Alpina has applied its tricks to the BMW M850i Gran Coupe, bringing more power and tweaked design to the V8-powered four-door
Alpina has revived the B8 nameplate over 25 years since the E36-based original, this time applying it to a new model based on the M850i Gran Coupe. Designed to be a more subtle alternative to the M8 Competition, order books are open now with prices starting from $186,109.
Under the bonnet is the same 4.4-litre N63 twin-turbocharged V8 as the M850i, but tweaks to the turbocharging and cooling systems yield an additional 90bhp and 37lb ft. As such, its 613bhp and 590lb ft of torque are only 9bhp down on the M8 and matching its peak torque figure, and make for a brisk 3.4sec 0-100kph time – an improvement of three tenths over standard. The standard speed limiter has also been removed, bumping top speed from 250kph to 323kph.
With an increase in power comes the requirement for improved heat management, and so Alpina has fitted bespoke intercoolers with 50 percent more cooling surface area and provided the 8-speed ZF automatic with an uprated transmission oil cooler.
As with all Alpina models, the B8’s setup is focussed on comfort and on-road performance, fettling the M850i’s suspension setup accordingly. This includes detailed engineering changes such as new hydro mounts for the front struts which improve ride comfort, with new Eibach springs and adaptive dampers part of the package.
The B8’s design is typical of Alpina, with only subtle changes setting it apart from the ordinary 8-series Gran Coupe. Below the familiar M Sport front bumper is a new splitter, with a boot-mounted lip spoiler, new diffuser and quad exhaust tips fitted at the rear. 21-inch Alpina Classic 20-spoke wheels are the sole wheel option, wrapped in 245-section front, 285-section rear Pirelli rubber and available in silver, grey and gloss black. Nestled behind are four-piston, 395mm Brembo front brakes with a floating calliper, 398mm setup at the rear.
BMW’s Individual Merino leather, heated seats and a Harmon Kardon sound system are equipped as standard, but browse the configurator and you’ll find a number of ways to drive price skywards. The trademark Alpina Green metallic paintwork can be optioned alongside a unique blue shade for $4378, with the full range of BMW Individual colours also on the menu.
Though it’s far from short on options out of the box, an even more luxurious ‘Lavalina’ leather finish can be optioned, with entirely custom interior colour schemes available at further cost. Alpina branded illuminated door sills, aluminum shift paddles, a glass iDrive controller and more come as standard.
Order books are open now with prices starting from $186,109, a $55,000 premium over the M850i and over $14,000 more than the M8 Competition. First cars are expected to hit the road in July.
This article originally appeared at evo.co.uk
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