logo
Alpina founders reveal stunning coachbuilt BMW M4 with 443kW

Alpina founders reveal stunning coachbuilt BMW M4 with 443kW

The Advertiser26-05-2025

The founders of BMW's wholly owned tuning house, Alpina, have revealed this gorgeous – and much more powerful – coachbuilt version of the German brand's already-rapid M4 Coupe.
With the Bovensiepen family having sold Alpina to BMW, they've now teamed up with famous Italian design house Zagato to produce this gorgeous BMW M4-based grand tourer, simply dubbed the Bovensiepen Zagato.
Revealed at the Villa d'Este Concorso d'Eleganza on Italy's Lake Como over the weekend, the first product from the Bovensiepens' independent coachbuilding business delivers 443kW of power and 700Nm of torque from its turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine.
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
As is the way of the former Alpina tuners, that's significantly more than both the standard M4 manual (353kW/550Nm) and the top-shelf M4 Competition xDrive auto (390kW/650Nm), which is priced at $189,900 before on-road costs in Australia.
Bovensiepen says the result is 0-100km/h acceleration in just 3.3 seconds (0.2 seconds sooner than the M4 Competition) and a top speed of more than 300km/h – up from 292km/h.
The powertrain gains come in part from a lightweight twin-exit titanium exhaust system from Akrapovic, which is claimed to be 40 lighter than the standard system.
Bespoke three-mode Bilstein dampers help harness the extra performance.
Bovensiepen claims the Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus settings deliver "a range from pronounced comfort to athletic driving dynamics".
But the sleek new Zagato-designed body will likely attract even more attention than this coupe's Akrapovic exhaust.
As part of the Bovensiepen family's aim to become "a manufacturer of outstanding automobiles that embody the ambition of fine driving", the Zagato features all-new body panels to make it look significantly different to the mid-size German coupe on which it's based.
Said to combine Bavarian engineering with Italian design, Zagato's latest creation features the Milan-based company's trademark 'double bubble' roof and rear window, and a reshaped bonnet and bootlid with integrated rear spoiler, plus a stainless steel grille and fully retractable frameless windows.
It bears the Bovensiepen logo on its front and rear, there are Zagato badges on the front wing gills and further branding can be seen on the brake calipers, wheel hubs, boot and centre console, which houses a special build number plaque alongside extra lashings of carbon-fibre.
An exact production number has not been revealed, but Bovensiepen says its inaugural special edition will be "strictly" limited after first deliveries take place at the end of the second quarter of 2026.
A long list of personalisation options will also be available for the interior and exterior, allowing each vehicle to be "as unique as its owner", says Bovensiepen.
"Our goal is to build cars for connoisseurs and enthusiasts who appreciate the perfect symbiosis of design and technology," said Bovensiepen Automobiles CEO, Andreas Bovensiepen.
Zagato's chief designer Norihiko Harada said: "It's a kind of blend of Italian charm, sensual and soft design, with a very solid, almost architectural German structure… a beautiful fusion of two automotive cultures.
Established in the 1920, Zagato has previously worked with automakers including Aston Martin, Alfa Romeo, Rolls-Royce, Ferrari, Bentley, Maserati and Lancia.
"This project with the Bovensiepen family is particularly special, as it continues the legacy of blending Zagato DNA with that of a new and inspiring brand, starting from its very first creation," said Zagato president Andrea Michele Zagato.
The Bovensiepen Zagato was revealed at Lake Como just a day after the BMW 8 Series-based Speedtop shooting brake special edition, which will enter production next year.
Next year BMW will also reveal its plan for Alpina, after ex-Polestar designer Max Missoni was hired by the Bavarian brand to style all of its future luxury models including Alpinas.
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
The founders of BMW's wholly owned tuning house, Alpina, have revealed this gorgeous – and much more powerful – coachbuilt version of the German brand's already-rapid M4 Coupe.
With the Bovensiepen family having sold Alpina to BMW, they've now teamed up with famous Italian design house Zagato to produce this gorgeous BMW M4-based grand tourer, simply dubbed the Bovensiepen Zagato.
Revealed at the Villa d'Este Concorso d'Eleganza on Italy's Lake Como over the weekend, the first product from the Bovensiepens' independent coachbuilding business delivers 443kW of power and 700Nm of torque from its turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine.
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
As is the way of the former Alpina tuners, that's significantly more than both the standard M4 manual (353kW/550Nm) and the top-shelf M4 Competition xDrive auto (390kW/650Nm), which is priced at $189,900 before on-road costs in Australia.
Bovensiepen says the result is 0-100km/h acceleration in just 3.3 seconds (0.2 seconds sooner than the M4 Competition) and a top speed of more than 300km/h – up from 292km/h.
The powertrain gains come in part from a lightweight twin-exit titanium exhaust system from Akrapovic, which is claimed to be 40 lighter than the standard system.
