BMW M4 Perfected: A Masterpiece by Zagato and Alpina Founders

BMW took center stage at the prestigious Villa d’Este event on the shores of Lake Como, Italy, showcasing its opulence with the sleek 8 Series-based Speedtop Concept and unveiling the highly anticipated 2026 M2 CS. However, amid the Bavarian brand’s usual dominance, a fresh name made an impressive debut—one worth your attention.

Enter Bovensiepen, a new marque making waves with its inaugural creation: the Zagato, a stunning model based on the BMW M4 Convertible. While BMW dazzled as expected, the Bovensiepen Zagato offered a compelling alternative, blending performance pedigree with bespoke design flair.

And yes, if the names sound familiar, it’s because Bovensiepen is the brainchild of the family behind Alpina, brought to life with the help of legendary Italian coachbuilder Zagato. The new marque is led by Andreas and Florian Bovensiepen, sons of the late Burkard Bovensiepen, who founded Alpina. With Alpina now fully integrated into BMW as an in-house performance division, the Bovensiepen brothers are charting a fresh path—this time combining German engineering with Italian design craftsmanship.

Zagato’s Signature Styling Transforms the M4 into an Exotic, Head-Turning Coupe

While the Bovensiepen Zagato retains much of the BMW M4 Convertible’s original silhouette, it receives a striking makeover thanks to Zagato’s iconic design cues. Most notably, the car features the Italian coachbuilder’s trademark double-bubble roof, giving it a distinctive and aerodynamic profile. The bodywork has been extensively reimagined with carbon fiber panels, enhancing both aesthetics and performance. Up front, BMW’s traditional kidney grille has been swapped for a CNC-machined stainless steel grille with an intricate honeycomb pattern, adding a bespoke touch. Additional exterior highlights include a set of 20-inch forged aluminum wheels and a re-sculpted trunk lid with an integrated ducktail spoiler, amplifying the coupe’s exotic presence.

A Bespoke Interior That Honors BMW Roots with Italian Flair

Inside, the Bovensiepen Zagato preserves much of the original BMW M4’s interior architecture, but elevates it with bespoke craftsmanship and luxurious materials. The standard upholstery has been replaced with premium Lavalina leather, hand-finished to the highest standards and optionally paired with Alcantara for added texture and depth. The cabin alone received over 130 hours of dedicated craftsmanship, with interior color options spanning 16 standard hues. For those seeking something truly one-of-a-kind, the Bovensiepen Bespoke program allows customers to commission custom colors tailored to their individual tastes, making each cabin a personalized masterpiece.

More Power Than the Standard M4

While Bovensiepen hasn’t officially confirmed the exact engine under the hood, it’s widely believed to be the S58 twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six from the BMW M4. But this version doesn’t settle for factory figures. The powertrain has been tuned to deliver 602 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, a significant boost over the standard M4. Thanks to the added muscle, the Bovensiepen Zagato can rocket from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.3 seconds, with a top speed exceeding 186 mph. Performance upgrades don’t stop at the engine: Bilstein Damptronic adaptive dampers ensure sharp handling and ride comfort, while a lightweight titanium exhaust system by Akrapovič provides a thrilling soundtrack and helps shed weight.

Bovensiepen plans to announce pricing and production limits for the Zagato later this year, but deliveries are already scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2026. While official figures remain under wraps, it’s safe to expect a price tag that significantly exceeds that of the standard M4 Convertible—and likely even Alpina’s own models. With over 250 hours of craftsmanship, rare materials like carbon fiber and Lavalina leather, and the involvement of two legendary automotive names, the Bovensiepen Zagato positions itself as an ultra-exclusive, high-performance luxury coupe for a discerning few.