2022 BMW/Alpina

The Gran Coupe, unlike other BMWs, has superior space for two rear seat occupants. Its comfort, including a large, multi-use pulldown console, makes the front seats less spacious.

While adjustable to many positions, the independent cabins are tight. The giant-sized front console steals some of the available acreage. The customized 8 Series also has a sloping roofline, meaning a less comfortable experience for tall back seat passengers.

BMW does the interior appointments handsomely. Materials include top-grade leather seating and an untreated Lavalina leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Further accouterments: Alpina treadplates, a crystal iDrive controller with a laser-etched Alpina logo. The interior also features Walnut Anthracite high gloss. Open any doors and the sills illuminate with the word Alpina. The Alpina branding is also on the floor mats. It’s all big, bold automotive bling.

Exterior upgrades are readily apparent. Jumbo-sized air intakes, a black rear diffuser and a decklid spoiler add sporty class. The Alpina badge on the trunk is traditional and handsome.

The German customizer has also added a 20-spoke design in a standard 21-inch size wrapped in custom Pirelli rubber. Four-piston Brembo brake calipers in bright cobalt blue clamp 15.6-inch rotors are on the front and 15.7 inches are positioned on the rear.

The Gran Coupe is available standard in the car maker’s signature metallic colors, Alpina blue and Alpina green. But other exterior colors are available.

Technology is all neat but not tidy with BMW’s iDrive software, the combination of touchscreen, physical controls, voice commands and gestures isn’t intuitive. But it’s all worthy. Apple CarPlay and Android

Auto connectivity are standard and can connect either via USB or wirelessly. The Bowers & Wilkins premium audio upgrade is $3,400.

The bottom line: Fully decked out, the 2022 BMW Alpina B8 Gran Coupe checks in at just under $150,000. For the BMW crowd, it’s likely a deal. For the rest of us, not so much.