Bespoke three-mode Bilstein dampers help harness the extra performance.
Bovensiepen claims the Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus settings deliver "a range from pronounced comfort to athletic driving dynamics".
But the sleek new Zagato-designed body will likely attract even more attention than this coupe's Akrapovic exhaust.
As part of the Bovensiepen family's aim to become "a manufacturer of outstanding automobiles that embody the ambition of fine driving", the Zagato features all-new body panels to make it look significantly different to the mid-size German coupe on which it's based.
Said to combine Bavarian engineering with Italian design, Zagato's latest creation features the Milan-based company's trademark 'double bubble' roof and rear window, and a reshaped bonnet and bootlid with integrated rear spoiler, plus a stainless steel grille and fully retractable frameless windows.
It bears the Bovensiepen logo on its front and rear, there are Zagato badges on the front wing gills and further branding can be seen on the brake calipers, wheel hubs, boot and centre console, which houses a special build number plaque alongside extra lashings of carbon-fibre.
An exact production number has not been revealed, but Bovensiepen says its inaugural special edition will be "strictly" limited after first deliveries take place at the end of the second quarter of 2026.
A long list of personalisation options will also be available for the interior and exterior, allowing each vehicle to be "as unique as its owner", says Bovensiepen.
"Our goal is to build cars for connoisseurs and enthusiasts who appreciate the perfect symbiosis of design and technology," said Bovensiepen Automobiles CEO, Andreas Bovensiepen.
Zagato's chief designer Norihiko Harada said: "It's a kind of blend of Italian charm, sensual and soft design, with a very solid, almost architectural German structure… a beautiful fusion of two automotive cultures.
Established in the 1920, Zagato has previously worked with automakers including Aston Martin, Alfa Romeo, Rolls-Royce, Ferrari, Bentley, Maserati and Lancia.
"This project with the Bovensiepen family is particularly special, as it continues the legacy of blending Zagato DNA with that of a new and inspiring brand, starting from its very first creation," said Zagato president Andrea Michele Zagato.
The Bovensiepen Zagato was revealed at Lake Como just a day after the BMW 8 Series-based Speedtop shooting brake special edition, which will enter production next year.
Next year BMW will also reveal its plan for Alpina, after ex-Polestar designer Max Missoni was hired by the Bavarian brand to style all of its future luxury models including Alpinas.
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
The founders of BMW's wholly owned tuning house, Alpina, have revealed this gorgeous – and much more powerful – coachbuilt version of the German brand's already-rapid M4 Coupe.
With the Bovensiepen family having sold Alpina to BMW, they've now teamed up with famous Italian design house Zagato to produce this gorgeous BMW M4-based grand tourer, simply dubbed the Bovensiepen Zagato.
Revealed at the Villa d'Este Concorso d'Eleganza on Italy's Lake Como over the weekend, the first product from the Bovensiepens' independent coachbuilding business delivers 443kW of power and 700Nm of torque from its turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine.
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
As is the way of the former Alpina tuners, that's significantly more than both the standard M4 manual (353kW/550Nm) and the top-shelf M4 Competition xDrive auto (390kW/650Nm), which is priced at $189,900 before on-road costs in Australia.
Bovensiepen says the result is 0-100km/h acceleration in just 3.3 seconds (0.2 seconds sooner than the M4 Competition) and a top speed of more than 300km/h – up from 292km/h.
The powertrain gains come in part from a lightweight twin-exit titanium exhaust system from Akrapovic, which is claimed to be 40 lighter than the standard system.
Bespoke three-mode Bilstein dampers help harness the extra performance.
Bovensiepen claims the Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus settings deliver "a range from pronounced comfort to athletic driving dynamics".
But the sleek new Zagato-designed body will likely attract even more attention than this coupe's Akrapovic exhaust.
As part of the Bovensiepen family's aim to become "a manufacturer of outstanding automobiles that embody the ambition of fine driving", the Zagato features all-new body panels to make it look significantly different to the mid-size German coupe on which it's based.
Said to combine Bavarian engineering with Italian design, Zagato's latest creation features the Milan-based company's trademark 'double bubble' roof and rear window, and a reshaped bonnet and bootlid with integrated rear spoiler, plus a stainless steel grille and fully retractable frameless windows.
It bears the Bovensiepen logo on its front and rear, there are Zagato badges on the front wing gills and further branding can be seen on the brake calipers, wheel hubs, boot and centre console, which houses a special build number plaque alongside extra lashings of carbon-fibre.
An exact production number has not been revealed, but Bovensiepen says its inaugural special edition will be "strictly" limited after first deliveries take place at the end of the second quarter of 2026.
