About Alpina

Alpina Burkard Bovensiepen GmbH & Co. KG is a car manufacturing company based in Buchloe, in one of Bavaria’s districts, Germany. They manufacture, tune, and sell high-performance versions of BMW cars. Alpina was founded in 1965 by Burkard Bovensiepen, a keen industrialist. On 10 March 2022, BMW announced its interest in acquiring Alpina. Alpina works diligently with BMW, and its processes collaborate with BMW's production lines. It is recognized by the German Ministry Of Transport as an automobile manufacturer, in contrast to other performance specialists, which are aftermarket tuners.

Insight to BMW Alpina B8

The venture of Alpina on the eighth series of BMW is more than just a regular luxury sedan. This high-class Gran Coupe based on the BMW M850i and M8 Gran Coupe not only checks the luxury box but also the performance box easily. The Bmw Alpina B8 never fails to exceed your expectations. And why do we say so? This is because of its agility and surprisingly powerful dynamics, making it one of the most formidable competitors for luxury super-sedans like the Audi A7 and Mercedes-AMG E53.

The BMW Alpina B8 features high technology features embodied in an exquisite design that screams excellence and luxury. Showcasing this car's hardcore performance and ride comfort, it has prominently marked a step in the industry of luxury cars. So whether you take it for a highway ride or a red carpet entrance, the BMW Alpina makes a classy and memorable drive.

What’s new?

Alpina’s thorough tweaking of the BMW 8 Series without sacrificing performance has elevated comfort and luxury levels. For the 2024 model, the BMW Alpina B8 has been tuned more to deliver effortless power with more horsepower and torque.

• Newly and uniquely designed front and rear aprons reduce wind resistance, resulting in efficient running.

• The high-class standard 21-inch Alpina wheels wrapped in Pirelli tires, especially tuned by Alpina, allow the BMW Alpina B8 to stand out.
• High-performance Alpina brakes ensure controlled braking.

• A hand-finished Alpina Lavalina leather steering wheel
• Engraved Glass Controls
• Gorgeous interior trim is the critical element of the BMW Alpina B8’s class.

BMW Alpina B8’s generational review

BMW Alpina B8 has been present here for a long time now. Since the B8’s debut in 1977, it has evolved in time in three generations. Many sources conclude that there are only two generations, while some still are unknown of the B8’s generational tree. Still, after thorough study and revision, we conclude that there are three generations of the BMW Alpina B8.

BMW Alpina B8 3.2 MT (1st Gen)

The first generation BMW Alpina B8 was an elegant sedan from 1977 to 1980. It had a 3.2-liter inline-6 cylinder engine paired with a 5-speed manual transmission and a rear-wheel drive producing 240 hp, and it was capable of doing 0-60 mph in 7.8 seconds with a top speed of 141.6 mph.

BMW Alpina B8 4.6 MT E36 (2nd Gen)

This second generation of the BMW Alpina B8 (E36) was produced from 1995 to 1998. It had three versions- a 5-door estate, a sedan, a cabriolet, and a coupe with surprising power. This gen had an enormous 4.6-liter V8 with a power output of 333 hp and an incredible 470 Nm of torque. The transmission and drivetrain are 5-speed manual and rear-wheel, respectively.

All these specifications enabled the mighty 4.6 MT to do a 0-60 mph run in an impressive time of 5.6 seconds while the estate was 0.1 seconds slower, and the cabriolet would do it in 5.8 seconds. All were miraculous, with a top speed of 170.8 mph.

BMW Alpina B8 4.4 AT or G16 Gran Coupe (3rd Gen)

This third generation of the BMW Alpina B8 has been produced from 2021 up until 2022. It has a sedan version. This gen has a high-performing 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 with many more tweaks from Alpina, which has a total power output of 621 hp and an outrageous 800 Nm of torque. The transmission and drivetrain are 8-speed automatic and an all-wheel drive, respectively. All these specifications enable the powerful 4.4 AT to do a 0-60 mph run in an unbelievable time of 3.4 seconds with a top speed of 201 mph and an average used price of $108,344.

BMW Alpina B8 4.4 AT Facelift (3rd Gen)

The facelift version of the G16 Gran Coupe started in 2023 and is running till now. Specs are the same as the previous models, as in 2021 to 2022, but in 2023, the BMW Alpina B8 got an exterior overhaul: new bumpers and grille, more oversized intakes and diffusers, 21-inch Alpina wheels, and much more.

