2022 BMW Alpina B8 Gran Coupe: Iron Fist in a Velvet Glove

Germany’s Alpina Burkard Bovensiepen GmbH, better known simply as Alpina, is a master at designing and building more advanced and sportier versions of BMW vehicles.

With the new B8 Gran Coupe, which is based on the BMW M850i Gran Coupe, the renowned German company offers a more comfortable and more subtle grand tourer than the M8 Gran Coupe while making key performance changes.

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Exclusive Looks

On the outside, the Alpina B8 Gran Coupe stands out with unique aerodynamic modifications including large front air intakes, 21-inch wheels featuring the brand’s classic design of 20 minimalistic spokes (a staple since 1971), blue-painted Brembo brake calipers and two twin tailpipes finished in polished stainless steel. The Alpina Blue Metallic and Alpina Green Metallic paint finishes can’t be found on any BMW cars, adding to its exclusivity.

At first glance, the Alpina B8 does look a bit more understated than the aggressive M8. The only BMW cues you’ll find on the body are the roundels adorning the hood and trunklid. It’s a similar story inside, with the Alpina logo gracing the steering wheel, iDrive controller and console-mounted plaque.

Naturally, Alpina didn’t just apply cosmetic tweaks. The engine, transmission, exchaust system and suspension have all been upgraded. The twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 generates 612 horsepower versus the M8’s 617 horsepower, while peak torque has increased from 553 to 590 pound-feet and is accessible from just 2,000 rpm.

The four-wheel active steering system and xDrive all-wheel drive have been fine-tuned, as well, while the ZF-sourced, eight-speed sport automatic transmission benefits from Alpina’s Switch-Tronic technology enabling ultra-quick and smooth shifts. The result is an amazingly smooth and surefooted car both around town and on the open road. It feels even more poised and more flexible than then M8.

A Suspension for the Ages

In typical Alpina fashion, the suspension on the B8 Gran Coupe has received a whole lot of love in order to deliver excellent handling without sacrificing ride quality. When compared with BMW M cars, it manages to bite the road as ferociously and offer much more pleasant driving when Comfort mode is activated. The adaptive dampers combine with the aforementioned four-wheel active steering system and limited-slip differential for phenomenal driving dynamics.

What’s not to like? Well, the twin-turbo V8 isn’t as vocal as one could wish for in Sport mode. Also, the heavy weight and 612 horsepower mean you’re looking at a fuel consumption of 14.8 L/100 km on average—more if you can’t help yourself tapping into the B8’s tremendous potential. 

How Much?

The 2022 BMW Alpina B8 Gran Coupe starts at $159,900, but our tester had several options and packages bringing the price north of $176,000. Some of those include the Driving Assist Package ($2,500), Merino leather interior ($4,500) and Bowers and Wilkins audio system ($4,900). If you think BMW is a bit crazy for charging options on such an expensive automobile, join the club.

Following the B7 sedan and XB7 SUV, the B8 Gran Coupe makes one more highly exclusive vehicle for Canadian BMW fans to consider. Alpina usually builds around 1,700 cars a year for global markets, so catching one on the road is a pretty rare event—even rarer than a Ferrari. Consider yourself lucky if it happens to you.

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