And out of the blue, we now have two Alpina offerings for U.S. customers after BMW formally introduced the new B6 xDrive Gran Coupe at the New York Auto Show. The all-wheel drive-only B6 is a 650i xDrive Gran Coupe on steroids with a price tag that exceeds that of the RWD-only M6 saloon ($115,925) at $118,225, including a $925 destination and handling fee.
Alpina’s tune has pushed the 4.4-liter turbocharged V8’s output up from 445hp and 480 lb-ft (650Nm) to 540hp and 540 lb-ft (731Nm) respectively, with an 8-speed automatic shifting power to all four wheels.
The B6 Gran Coupe shoots to 60mph (96km/h) in just 3.7 seconds before its hits a top speed of 198mph (319km/h). That compares to the regular 650i xDrive Gran Coupe’s 4.3 seconds and 155mph (250km/h – restricted), and the 560hp M6’s 4.1 seconds and 155mph (250km/h – restricted) respectively.
The Alpina package also gets you bespoke styling touches inside and out, including 21-inch wheels, front and rear aprons, and a full leather interior treatment.
The new B6 will join the existing 7-Series Alpina B7 in the U.S. later this spring.
By John Halas
PHOTO GALLERY
