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Carsales Staff12 May 2021
NEWS

BMW Alpina B8 Gran Coupe priced

German tuner announces local pricing and specs for its answer to the BMW M8 sedan

Alpina Automobiles Australia has announced local pricing and specs for its new sports flagship, the BMW Alpina B8 Gran Coupe, ahead of its arrival Down Under for the first time in July.

Joining the BMW 3 Series-based B3 sedan and wagon, the BMW X3-based XD3 and the BMW X7-based XB7, the Alpina B8 is based on the BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe.

And the good news is the big German sports sedan not only brings a unique design and chassis tune, but is cheaper than the BMW M8 Competition Gran Coupe while offering similar power and more torque.

Priced from $322,900 plus on-road costs, the Alpina B8 Gran Coupe is powered by a 457kW/800Nm 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 paired with a retuned eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-biased all-wheel drive with limited-slip rear differential.

The BMW M8 Competition Gran Coupe, meantime, is priced at $354,900 plus ORCs and delivers 460kW/750Nm from the same basic powertrain.

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What’s more, although it’s not as quick to 100km/h (3.4 seconds versus 3.2 for the M8), Alpina says its own pair of twin-scroll turbochargers (each with 54mm turbines) deliver “incredible throttle response and torque throughout the rev range”.

Alpina’s version of BMW’s big-bore biturbo V8 generates 457kW over 5500-6500rpm and peak torque of 800Nm between just 2000rpm and 5000rpm.

That’s a substantial increase on the 390kW/750Nm outputs from the same engine in the BMW M850i xDrive Gran Coupe, which costs $277,900 plus ORCs.

Top speed is listed at 324km/h and combined fuel consumption at 11.9L/100km (WLTP).

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Fitted with a specific cooling system that features water-air intercoolers with 50 per cent larger surface area, the B8 also adds a stainless steel Alpina quad exhaust system with petrol particulate filter to deliver a more “sophisticated” soundtrack in COMFORT mode and a “distinctive rumble” in SPORT mode, says Alpina.

The BMW Alpina B8 Gran Coupe’s chassis was developed to deliver “superb dynamics and an opulent ride” and employs Alpina-tuned Eibach springs all round, hydro-mounted front struts, stiffer strut support and front lower wishbone mounts, and a reinforced front sway bar to improve response and lateral grip.

BMW’s Integral Active Steering (rear-wheel steering) system continues, but a COMFORT+ setting developed for the B8 with Bilstein is added to the adaptive damper system.

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‘Minimalist’ 20-spoke 21-inch forged alloy wheels (in either silver, black or Anthracite) with exclusively developed Pirelli P Zero ALP tyres (245/35 ZR21 front, 285/30 ZR21 rear) are standard, along with a blue Brembo brake package comprising fixed four-piston brake callipers on 395mm discs up front and floating callipers on ever larger 398mm rotors at the rear.

Alpina’s high-performance braking system cross-drilled discs and high-temperature resistant brake pads will be optional.

Externally, the Alpina B8 adds a unique front bumper with enhanced air flow and silver (or black or gold for no extra cost) ALPINA lettering on the lower apron, a black rear diffuser with integrated Alpina rear apron, and a subtle rear lip spoiler.

There’s a range of no-cost solid (Alpine White) and metallic (Carbon Black, Black Sapphire, Mineral White, Sunset Orange, Bluestone and Barcelona Blue) paint colours, plus optional BMW Individual metallic hues including Dravit Grey, Tanzanite Blue II, Aventurine Blue and Frozen Bluestone.

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Inside, there are illuminated Alpina door sills and bespoke crystal glass applications for the gear shift and iDrive controller, plus an Alpina production plaque on the centre console.

High-gloss Alpina Walnut Anthracite interior trims are standard but no-cost alternatives include Carbon Fibre, Piano Black, Fine-wood Fineline Copper effect in high-gloss, Ash Grain Grey, Fine-wood Ash Black silver effect in high-gloss and Aluminium Trace Dark.

Completing the unique cabin package is an Alpina steering wheel clad in Lavalina leather with blue/green stitching, Alpina SWITCH-TRONIC gearshift buttons and the option of CNC-milled metal gearshift paddles.

The standard Extended Merino leather trim can be had in Black, Ivory White, Cognac, Night Blue/Black, Tartufo/Black or Fiona Red/Black and, while Alpina seatback roundels are a no-cost option, a range of full Merino leather trim colours will also be available.

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Naturally, all of the BMW M850i xDrive’s standard features carry over, including four-zone climate-control, alarm system, ambient lighting, BMW Display key, BMW Laserlights, Climate comfort windscreen, Comfort Access with smart opener, Connected Package Professional, DAB tuner, Driving Assistant Professional, Dynamic Safety, Enhanced Bluetooth with wireless charging, High-gloss Shadowline exterior trim and multi-function front Sport seats.

Other standard features include Anthracite head lining, front heat comfort package, leather instrument panel, Live Cockpit Professional, 16-speaker harman/kardon surround sound, Night Vision with pedestrian recognition, panoramic glass sunroof, Parking Assistant Plus, heated front and rear seats, ventilated front seats, soft-close doors, electric rear and rear-side sunblinds and tyre pressure monitoring.

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In line with the BMW 8 Series, options will include a Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System, Universal remote control, BMW Drive Recorder, TV Function, High-gloss Shadowline with extended contents, M Carbon Roof (deletes panoramic sunroof), Sun protection glass and High-performance brake system – plus Alpina floor and cargo mats with leather piping.

Also like the 8 Series, the BMW Alpina B8 Gran Coupe is covered by a three-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty with roadside assist and like all Alpina models can be serviced at any BMW dealership via BMW’s Service Inclusive program.

“This is the first time Alpina has offered a Gran Coupe for the Australian market,” said Alpina Automobiles Australia sales manager, Phil Jeffery.

“In the B8, Alpina has managed to deliver unique elegance and supreme luxury with absolutely no compromise to performance. It is a truly fitting flagship for the Alpina range in Australia.”

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Written byCarsales Staff
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