A long list of personalisation options will also be available for the interior and exterior, allowing each vehicle to be "as unique as its owner", says Bovensiepen.
"Our goal is to build cars for connoisseurs and enthusiasts who appreciate the perfect symbiosis of design and technology," said Bovensiepen Automobiles CEO, Andreas Bovensiepen.
Zagato's chief designer Norihiko Harada said: "It's a kind of blend of Italian charm, sensual and soft design, with a very solid, almost architectural German structure… a beautiful fusion of two automotive cultures.
Established in the 1920, Zagato has previously worked with automakers including Aston Martin, Alfa Romeo, Rolls-Royce, Ferrari, Bentley, Maserati and Lancia.
"This project with the Bovensiepen family is particularly special, as it continues the legacy of blending Zagato DNA with that of a new and inspiring brand, starting from its very first creation," said Zagato president Andrea Michele Zagato.
The Bovensiepen Zagato was revealed at Lake Como just a day after the BMW 8 Series-based Speedtop shooting brake special edition, which will enter production next year.
Next year BMW will also reveal its plan for Alpina, after ex-Polestar designer Max Missoni was hired by the Bavarian brand to style all of its future luxury models including Alpinas.
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
The founders of BMW's wholly owned tuning house, Alpina, have revealed this gorgeous – and much more powerful – coachbuilt version of the German brand's already-rapid M4 Coupe.
With the Bovensiepen family having sold Alpina to BMW, they've now teamed up with famous Italian design house Zagato to produce this gorgeous BMW M4-based grand tourer, simply dubbed the Bovensiepen Zagato.
Revealed at the Villa d'Este Concorso d'Eleganza on Italy's Lake Como over the weekend, the first product from the Bovensiepens' independent coachbuilding business delivers 443kW of power and 700Nm of torque from its turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine.
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
As is the way of the former Alpina tuners, that's significantly more than both the standard M4 manual (353kW/550Nm) and the top-shelf M4 Competition xDrive auto (390kW/650Nm), which is priced at $189,900 before on-road costs in Australia.
Bovensiepen says the result is 0-100km/h acceleration in just 3.3 seconds (0.2 seconds sooner than the M4 Competition) and a top speed of more than 300km/h – up from 292km/h.
The powertrain gains come in part from a lightweight twin-exit titanium exhaust system from Akrapovic, which is claimed to be 40 lighter than the standard system.
Bespoke three-mode Bilstein dampers help harness the extra performance.
Bovensiepen claims the Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus settings deliver "a range from pronounced comfort to athletic driving dynamics".
But the sleek new Zagato-designed body will likely attract even more attention than this coupe's Akrapovic exhaust.
As part of the Bovensiepen family's aim to become "a manufacturer of outstanding automobiles that embody the ambition of fine driving", the Zagato features all-new body panels to make it look significantly different to the mid-size German coupe on which it's based.
Said to combine Bavarian engineering with Italian design, Zagato's latest creation features the Milan-based company's trademark 'double bubble' roof and rear window, and a reshaped bonnet and bootlid with integrated rear spoiler, plus a stainless steel grille and fully retractable frameless windows.
It bears the Bovensiepen logo on its front and rear, there are Zagato badges on the front wing gills and further branding can be seen on the brake calipers, wheel hubs, boot and centre console, which houses a special build number plaque alongside extra lashings of carbon-fibre.
An exact production number has not been revealed, but Bovensiepen says its inaugural special edition will be "strictly" limited after first deliveries take place at the end of the second quarter of 2026.
A long list of personalisation options will also be available for the interior and exterior, allowing each vehicle to be "as unique as its owner", says Bovensiepen.
"Our goal is to build cars for connoisseurs and enthusiasts who appreciate the perfect symbiosis of design and technology," said Bovensiepen Automobiles CEO, Andreas Bovensiepen.
Zagato's chief designer Norihiko Harada said: "It's a kind of blend of Italian charm, sensual and soft design, with a very solid, almost architectural German structure… a beautiful fusion of two automotive cultures.
Established in the 1920, Zagato has previously worked with automakers including Aston Martin, Alfa Romeo, Rolls-Royce, Ferrari, Bentley, Maserati and Lancia.
"This project with the Bovensiepen family is particularly special, as it continues the legacy of blending Zagato DNA with that of a new and inspiring brand, starting from its very first creation," said Zagato president Andrea Michele Zagato.
The Bovensiepen Zagato was revealed at Lake Como just a day after the BMW 8 Series-based Speedtop shooting brake special edition, which will enter production next year.
Next year BMW will also reveal its plan for Alpina, after ex-Polestar designer Max Missoni was hired by the Bavarian brand to style all of its future luxury models including Alpinas.
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

