The BMW Z4 has gone out of production with no successor in sight, but its farewell was not a quiet one. Bovensiepen, the new small brand from the family that founded the famous Alpina, presented by Spider: a hand-built two-seater roadster with a six-cylinder engine and a limited run of just 99. The news is important now because it shows that the demise of a production model could open up space for an expensive, artisanal car aimed at enthusiasts.
The basis is the BMW Z4 M40i, but Bovensiepen did not stop at new badges and more luxurious leather. The three-liter inline six-cylinder turbo engine develops 320 kW, or 435 hp, and 580 Nm. It reaches 100 km/h in 4,2 seconds. The standard top speed is 260 km/h, while the optional Performance package raises the limit to 295 km/h and brings an aluminum rear differential cover with larger cooling fins, as well as additional chassis stiffening.
The practical meaning of the numbers is in character, not just in sprinting. The manufacturer lists a weight-to-power ratio of 3,6 kilograms per horsepower, reworked intake and exhaust manifolds, retuned shock absorbers, and 20-inch forged wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires. The Spider retains the eight-speed ZF automatic transmission; the manual transmission from the late-model Z4 is not offered, which some purists will likely consider a missed opportunity.
The design was done with the help of Frank Stephenson, an automotive designer known for his work on models such as the McLaren P1. The changes remain relatively modest: a new front splitter, side vents, a more pronounced rear spoiler and a diffuser give the car more distinctiveness without hiding its BMW origins. The cabin is additionally upholstered in leather and Alcantara, and each example receives a numbered plaque.
The starting price in Germany is 115.500 euros including local VAT, which puts the Spider above much more powerful production convertibles such as the BMW M4 Convertible. The buyer here is not paying for the best price-performance ratio, but for rarity, craftsmanship and the continuity of the philosophy by which Alpina has transformed BMW models into fast, comfortable grand tourers for decades. First deliveries are scheduled for the end of the first quarter of 2027.
What we know and what we don't know yet: power, performance, German price, limited to 99 vehicles and start of deliveries have been confirmed, as reported by Auto ExpressIt has not been announced whether there will be official sales or service support in our region, nor what the local homologation costs, warranty and parts availability will be. A potential buyer should check who assumes service obligations, whether the warranty is valid outside Germany and how specific body and mechanical parts are available before ordering.
The Bovensiepen Spider probably won't change the market in terms of sales figures, but it sends an interesting message: the classic roadster with a long bonnet, rear-wheel drive and six cylinders is becoming a rare breed. That's why the latest Z4 in this edition costs as much as a serious luxury car.
Article prepared with the support of AI tools.
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