- the b8 gran coupe is alpina's version of the bmw 8-series gran coupe.
- it has design changes inside and out and a 612-hp version of the twin-turbo 4.4-liter v-8 found in the m850i and m8 models.
- the alpina b8 will start at $140,895 when it arrives in the u.s. in late spring.
alpina's first take on bmw's new 8-series is here, in the form of the b8 gran coupe. with elegant-looking design changes but similar power as the high-performance m8 models, it appears to combine many of the 8-series lineup's best qualities into one attractive package.
the classic alpina look includes 20-spoke 21-inch wheels, along with different front and rear fascia designs that include larger air intakes up front and a diffuser and a lip spoiler out back. the b8 is also available in exclusive paint colors including the green seen here and a blue hue not available on the standard models. inside, it features special leather trim and many alpina logos scattered throughout the cabin.
under the hood is the same twin-turbo 4.4-liter v-8 engine found in the m850i and m8 models. in this application, it makes 612 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque, which puts its output significantly higher than the 523-hp m850i and just under the full-bore, 617-hp m8 with the competition package. the alpina also features a different exhaust system that's said to provide a more distinctive soundtrack.
an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive come standard on the alpina. bmw claims that the b8 gets to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds and goes on to a top speed of 201 mph. we think the acceleration claim is conservative, given that we tested an m8 competition coupe that sprinted to 60 mph in just 2.5 seconds.
you'll pay a pretty penny for the privilege of owning this slightly more exclusive 8-series, as the alpina b8 starts at $140,895. that's nearly $9000 more expensive than the 2022 m8 competition gran coupe.