No Autobahn in Gympie! Huge fine for BMW driver doing almost double the speed limit
No Autobahn in Gympie! Huge fine for BMW driver doing almost double the speed limit

The Advertiser

time41 minutes ago

  • The Advertiser

No Autobahn in Gympie! Huge fine for BMW driver doing almost double the speed limit

A BMW X5 driver has been fined $1854 and hit with eight demerit points after an alleged 196km/h blast near Gympie in Queensland. Queensland Police Service shared footage of the 26-year-old driver of what appears to be a diesel-powered first-generation X5 being pulled over in Tansey on the afternoon of May 28, 2025. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The McIntosh Creek man was allegedly detected travelling at 196km/h in a 100km/h zone prior to being intercepted. Police officers were conducting mobile patrols along on the Burnett Highway when they observed the BMW. "Mobile patrols like these are about keeping our roads safe for all road users and motorists can expect we will be anywhere at any time," said Superintendent Janelle Andrews from the Road Policing and Regional Support Command. Content originally sourced from: A BMW X5 driver has been fined $1854 and hit with eight demerit points after an alleged 196km/h blast near Gympie in Queensland. Queensland Police Service shared footage of the 26-year-old driver of what appears to be a diesel-powered first-generation X5 being pulled over in Tansey on the afternoon of May 28, 2025. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The McIntosh Creek man was allegedly detected travelling at 196km/h in a 100km/h zone prior to being intercepted. Police officers were conducting mobile patrols along on the Burnett Highway when they observed the BMW. "Mobile patrols like these are about keeping our roads safe for all road users and motorists can expect we will be anywhere at any time," said Superintendent Janelle Andrews from the Road Policing and Regional Support Command. Content originally sourced from: A BMW X5 driver has been fined $1854 and hit with eight demerit points after an alleged 196km/h blast near Gympie in Queensland. Queensland Police Service shared footage of the 26-year-old driver of what appears to be a diesel-powered first-generation X5 being pulled over in Tansey on the afternoon of May 28, 2025. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The McIntosh Creek man was allegedly detected travelling at 196km/h in a 100km/h zone prior to being intercepted. Police officers were conducting mobile patrols along on the Burnett Highway when they observed the BMW. "Mobile patrols like these are about keeping our roads safe for all road users and motorists can expect we will be anywhere at any time," said Superintendent Janelle Andrews from the Road Policing and Regional Support Command. Content originally sourced from: A BMW X5 driver has been fined $1854 and hit with eight demerit points after an alleged 196km/h blast near Gympie in Queensland. Queensland Police Service shared footage of the 26-year-old driver of what appears to be a diesel-powered first-generation X5 being pulled over in Tansey on the afternoon of May 28, 2025. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The McIntosh Creek man was allegedly detected travelling at 196km/h in a 100km/h zone prior to being intercepted. Police officers were conducting mobile patrols along on the Burnett Highway when they observed the BMW. "Mobile patrols like these are about keeping our roads safe for all road users and motorists can expect we will be anywhere at any time," said Superintendent Janelle Andrews from the Road Policing and Regional Support Command. Content originally sourced from:

