BMW and Alpina have officially unveiled the 2022 B8 Gran Coupe. Looking instantly recognizable, the model features a lightly revised exterior with a front splitter that sports an Alpina logo. Buyers will also find a black diffuser, a rear spoiler, and an expand color palette that includes Alpina Blue Metallic and Alpina Green Metallic.
The most noticeable change is a set of
21-inch Alpina Classic forged alloy wheels that are wrapped in specially
developed Pirelli tires. They’re backed up by a four-piston Brembo braking
system that has discs measuring 15.6 inches (396 mm) front and 15.7 inches (399
mm) rear. Last but not least, the model has been equipped with a specially
developed stainless-steel sports exhaust system. It’s adjustable and promises
to be an “auditory delight” as it features the “bold, natural sound of a
powerful V8 engine.”
Interior changes are limited, but buyers
will find a leather-wrapped Alpina steering wheel, illuminated door sill plates
and Walnut Anthracite high-gloss wood trim. The model also has a crystal glass
iDrive control with a laser etched Alpina logo. Besides the special touches,
the car comes nicely equipped with heated / ventilated front seats, heated rear
seats and a four-zone automatic climate control system. Other highlights
include a panoramic glass sunroof, an Alcantara headliner and a 16-speaker
Harman Kardon audio system. Drivers will also find a 12.3-inch digital
instrument cluster, a 10.25-inch infotainment system and a color heads-up
display.
Power comes from a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8
engine that has been massaged to produce 612 hp and 800 Nm of torque. That’s notably more than BMW’s 523hp M850i but just under
the 617hp M8 Competition, both of which run on a V8 turbo. It’s connected to an
eight-speed automatic transmission, which features upgraded internals and
unique shift strategies. Thanks to these modifications, the all-wheel drive B8
Gran Coupe can accelerate from 0-96 km/h in 3.3 seconds and hit a
top speed of 323 km/h. The model can also run the quarter mile in
11.5 seconds.
Sticking with the performance theme, the
car has an upgraded cooling system that consists of “three external coolant coolers,
an enlarged transmission oil cooler and a low-temperature cooling system” with
Alpina-specific intercoolers. The latter have a 50% larger cooling surface than
the intercoolers found on the M850i xDrive Gran Coupe.
The upgrades don’t end there as the model
has a specially-tuned sport suspension that combines “first-class long-distance
ride comfort with precise handling characteristics.” It features Eibach
springs, reinforced sway bars, stiffer lower wishbone mounts and front axle
struts with hydro mounts. Other highlights include a limited-slip differential
and an Integral Active Steering system, which allows the rear wheels to turn up
to 2.3 degrees. The 2022 BMW Alpina B8 Gran Coupe will arrive at U.S.
dealerships this spring and pricing will start at US$ 139,900. That makes the B8
more expensive than the M8 Gran Coupe which begins at US$ 130,000.