What’s under the hood?

The BMW Alpina B8 is an absolute firepower with a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8, which thumps out an outrageous 621 hp and 800 Nm of torque. This makes the B8 fall five horsepower short of the M8 competition. The transmission is an 8-speed automatic ZF paired with an all-wheel drive. All these specifications enable the powerful BMW Alpina B8 to dash from a standstill to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds, with a top speed of 201 mph.

The drive of the BMW Alpina B8

The comfort mode of the BMW Alpina B8 makes the driver forget about the shifts as the ride is super smooth. In comfort mode and the Sport or Sport Plus setting, the BMW Alpina B8 is just as smooth. The ride’s smoothness is ensured by:

• Adaptive dampers
• Eibach springs and hydro mounts on the front axle struts
• Reinforced sway bars
• Stiffer lower wishbone mounts for better handling
• Limited-slip differential

With a limited-slip differential, rear-axle steering, and active anti-roll bars, the steering and balance of the BMW Alpina B8 is very precise. Traction is also offered, so it corners well, and with the all-wheel drive, the power you need out of the corners is insured.

And the interior?

The interior of the BMW Alpina B8 is quite posh. Alpina doesn’t compromise on luxury; the same is valid with the B8. Despite the low-ride factor, the rear visibility is not so impressive, but the overall visibility is good, with seating positioning at its best.

The legroom is ample, but the headroom is compromised as the roof is relatively low for the sporty look. With Audi and Porsche going for complete touch systems, Alpina has kept it simple and less distracting for the driver with all those knobs for different functionalities. The leather seat upholstery is also charming, but the hand-finished Alpina Lavalina leather steering wheel is the main charm.

Infotainment and Tech

The BMW Alpina B8 has BMW’s iDrive infotainment system, which is not that easy to use as the driver may require time to get used to it. Driver aids like blind-spot warning and forward collision warning are also included. A digital driver’s display and an interactive infotainment screen above the center console mark the B8’s tech.

Exterior of the BMW Alpina B8

Outside, the BMW Alpina B8 gives a strong vibe, especially for people with an eye for luxury and sportiness combined.

The overall design is sleek, with a new bumper and exhaust design. More exterior elements include:

• Larger air intakes
• New rear apron
• Black diffusers
• Subtle rear spoiler
• 21in wheels with Alpina’s classic 20-spoke design.

What are these priced at?

The all-new BMW Alpina B8 has a very hefty price tag of $148,095. The value is in its class, luxury, and performance, but still, many market competitors are cheap and equal in every aspect. Maybe tweaking the already-a-sensation BMW M8 was costly to Alpina.

Fuel economy of the BMW Alpina B8

According to EPA, the BMW Alpina B8 will have a fuel economy of 19 mpg combined with 17 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.

Attributes of the BMW Alpina B8

Expert’s take on the BMW Alpina B8

Edmunds says:

”It's a sleek four-door coupe that will happily whisk you around town or across the continent with both grace and pace.”

Conclusion

The BMW Alpina B8 is an outstanding car overall, especially for people who love the infusion of luxury with performance. There is no doubt that the cost of this beast is a lot more than expected, but with what it offers, everything can be justified. The stance is great, the performance is unmatched, and the comfort isn’t compromised at any cost.

FAQs

Is the BMW Alpina B8 worth the price tag?

The BMW Alpina B8 offers an exceptional blend of luxury, performance, and comfort. While it comes at a premium price, many enthusiasts find its unique features and driving experience well worth the investment, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a top-tier luxury super-sedan.

What makes the BMW Alpina B8 different from standard BMW models?

The BMW Alpina B8 is a high-performance Gran Coupe based on the BMW M850i and M8 Gran Coupe. It offers elevated comfort and luxury levels, with substantial power enhancements and unique design elements, making it distinct from standard BMW models.

What sets the BMW Alpina B8 apart from its competitors?

The BMW Alpina B8 stands out with its effortless acceleration, comfortable ride, posh interior and exterior finish, and impressive performance. While it comes at a higher price, its unique combination of luxury and power makes it a top choice for enthusiasts seeking a high-end driving experience.