Dating site accused of catfishing users with 'free' use
Dating site accused of catfishing users with 'free' use

The Advertiser

time41 minutes ago

  • The Advertiser

Dating site accused of catfishing users with 'free' use

A popular dating website is accused of catfishing users with misleading claims about costs to use its service and cancellation options. The Australian Consumer and Competition Commission alleges US-based eHarmony breached consumer law by misleading customers about pricing, renewal, and the duration of memberships since at least 2019. People who sign up for free subscriptions can complete an 80-question compatibility quiz, but can only see blurred profile photos of other members and cannot engage in ongoing communication, the ACCC claims. The only options free members have are liking other profiles, receiving and sending a single reply to a premium member, using the "icebreaker feature", and sending a virtual smiley. This is despite the company advertising itself as a "free dating" platform across five of its webpages, ACCC barrister Oren Bigos told the Federal Court. He referred to headings on eHarmony's website which read, "Free dating site for Australian singles", "free dating site in Australia, eHarmony is your best choice", "Go beyond simple swipes with our free dating experience", and an orange button which read "join free today". "What was available free of charge on the basic membership is a very limited service and ability to interact with other members," Dr Bigos said on Monday. eHarmony's barrister Michael Hodge said of those six pages relied by the ACCC, four were different versions of the same page. When customers signed up for premium memberships, they are given a false impression that the paid period is for six, 12 or 24 months, the watchdog alleges. Unsuspecting users were caught off guard when their subscriptions automatically renewed at the end of their period with no reminders and often at hefty costs since sign-up discounts were not carried over. "Once auto-renewal happens, users are stuck with that amount. They can't apply for refund," Dr Bigos said. He claims the site's subscription page did not mention auto-renewal and that it only appears in small grey text towards the end. But Mr Hodge referred to evidence showing four out of every five subscribers turn off auto-renewal, inferring users read and understood the terms before they signed up. The ACCC alleges eHarmony failed to display accurate minimum and total prices during the purchase process by failing to inform consumers of a mandatory additional fee if they wanted to pay monthly. Users were allegedly charged an extra $3 on top of the advertised price when they opted to pay on a monthly basis. "It is not possible to purchase a 12-month plan and pay only the advertised (price) each month because an additional mandatory fee is charged if a consumer chooses to pay monthly," Dr Bigos said. The ACCC also said the dating site failed to display a single total price users could expect to pay should they sign up, rather they only specified a monthly charge. eHarmony is also accused of misleading customers about their ability to sign up for and cancel premium subscriptions within one month, through headlines reading, "try before you buy" and "you might want to start off with a one month subscription to give us a try". Dr Bigos said the service only offered six, 12 and 24-month options and it was not possible for consumers cancel after one month. Mr Hodge contends information on the site's other pages makes clear what the possible subscription options are and that cancellation refers to any account with eHarmony. The ACCC is seeking penalties, costs and consumer redress. A popular dating website is accused of catfishing users with misleading claims about costs to use its service and cancellation options. The Australian Consumer and Competition Commission alleges US-based eHarmony breached consumer law by misleading customers about pricing, renewal, and the duration of memberships since at least 2019. People who sign up for free subscriptions can complete an 80-question compatibility quiz, but can only see blurred profile photos of other members and cannot engage in ongoing communication, the ACCC claims. The only options free members have are liking other profiles, receiving and sending a single reply to a premium member, using the "icebreaker feature", and sending a virtual smiley. This is despite the company advertising itself as a "free dating" platform across five of its webpages, ACCC barrister Oren Bigos told the Federal Court. He referred to headings on eHarmony's website which read, "Free dating site for Australian singles", "free dating site in Australia, eHarmony