SET to be the brand’s new flagship model, the ALPINA B8 Gran Coupe will land in Australia in July. Powered by a 4.4-litre bi-turbo petrol V8 offering 457kW of power and 800Nm of torque, it will be priced from $322,900 plus on-road costs.
“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.”
The sophisticated engine uses two ALPINA-specific twin-scroll turbochargers (each with 54mm turbines) that are designed to deliver incredible throttle response and torque throughout the rev range.
Breathing through a stainless steel ALPINA quad exhaust system with petrol particulate filter technology, the large-capacity V8 emits a sophisticated soundtrack in COMFORT mode, and a distinctive rumble in SPORT mode.
An ALPINA-specific cooling system that features water-air intercoolers with 50 per cent larger surface area, ensures seamlessly strong acceleration throughout the rev range.
A specially tuned eight-speed automatic transmission that can shift in as little as 100ms and a rear-biased all-wheel drive system with a limited-slip rear differential ensures smooth, responsive power delivery.
The combination realises zero to 100km/h acceleration in an astounding 3.4 seconds. Where conditions allow, the BMW ALPINA B8 Gran Coupe can reach 324km/h. It offers 11.9-litres/100km fuel efficiency.
ALPINA-tuned Eibach springs are used on both axles, while the front struts employ hydro
mounts to enhance ride comfort. The strut support mounts and front lower wishbone mounts are stiffer and work with a reinforced front sway bar.
The intelligent Integral Active Steering system allows the rear axle to steer up to 2.3-degrees, working in opposite phase to the front axle at low speeds for added manoeuvrability.
At higher speeds, the rear axle works in phase with the front for added directional stability. Exclusive to ALPINA is the additional COMFORT+ setting for the adaptive damper system.
This unique system specially developed for the B8 in conjunction with suspension legends
Bilstein, offers COMFORT+ in addition to specific COMFORT and SPORT settings, allowing the B8 Gran Coupe’s driver to choose the level of comfort for the situation at hand.
ALPINA’s classically minimalist 20-spoke forged alloy wheel design is a key aesthetic feature of the BMW ALPINA B8 Gran Coupe, measuring an impressive 21 inches in diameter and fitted with Pirelli P Zero ALP tyres, exclusively developed for the vehicle.
The 245/35 ZR21 front tyres are fitted with Pirelli’s noise cancelling system to further
reduce road noise, while the rears feature 285/30/ ZR21 sizing. Famous motorsport brake company Brembo supplies the fixed four-piston front brake callipers.
They’re finished in blue with white ALPINA lettering and clamping impressive 395mm front discs. At the rear, the discs are even larger at 398mm and use floating callipers, with the overall package engineered for high safety reserves and strong thermodynamic stability.
For those seeking further braking power, ALPINA’s high-performance braking system,
featuring drilled brake discs and high-temperature resistant brake pads, is optionally
available.
The B8 Gran Coupe’s stunningly flowing lines are accentuated by ALPINA’s range of aerodynamically sculpted exterior highlights. The large-section front apron offers a strong first impression while enhancing cooling airflow to powerful mechanical components.
As standard, the lower front apron features silver ALPINA lettering, however this can be altered to Black or Gold lettering at no additional cost. At the rear, the impressive black diffuser integrates with the ALPINA rear apron.
A subtle rear spoiler lip extending the rear visual and providing additional high-speed stability. Of course, the trademark ALPINA Blue and ALPINA Green metallic paint finishes are optionally available, as are a wide array of options from BMW’s colour pallete.
These include Alpine White, Carbon Black Metallic, Black Sapphire Metallic, Mineral White Metallic, Sunset Orange Metallic, Bluestone Metallic, and Barcelona Blue Metallic.
From the BMW Individual range, you can also choose Dravit Grey Metallic, Tanzanite Blue II Metallic, Aventurine Red II Metallic, Frozen Bluestone Metallic.
For no additional cost, the legendary ALPINA Deco-Set in Silver or Gold can be specified,
either for the front spoiler or for both the spoiler and body sides. Black Deco-Sets are also
optionally available.
As well as the standard silver finish for the 21-inch, 20-spoke ALPINA CLASSIC forged alloy wheels, customers can optionally select a Black or Anthracite painted finish.
Inside, one immediately notices the illuminated ALPINA door sill and bespoke ALPINA design crystal glass applications to the gear shift and iDrive controller. Also sitting proudly in the centre console is the ALPINA production plaque for added exclusivity.
High-gloss ALPINA Walnut Anthracite interior trims are fitted as standard, with a range of no-cost trim alternatives available, including Carbon Fibre, Piano Black, Fine-wood Fineline Copper effect in high-gloss and Ash Grain Grey, among others.
Reaching for the steering wheel reveals another bespoke touch, the wheel itself finished in
ALPINA’s own LAVALINA leather with blue/green stitching. ALPINA’s SWITCH-TRONIC gear
shift buttons allow full manual shifting too.
Stunning CNC-milled metal gearshift paddles are optionally available. The BMW ALPINA B8 Gran Coupe’s interior is trimmed in Extended Merino leather upholstery as standard, which is available in multiple colours.
Four zone air-conditioning heads a feature list that includes ambient lighting, a climate comfort windscreen, BMW’s Connected Package Professional, DAB+ digital radio, five driving modes, Driving Assistant Professional, and dynamic safety package.
Enhanced Bluetooth also features, as do ‘crafted clarity’ glass interior elements, a 16-speaker Harman/Kardon sound system, Live Cockpit Professional, night vision with pedestrian recognition, heated and ventilated front seats and soft close doors.
A Bowers & Wilkins Diamond surround sound system is also available, as is an optional M carbon roof. The BMW ALPINA B8 Gran Coupe is covered by a three-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty.
Complimentary Roadside Assistance is also provided for this time period. All ALPINA vehicles sold in Australia can be serviced at your local BMW dealership.
