2022 BMW/Alpina marriage: Expensive gran coupe rocks
For some BMW purists, the 8 Series sedan isn’t enough. Fine. How about the 2022 BMW Alpina B8 Gran Coupe? It’s quick, stunningly attractive and rare with about 2,000 manufactured for those with discriminating tastes, the need for more performance and possessing deep pockets.
Founded in 1965, Alpina, the German customization specialty company, and BMW have maintained a long business relationship. The former works independently but it’s also permanently partnered with BMW. The collaboration morphs into vehicles greater than the sum of the two companies.
Powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 that produces 612 horsepower, the BMW Alpina B8 Gran Coupe is positioned between the M8’s 600 horsepower and the M8 Competition’s 617 horsepower. Its stablemates are slightly quicker as if acceleration from zero to 60 miles per hour in 3.3 seconds isn’t fastest enough. The top speed is 201 miles per hour.
For torque fanciers, the Alpina has 590 lb-ft of torque, 47 more than either M8. It also features an Alpinatuned eight-speed transmission. Shift paddles are included, with BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive available.
Rear-wheel steering is standard. The gearbox is quick and crisp, although shifting requires a knack for finesse, not aggressive moves.
As bravado-ridden as BMW gets, the Alpina also includes an adaptive sport suspension. The carmaker touts it offers superior ride comfort and cornering abilities. BMW is right. If the rigid driving personality of the German carmaker is appealing, the Alpina does it better, softening the manufacturer’s signature stiffness.
Accelerate while cornering. Accelerate while maneuvering through traffic. Accelerate while ascending or descending. Maintain a high speed on the highway or move around in city driving. The gran coupe is prideful without pretentiousness.
Alpina reports it has amended the standard four-wheel steering system. The rear wheels turn up to 2.3 degrees at low and medium speeds for more agile handling. Front and rear wheels turn in sync at high speeds for more stable cruising.