When it comes to lavish performance sedans, the 2022 BMW Alpina B8 Gran Coupe xDrive stands out as a crowning achievement. Alpina has a long-standing tradition of refining BMW's best models, enhancing performance and luxury to new heights. The 2022 B8 Gran Coupe marks Alpina’s first venture into BMW’s top-line 8 Series, pushing the boundaries of what a grand tourer can be. This model seamlessly blends the sleek, aggressive design of the 8 Series with Alpina’s distinct enhancements, creating a vehicle that is both exhilarating to drive and supremely comfortable to ride in.
The front fascia features Alpina’s signature touches, such as the exclusive Alpina badge and the iconic kidney grille, now more pronounced and flanked by adaptive LED headlights. These enhancements provide not only a distinctive look but also improved visibility and aerodynamics. The exterior design includes functional aerodynamic enhancements, such as the redesigned front and rear aprons, which help reduce lift and improve stability at high speeds. The sleek body lines, coupled with 20-inch Alpina Classic wheels, give the B8 Gran Coupe an aggressive yet sophisticated stance. The paint options, including exclusive Alpina Blue and Alpina Green, further distinguish this model from the standard 8 Series.
The heart of the 2022 Alpina B8 Gran Coupe xDrive is a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, producing a robust 612 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. This engine transforms the driving experience, providing a sense of effortless power and refinement. When you press the accelerator, the car responds with a seamless surge of acceleration, propelling you from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds. The Alpina-tuned eight-speed automatic transmission ensures that each gear shift is both quick and smooth, adapting to your driving style whether you're cruising leisurely or pushing the car to its limits. There can be a slight lag feeling when accelerating hard, but don’t let that fool you into thinking this car doesn’t have the speed and power. Just because you can’t feel it doesn’t mean you should leave your drink sitting on the dash.
The V8 engine's performance is matched by its refined demeanor; it provides all the muscle of a sports car without the harshness. The xDrive all-wheel-drive system adds to this sensation, enhancing traction and stability and making the car feel planted and secure on any road surface. This system not only improves handling in inclement weather but also enhances the car’s agility, making it feel more nimble despite its size. The driving experience is further elevated by the Alpina-specific suspension tuning, which maintains a balance between comfort and performance. In Comfort and Comfort+ modes, the B8 soaks up road imperfections, providing a smooth and relaxed ride. Switching to the sportier modes tightens body control, sharpens throttle response, and adjusts the transmission mapping, transforming the B8 into a more agile and responsive machine. This duality makes the B8 equally adept at long-distance cruising and spirited driving.
The interior of the 2022 Alpina B8 Gran Coupe xDrive is a masterclass in luxury. The cabin is adorned with the finest materials, including Merino leather upholstery, handcrafted wood trims, and a unique Alpina instrument cluster. The front seats offer extensive adjustability, heating, cooling, and massage functions, ensuring comfort during long drives. The front seats are the best place to be. The rear seats look nice but aren’t nearly as comfortable or supportive. Plus, the sloping roofline compromises headroom a little, especially for taller passengers. The BMW Live Cockpit Professional, featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch central touchscreen, offers intuitive access to navigation, entertainment, and vehicle settings. The iDrive 7.0 system enhances usability with voice control, gesture control, and a rotary controller. For some, this can be a technology overload. The gesture controls aren’t necessarily intuitive and can frustrate some people.
The 2022 Alpina B8 Gran Coupe xDrive manages to balance its powerful performance with respectable fuel economy for a vehicle in its class. The EPA rates the B8 at 17 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway, which is impressive given its 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine that produces 612 horsepower. This balance is achieved through advanced engineering and efficient transmission tuning. The adaptive suspension and all-wheel-drive system also contribute to optimizing fuel efficiency, ensuring that drivers can enjoy both spirited driving and longer journeys without frequent refueling stops. Compared to its competitors, the Alpina B8’s fuel economy is competitive but not exceptional. For instance, the Mercedes-Benz S 580 4MATIC, which offers similar luxury and performance, achieves an estimated 17 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. The Audi S8, another close rival, offers slightly better highway mileage at 23 mpg but falls short with 15 mpg in the city.
When new, the 2022 BMW Alpina B8 Gran Coupe xDrive had a starting MSRP of around $140,895. Low-mileage used models are available at significantly reduced prices, typically ranging from $110,000 to $125,000, depending on mileage and condition. This depreciation makes the Alpina B8 a compelling choice for those seeking high-end luxury and performance at a more accessible price point.
The 2022 BMW Alpina B8 Gran Coupe xDrive redefines luxury performance, blending meticulous craftsmanship with powerful engineering. Its 612-horsepower V8 engine, coupled with advanced technology like the BMW Live Cockpit Professional, ensures every drive is both thrilling and comfortable. Unlike its competitors, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Audi A8, the Alpina B8 offers an excitingly smooth driving experience with Alpina-specific enhancements that cater to both driver and passenger comfort. If you want the speed and excitement of a race-car with comfort that tops the charts then the 2022 BMW Alpina B8 Gran Coupe is an excellent choice.
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