is your best choice", "Go beyond simple swipes with our free dating experience", and an orange button which read "join free today". "What was available free of charge on the basic membership is a very limited service and ability to interact with other members," Dr Bigos said on Monday. eHarmony's barrister Michael Hodge said of those six pages relied by the ACCC, four were different versions of the same page. When customers signed up for premium memberships, they are given a false impression that the paid period is for six, 12 or 24 months, the watchdog alleges. Unsuspecting users were caught off guard when their subscriptions automatically renewed at the end of their period with no reminders and often at hefty costs since sign-up discounts were not carried over. "Once auto-renewal happens, users are stuck with that amount. They can't apply for refund," Dr Bigos said. He claims the site's subscription page did not mention auto-renewal and that it only appears in small grey text towards the end. But Mr Hodge referred to evidence showing four out of every five subscribers turn off auto-renewal, inferring users read and understood the terms before they signed up. The ACCC alleges eHarmony failed to display accurate minimum and total prices during the purchase process by failing to inform consumers of a mandatory additional fee if they wanted to pay monthly. Users were allegedly charged an extra $3 on top of the advertised price when they opted to pay on a monthly basis. "It is not possible to purchase a 12-month plan and pay only the advertised (price) each month because an additional mandatory fee is charged if a consumer chooses to pay monthly," Dr Bigos said. The ACCC also said the dating site failed to display a single total price users could expect to pay should they sign up, rather they only specified a monthly charge. eHarmony is also accused of misleading customers about their ability to sign up for and cancel premium subscriptions within one month, through headlines reading, "try before you buy" and "you might want to start off with a one month subscription to give us a try". Dr Bigos said the service only offered six, 12 and 24-month options and it was not possible for consumers cancel after one month. Mr Hodge contends information on the site's other pages makes clear what the possible subscription options are and that cancellation refers to any account with eHarmony. The ACCC is seeking penalties, costs and consumer redress. A popular dating website is accused of catfishing users with misleading claims about costs to use its service and cancellation options. The Australian Consumer and Competition Commission alleges US-based eHarmony breached consumer law by misleading customers about pricing, renewal, and the duration of memberships since at least 2019. People who sign up for free subscriptions can complete an 80-question compatibility quiz, but can only see blurred profile photos of other members and cannot engage in ongoing communication, the ACCC claims. The only options free members have are liking other profiles, receiving and sending a single reply to a premium member, using the "icebreaker feature", and sending a virtual smiley. This is despite the company advertising itself as a "free dating" platform across five of its webpages, ACCC barrister Oren Bigos told the Federal Court. He referred to headings on eHarmony's website which read, "Free dating site for Australian singles", "free dating site in Australia, eHarmony is your best choice", "Go beyond simple swipes with our free dating experience", and an orange button which read "join free today". "What was available free of charge on the basic membership is a very limited service and ability to interact with other members," Dr Bigos said on Monday. eHarmony's barrister Michael Hodge said of those six pages relied by the ACCC, four were different versions of the same page. When customers signed up for premium memberships, they are given a false impression that the paid period is for six, 12 or 24 months, the watchdog alleges. Unsuspecting users were caught off guard when their subscriptions automatically renewed at the end of their period with no reminders and often at hefty costs since sign-up discounts were not carried over. "Once auto-renewal happens, users are stuck with that amount. They can't apply for refund," Dr Bigos said. He claims the site's subscription page did not mention auto-renewal and that it only appears in small grey text towards the end. But Mr Hodge referred to evidence showing four out of every five subscribers turn off auto-renewal, inferring users read and understood the terms before they signed up. The ACCC alleges eHarmony failed to display accurate minimum