Introducing ALPINA’s Revamped 20-Spoke Wheels: A Sneak Peek into BMW’s Redesign

BMW ALPINA: A Look at the Iconic 20-Spoke Wheel Design

In 2022, BMW made a significant move by acquiring the rights to the ALPINA brand and assuming full control at the start of the following year. Despite this development, a car from the newly established BMW ALPINA subsidiary is yet to make its debut. However, before the anticipated model based on the rumored 7 Series facelift arrives, we are offered a glimpse into a crucial aspect of the vehicle’s styling – the wheels.

Among the plethora of legendary wheel designs in the automotive industry, ALPINA’s iconic 20-spoke wheel stands out. Dating back to the 1960s, ALPINA founder Burkhard Bovensiepen envisioned a wheel design that would distinguish ALPINA models. This vision materialized into the distinctive 20-spoke layout in a starburst pattern, originally available in 13- and 14-inch diameters.

The introduction of the BMW 3.0 CSL (E9) in 1971 provided ALPINA access to BMW’s dealer network, enabling the elegant wheels to be sold and installed directly at BMW dealerships. As vehicle sizes increased and tires became more substantial, wheel sizes also grew, eventually reaching an impressive 23 inches on models like the XB7, all while retaining the trademark 20-spoke design.

Transitioning into a new era of models, BMW ALPINA has been diligently working on a fresh wheel design. While the classic version remains a favorite for many, the new wheel exudes elegance. Notably, the absence of a visible center cap may suggest a logo redesign, hinting at a potential minimalist approach. Although a trademark filing from the previous year hinted at this change, no official confirmation has been provided yet.

On January 1, 2026, the new BMW ALPINA wordmark was unveiled, marking the establishment of the standalone brand under the BMW Group’s umbrella. Positioned above high-end BMW models like the 7 Series and X7, BMW ALPINA will compete with luxury offerings such as the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class and GLS.

The teased wheel is likely destined for the BMW ALPINA 7 Series, known internally as “G72.” Its official debut is expected after the standard “G70” undergoes a Life Cycle Impulse later in the year. While the more luxurious variant may be revealed in 2026, production is rumored to commence in July 2027.

Enthusiasts can anticipate three variants of the BMW ALPINA 7 Series: 740 xDrive, 760 xDrive, and the electric i7 70 xDrive. Despite the BMW Group’s commitment to preserving the V12 engine, it is anticipated to remain exclusive to Rolls-Royce models, with the “N74” engine last featured in a BMW-badged vehicle with the M760i Final Edition in 2022.

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