Alpina goes M8 hunting with new B8 Gran Coupe

BMW tuning specialist Alpina has turned its hand to the 8 Series Gran Coupe and come up with one of its most powerful models to date in the form of the new B8 Gran Coupe; a high-performance four-door coupe for those who want something a bit different to the established German heavyweights.

In classic Alpina style, the relation between the B8 and the M8 are clear for all to see with the bespoke tuning house only making the subtlest of styling changes to the elongated coupe with the biggest difference being its metallic green paint – Alpina Blue is also available.

As with all Alpina models, the brand has made some changes and applied its own unique engine mapping to the BMW powerplant, which in this case is the same twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 as found under the bonnet of both the B5 and XB7.

In M8 guise the bent-eight develops 460kW/750Nm; marginally more power than in the B8 (460kW vs 457kW) but far less torque with the latter developing an extra 50Nm (750Nm vs 800Nm).

As with its donor car, drive is sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Performance-wise, the Alpina will sprint from 0-100km/h in 3.4 seconds and push on to a top speed of 324km/h.

Despite the mass of power and performance on hand, Alpina says the B8 will sip 11.9 litres of fuel per 100km on the combined cycle while emitting 270 grams of CO2.

Under the skin, the B8 Gran Coupe rides on Alpina’s tried and tested adaptive suspension system with the brand also adding its usual Comfort+ drive mode to the package to gift the B8 a more compliant ride than its BMW M counterpart.

Speed-sensitive four-wheel steering ensures a greater level of slow speed manoeuvrability with the rear axle counter-steering by up to 2.3 degrees before switching to provide enhanced stability at higher speeds by turning in the same direction as the front wheels.

Pirelli-sourced rubber encompasses the bespoke 21-inch alloy wheels, behind which peek out blue four-piston brake callipers courtesy of Brembo.

The four-pot grabbers act on Alpina’s own 395mm drilled front rotors and 398mm rear discs with the pads also coming from in-house.

Matching the exterior design, the cabin is also decidedly BMW save for a few Alpina touches here and there like the illuminated door sills, crystal glass iDrive Controller and the now familiar Walnut Anthracite high-gloss accents.

Standard equipment on the B8 is as expansive as it is on the M8 with highlights including heated multifunction sport seats, heated steering wheel, BMW Individual extended Merino leather upholstery, Harman Kardon surround sound system, BMW iDrive infotainment system and BMW Driving Assistant Professional.

According to Alpina, the first European deliveries of the B8 Gran Coupe will commence in July with the car flaunting a €161,200 ($A250,605) asking price.

GoAuto has contacted Alpina Australia for confirmation on the B8’s local timing.