Why Is The 2023 BMW Alpina B8 Gran Coupe Unique?

The ‘Ultimate Driving Machine’ is a skill that BMW has mastered. The German brand creates vehicles with the perfect blend of acceleration, handling, and style by drawing on its illustrious racing heritage. You may improve the overall quality of the ride by adding plush interiors with a handcrafted feel.

BMWs are further improved by the tuning company Alpina. They have improved numerous models since 1965 for even greater performance and comfort, with complementary subtle aesthetic cues. The 2023 BMW Alpina B8 Gran Coupe is a superb representation of their work today.

Alpina improves and perfects almost every aspect beginning with the BMW M8 Competition Gran Coupe. A long-distance cruiser with more exclusivity and character is the result, and it is track-ready.

With the highest mechanical expertise available from BMW, the M8 Competition is a model of a platform. This four-door performer can spin laps all day thanks to its twin-turbo V8, Active M differential, and 6-piston Brembo brakes. It is also equipped for comfortable journeys of all sizes because of its brand’s customary plush interior.

Alpina, Though, Elevates The M8 Competition Even More.

Alpina adjusts the engine under the hood for better low-end response. As a result, there are 612 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque, which is a loss of 5 horsepower and an increase in a twist of 37 lb-ft. Even though horsepower is usually king, torque provides an engine with a pleasing grunt. Additionally, the Alpina B8 Gran Coupe has plenty of power.

Edmunds observed the B8 Gran Coupe’s quick acceleration during testing, noting its supercar-like 0-60 time of 3.4 seconds. Although that lags the M8 a little, the B8’s torque provides it with a satisfying off-the-line shove. An active stainless steel exhaust system and a retuned automatic gearbox are essential to the Alpina’s performance.

Edmunds lauded the Alpina for its great comfort as well. The B8 Gran Coupe prioritizes a comfortable ride over the racy attitude of the M8 Competition. The calibrated active suspension of the B8 smooths out any imperfections despite rolling on 21-inch wheels.

Supple merino leather is used for adjustable seats. Every journey is improved by the cabin’s extreme quietness. BMW’s iDrive infotainment system has cutting-edge technology. Long-distance comfort and usability are provided by ideal ergonomics.

In addition, the Alpina B8 Gran Coupe boasts a sophisticated appearance and singular exclusivity. The B8’s unique characteristics are suggested by understated Alpina badging. The tuner’s signature turbine wheels lend an air of sophistication. It’s also an uncommon sight on the road due to its low production numbers.

However, the Alpina isn’t faultless. Its handling was cumbersome, according to Edmunds, and its ability to drive on back roads was hindered by the steering’s slightly numb feel. These weren’t deal-breakers, though, given the B8’s focus on luxury.

The Alpina B8 is a unique, handcrafted vehicle. But is the B8 Gran Coupe worth it with a $145,895 MSRP—$7,095 more than the M8 Competition Gran Coupe?

The Alpina B8 Gran Coupe is an excellent choice for the discriminating enthusiast and is worth the investment. While the Alpina B8 Gran Coupe offers refinement and luxury, the BMW M8 Competition Gran Coupe is an energetic sports sedan.

Price And competition:

The Alpina B8 is an incredibly pricey set of wheels, but what do you expect from a premium item produced in small quantities to compete with extremely costly vehicles? Starting at $140,895 with destination fees is this 2022 BMW Alpina B8 xDrive Gran Coupe. You’re looking at $148,095, including all driver assistance and luxury enhancements. To put that in perspective, it costs $9,000 more than a BMW M8 Competition Gran Coupe. 

The B8 competes against the Mercedes-AMG GT63 4-door and the Audi RS7 due to its status as an alternative to the M8. Both have a lower price but fewer horsepower. The Porsche Panamera GTS is another car I’d carefully consider as a rival. 

A distinct difference compared to the M8 on the road is the result of numerous modest adjustments made in the pursuit of performance that is more comfort-focused than the Nürburgring-bred edge. The B8 is worth a deeper look for fussy drivers who are willing to pay more to acquire something distinctive in this six-figure price range because of that minor distinction, as well as, let’s be honest, the appeal and perceived specialness of the Alpina name. Nevertheless, the M850i maintains its position as the sweet spot in the 8 Series portfolio thanks to a ride that’s almost as comfy, more power than you need, and the same level of technology at a lower cost.

Performance:

The additional power is, of course, the key factor in the BMW Alpina B8 xDrive Gran Coupe’s $40,000 price increase over a normal M850i. Alpina can increase the output of BMW’s 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 to 612 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque, an increase of 89 horsepower and 37 pound-feet, respectively, thanks to more cooling capacity and a 50% larger water-to-air intercooler. The M850i Gran Coupe’s estimated fuel economy of 17 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 19 mpg combined are thankfully unaffected by this extra oomph.

The B8’s suspension is also designed for comfort, absorbing bumps and motorway expansion joint undulations with ease while yet feeling very supple even in the sportiest of its three drive modes. The street-oriented B8 also has rear-wheel steering as standard, which increases stability during lane changes at high speeds and shortens the turning radius at parking lot speeds. This function is not offered on the M8.

Interior Luxury Upgrades:

Although you can choose from a larger variety of BMW Individual paints, the Gran Coupe is only offered in two distinctive metallic colors: the brand’s hallmark Alpina blue and Alpina green. Opening any of the four doors displays illuminated sills and floor mats with the Alpina logo. 

The B8’s steering wheel has a Lavalina leather finish with blue and green contrast stitching. The strange Alpina shift buttons are located on the back side and are accessible when needed yet difficult to slap during spirited driving.

In other parts of the world, purchasers can select a fully leather inside to match the steering wheel, but US-bound models don’t offer that option. Although it costs an extra $2,000, the BMW Individual Cognac Full Merino leather interior of this test car doesn’t feel inferior to my crude rear end.

A sign announcing once more that the BMW Alpina B8 is not your typical 8 Series is located in the center console, although it is overshadowed by the “8” image laser-etched into the beautiful crystal shifter. A mirrored crystal infotainment controller with the Alpina crest at its center is the focus of this cabin, which builds on the previous point. iDrive from BMW has never looked better.

To know more about keep reading Lemony Blog