Future Design Icon: A Timeless Classic in the Making

The Stunning Design of the ALPINA B8 Gran Coupe

The ALPINA B8 Gran Coupe is a true masterpiece in terms of design. Its beauty is undeniable, with a shape that is simply breathtaking. From the subtle body lines to the ALPINA-specific bumpers and the iconic ALPINA wheels, every detail of this car is a work of art. It showcases what BMW design is capable of when it is at its best.

The 8 Series Gran Coupe is already a pinnacle of BMW design, representing the last truly beautiful car to come out of Munich before the controversial design changes in recent years. Its proportions are flawless, with a long hood, sweeping roofline, and muscular haunches. It embodies the classic BMW GT coupe language perfectly, reminiscent of the legendary E31 8 Series but with a modern twist. Even the base 840i models are head-turners, exuding a sense of speed even when stationary.

What sets the ALPINA B8 Gran Coupe apart are the ALPINA-specific modifications that take it to the next level. The lower front lip adds a touch of aggression without going overboard like recent M car front ends. The iconic ALPINA wheels, with their classic multi-spoke design refined over decades, fill the arches with timeless elegance. The rear bumper wraps around quad exhaust pipes with a level of integration and purposefulness rarely seen in today’s cars filled with fake vents and plastic cladding.

Additionally, the B8 is available in two ALPINA-specific colors — ALPINA Blue Metallic and ALPINA Green Metallic, both of which have been signatures of the brand throughout its history, signaling that this is not just another tuned BMW but a true masterpiece with heritage.

The Craftsmanship of ALPINA

What sets ALPINA apart from other tuners is that they are manufacturers, not modifiers. Each B8 Gran Coupe is meticulously hand-built in Buchloe, Germany, with a level of attention to detail that even BMW’s own M division cannot match. The interior of the B8 features ALPINA-specific touches such as unique stitching patterns, subtle badging, a numbered plaque, and the exquisite ALPINA steering wheel. Every aspect of the interior exudes luxury and craftsmanship.

With BMW’s acquisition of ALPINA completed in late 2025, the B8 Gran Coupe marks the end of an era. This generation represents the last of the true ALPINA-made cars before full integration into BMW AG. These cars are historically significant, similar to the last E46 M3s or the final naturally-aspirated 911s, making them highly collectible. Witnessing this transition in real-time is witnessing automotive history in the making.

Currently, the 2025 B8 Gran Coupes are priced between $155,000-$160,000. This is less than what a fully loaded M8 Competition Gran Coupe cost new, but the B8 offers something far more special. Hand-built, limited production, a 50-year pedigree, and arguably better looks than the M8.

Unmatched Engineering Excellence

Under the hood of the ALPINA B8 Gran Coupe lies a powerful 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine that shares architecture with the N63 in standard 8 Series models and the S63 in M8s but follows its path. ALPINA reworks the N63 engine with new pistons, larger twin-scroll turbochargers, an upgraded intercooler, revised intake and exhaust manifolds, and a complete exhaust system.

The result is an impressive output of 612 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. While this is slightly less horsepower than the M8 Competition, the B8 boasts 37 lb-ft more torque, showcasing ALPINA’s focus on torque delivery over raw power. The B8 achieves 0-60 mph in just 3.3 seconds, delivering a surge of power that sets it apart from the M8’s more aggressive nature. The eight-speed ZF automatic transmission is tuned specifically for ALPINA, offering a refined driving experience.

The Future of ALPINA within BMW

The future of the ALPINA brand under BMW ownership remains uncertain. While new models like the B7 and XB7 have been announced, focusing on sedans and SUVs, there is little information on other products, especially coupes.

Given BMW’s history with luxury coupes and the current gap in their lineup, it would not be surprising to see an ALPINA coupe concept in the future. This could fill a niche in the ultra-premium segment, competing with brands like Mercedes-Maybach and Bentley. An ALPINA grand coupe, priced above $200,000 with hand-finished interior details and bespoke color options, could cater to a discerning audience looking for exclusivity and luxury.

While the direction of ALPINA under BMW is uncertain, the success of the B8 Gran Coupe demonstrates that the formula works and could pave the way for future ALPINA models.

A Timeless Classic in the Making

The ALPINA B8 Gran Coupe is poised to become a future classic, much like the E31 8 Series or the E9 3.0 CSL. It represents the end of an era, embodying BMW’s classic grand tourer philosophy before the shift towards electrification and track-focused models.

Years from now, as electric crossovers dominate the market, the ALPINA B8 Gran Coupe will stand out as a reminder of a time when BMW — through ALPINA — crafted cars that truly captured the essence of luxury and performance. It is a future classic that is available for purchase today, offering a unique blend of beauty, power, and exclusivity.