Alpina Scratches BMW’s Itch Between The M850i And M8 With $139,900 B8 Gran Coupe

Following this morning’s leak, BMW and Alpina have officially unveiled the 2022 B8 Gran Coupe.

Looking instantly recognizable, the model features a lightly revised exterior with a front splitter that sports an Alpina logo. Buyers will also find a black diffuser, a rear spoiler, and an expand color palette that includes Alpina Blue Metallic and Alpina Green Metallic.

The most noticeable change is a set of 21-inch Alpina Classic forged alloy wheels that are wrapped in specially developed Pirelli tires. They’re backed up by a four-piston Brembo braking system that has discs measuring 15.6 inches (396 mm) front and 15.7 inches (399 mm) rear.

Last but not least, the model has been equipped with a specially developed stainless-steel sports exhaust system. It’s adjustable and promises to be an “auditory delight” as it features the “bold, natural sound of a powerful V8 engine.”

Also Read: BMW M8 Gran Coupe Debuts As A Sleek Four-Door Coupe With Up To 617 HP

Interior changes are limited, but buyers will find a leather-wrapped Alpina steering wheel, illuminated door sill plates and Walnut Anthracite high-gloss wood trim. The model also has a crystal glass iDrive control with a laser etched Alpina logo.

Besides the special touches, the car comes nicely equipped with heated / ventilated front seats, heated rear seats and a four-zone automatic climate control system. Other highlights include a panoramic glass sunroof, an Alcantara headliner and a 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. Drivers will also find a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.25-inch infotainment system and a color heads-up display.

Power comes from a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 engine that has been massaged to produce 612 hp (456 kW / 620 PS) and 590 lb-ft (800 Nm) of torque. That’s notably more than BMW’s 523hp M850i but just under the 617hp M8 Competition, both of which run on a V8 turbo. It’s connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission, which features upgraded internals and unique shift strategies.

Thanks to these modifications, the all-wheel drive B8 Gran Coupe can accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 3.3 seconds and hit a top speed of 201 mph (323 km/h). The model can also run the quarter mile in 11.5 seconds.

Sticking with the performance theme, the car has an upgraded cooling system that consists of “three external coolant coolers, an enlarged transmission oil cooler and a low-temperature cooling system” with Alpina-specific intercoolers. The latter have a 50% larger cooling surface than the intercoolers found on the M850i xDrive Gran Coupe.

The upgrades don’t end there as the model has a specially-tuned sport suspension that combines “first-class long-distance ride comfort with precise handling characteristics.” It features Eibach springs, reinforced sway bars, stiffer lower wishbone mounts and front axle struts with hydro mounts. Other highlights include a limited-slip differential and an Integral Active Steering system, which allows the rear wheels to turn up to 2.3 degrees.

The 2022 BMW Alpina B8 Gran Coupe will arrive at U.S. dealerships this spring and pricing will start at $139,900. That makes the B8 more expensive than the M8 Gran Coupe which begins at $130,000.