BMW Group

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