and total prices during the purchase process by failing to inform consumers of a mandatory additional fee if they wanted to pay monthly. Users were allegedly charged an extra $3 on top of the advertised price when they opted to pay on a monthly basis. "It is not possible to purchase a 12-month plan and pay only the advertised (price) each month because an additional mandatory fee is charged if a consumer chooses to pay monthly," Dr Bigos said. The ACCC also said the dating site failed to display a single total price users could expect to pay should they sign up, rather they only specified a monthly charge. eHarmony is also accused of misleading customers about their ability to sign up for and cancel premium subscriptions within one month, through headlines reading, "try before you buy" and "you might want to start off with a one month subscription to give us a try". Dr Bigos said the service only offered six, 12 and 24-month options and it was not possible for consumers cancel after one month. Mr Hodge contends information on the site's other pages makes clear what the possible subscription options are and that cancellation refers to any account with eHarmony. The ACCC is seeking penalties, costs and consumer redress. A popular dating website is accused of catfishing users with misleading claims about costs to use its service and cancellation options. The Australian Consumer and Competition Commission alleges US-based eHarmony breached consumer law by misleading customers about pricing, renewal, and the duration of memberships since at least 2019. People who sign up for free subscriptions can complete an 80-question compatibility quiz, but can only see blurred profile photos of other members and cannot engage in ongoing communication, the ACCC claims. The only options free members have are liking other profiles, receiving and sending a single reply to a premium member, using the "icebreaker feature", and sending a virtual smiley. This is despite the company advertising itself as a "free dating" platform across five of its webpages, ACCC barrister Oren Bigos told the Federal Court. He referred to headings on eHarmony's website which read, "Free dating site for Australian singles", "free dating site in Australia, eHarmony is your best choice", "Go beyond simple swipes with our free dating experience", and an orange button which read "join free today". "What was available free of charge on the basic membership is a very limited service and ability to interact with other members," Dr Bigos said on Monday. eHarmony's barrister Michael Hodge said of those six pages relied by the ACCC, four were different versions of the same page. When customers signed up for premium memberships, they are given a false impression that the paid period is for six, 12 or 24 months, the watchdog alleges. Unsuspecting users were caught off guard when their subscriptions automatically renewed at the end of their period with no reminders and often at hefty costs since sign-up discounts were not carried over. "Once auto-renewal happens, users are stuck with that amount. They can't apply for refund," Dr Bigos said. He claims the site's subscription page did not mention auto-renewal and that it only appears in small grey text towards the end. But Mr Hodge referred to evidence showing four out of every five subscribers turn off auto-renewal, inferring users read and understood the terms before they signed up. The ACCC alleges eHarmony failed to display accurate minimum and total prices during the purchase process by failing to inform consumers of a mandatory additional fee if they wanted to pay monthly. Users were allegedly charged an extra $3 on top of the advertised price when they opted to pay on a monthly basis. "It is not possible to purchase a 12-month plan and pay only the advertised (price) each month because an additional mandatory fee is charged if a consumer chooses to pay monthly," Dr Bigos said. The ACCC also said the dating site failed to display a single total price users could expect to pay should they sign up, rather they only specified a monthly charge. eHarmony is also accused of misleading customers about their ability to sign up for and cancel premium subscriptions within one month, through headlines reading, "try before you buy" and "you might want to start off with a one month subscription to give us a try". Dr Bigos said the service only offered six, 12 and 24-month options and it was not possible for consumers cancel after one month. Mr Hodge contends information on the site's other pages makes clear what the possible subscription options are and that cancellation refers to any account with eHarmony. The ACCC is seeking penalties, costs and consumer redress.

