Audi RS7, Mercedes AMG GT 63s or Porsche Panamera Turbo S – imposing names and somehow the BMW Alpina B8 puts all its opponents in its pockets – even its twin brother, the BMW M8 Gran Coupé.
The picture is not entirely new: once again Alpina is crowning a model from the BMW product range. The 8 Series Gran Coupé is already visually impressive – sporty and brawny – but without being too intrusive. This is no different with the clearly sporty, ambitious brother from Buchloe. The Alpina B8 Gran Coupé is technically based on the four-door M850i and got a boost in power that is already well known from powerhouses like the Alpina XB7 or a B5. The double-charged eight-cylinder has an impressive 457 kW / 621 hp and a maximum torque of 800 Nm, which is constantly available between 2,000 and 5,000 tours – the pull-through from the lower and middle speed range is simply one – gigantic. In addition to the perfect balance of sportiness and comfort, which is once again impressive with the four-door model, the Alpina B8 shines with a top speed that is otherwise only available from Bentley.
While the competition locks at 250, 300, 305 or 315 km / h, ranging from different to peaceful, the 5.09-meter-long Allgäu can reach an impressive 324 km / h on request and with the appropriate pedal pressure. Once again, it is pleasantly noticeable that the Bavarian V8 has a displacement of 4.4 liters and can therefore draw its power from a full beer glass in more combustion chamber than most others who have to make do with four liters. Together with the two enlarged turbos and adapted charge air coolers, this is one of the main reasons for the willingly responsive engine, which does not allow itself a moment of thought when it comes to the gas. The standard consumption of 11.9 liters of Super Plus per 100 kilometers is less annoying than the comparatively small fuel tank of 68 liters.
But speed is one thing and hardly anyone is seriously interested in the image spurt from 0 to 100 km / h in a remarkable 3.4 seconds in reality. But why the long Alpina puts the competition so in the corner is the relaxed dynamic that it offers its pilot and with which it spoils the other occupants. Of course, the almost 2.2-ton colossus has a lot of love handles on its beefy ribs and not the throbbing luxury charm of a Bentley Continental, but so much power that nobody can drive away if you don’t want to allow it. In particular, the coordination of springs and dampers in connection with the 21-inch wheels, which the Alpina developers worked out together with the tire specialists from Pirelli, shines. Fine springing, good rolling comfort and side walls that offer enough resistance even in very fast corners to be able to read the road. The steering could be a little tighter, a little harder, especially in the sport modes. So that the power gets on the road, there is not only all-wheel drive and additional rear-wheel steering, but also roll stabilization and a differential lock – this means that hardly any energy is lost and the B8 brings onto the road what the driver, who has become a pilot, demands of him.
The noise level of the Alpina production model, which is the most expensive at 161,200 euros, is pleasantly restrained. Even though the test subject was not equipped with insulating glass, the soundscape stayed pleasantly in the background. While one or the other competitor sounds just as powerful as it is lusty and growls sonorous, even in the normal driving modes, the eight-cylinder, made in Bavaria, tinkers discreetly in the background until you switch to the sports programs and spur the turbo engine on. The luxury inside can be increased if desired. Here still special leather, there a few applications and, if desired, the carbon brake – then it goes towards 180,000 euros. But great driving fun and an elegant appearance can also be enjoyed in the basic package.
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