Socceroos veteran doesn't want European dream to end
Socceroos veteran doesn't want European dream to end

The Advertiser

time41 minutes ago

  • The Advertiser

Socceroos veteran doesn't want European dream to end

Ryan is currently without a club after his contract with French Ligue 1 team RC Lens ended. The 33-year-old is desperate to stay in Europe, but he doesn't want another situation like the one he faced at AS Roma. Ryan signed for the Italian giants in July last year, only for the dream to turn into a nightmare after making just one appearance across his six-month stint there. That lack of game time put his position as Australia's No.1 gloveman in doubt, but the stint in France helped him regain his mantle. The June transfer window is now open, and Ryan is optimistic a good opportunity will pop up. If Ryan plays a key role in helping Australia secure World Cup qualification in upcoming games against Japan and Saudi Arabia, it could boost his stocks even further. "I'm not too worried," Ryan said. "I just go out there and try my best and everything sorts itself out at the end of the day. "That's been the trend throughout my career. So I'm feeling quite at ease about that, and just focused on the job at hand here with the Socceroos." When asked if he wanted to stay in Europe, Ryan replied: "Yeah, 100 per cent. That's my ambition still. "I'm hungrier than I've ever been before, wanting that success. "I'm feeling good, and I'm feeling still quite young. "I've just got to obviously continue to do the job and prove that I'm a world-class goalkeeper through my performances, and the rest will take care of it itself." Ryan is currently without a club after his contract with French Ligue 1 team RC Lens ended. The 33-year-old is desperate to stay in Europe, but he doesn't want another situation like the one he faced at AS Roma. Ryan signed for the Italian giants in July last year, only for the dream to turn into a nightmare after making just one appearance across his six-month stint there. That lack of game time put his position as Australia's No.1 gloveman in doubt, but the stint in France helped him regain his mantle. The June transfer window is now open, and Ryan is optimistic a good opportunity will pop up. If Ryan plays a key role in helping Australia secure World Cup qualification in upcoming games against Japan and Saudi Arabia, it could boost his stocks even further. "I'm not too worried," Ryan said. "I just go out there and try my best and everything sorts itself out at the end of the day. "That's been the trend throughout my career. So I'm feeling quite at ease about that, and just focused on the job at hand here with the Socceroos." When asked if he wanted to stay in Europe, Ryan replied: "Yeah, 100 per cent. That's my ambition still. "I'm hungrier than I've ever been before, wanting that success. "I'm feeling good, and I'm feeling still quite young. "I've just got to obviously continue to do the job and prove that I'm a world-class goalkeeper through my performances, and the rest will take care of it itself." Ryan is currently without a club after his contract with French Ligue 1 team RC Lens ended. The 33-year-old is desperate to stay in Europe, but he doesn't want another situation like the one he faced at AS Roma. Ryan signed for the Italian giants in July last year, only for the dream to turn into a nightmare after making just one appearance across his six-month stint there. That lack of game time put his position as Australia's No.1 gloveman in doubt, but the stint in France helped him regain his mantle. The June transfer window is now open, and Ryan is optimistic a good opportunity will pop up. If Ryan plays a key role in helping Australia secure World Cup qualification in upcoming games against Japan and Saudi Arabia, it could boost his stocks even further. "I'm not too worried," Ryan said. "I just go out there and try my best and everything sorts itself out at the end of the day. "That's been the trend throughout my career. So I'm feeling quite at ease about that, and just focused on the job at hand here with the Socceroos." When asked if he wanted to stay in Europe, Ryan replied: "Yeah, 100 per cent. That's my ambition still. "I'm hungrier than I've ever been before, wanting that success. "I'm feeling good, and I'm feeling still quite young. "I've just got to obviously continue to do the job and prove that I'm a world-class goalkeeper through my performances, and the rest will take care of it itself."

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store