2015 BMW ALPINA B6 Gran Coupe

1. 2015 BMW ALPINA B6 Gran Coupe

   Luxury vehicle
3. What is it?

   
   

   Burkhard Bovenseipen rebuilt his first Bimmer in 1961, adding dual Webers Italian origin on his 1500 BMW Coupe and then recording a remarkable 100 hp out of the little screamer. Soon, everyone wanted one. In 1965, he was churning out enough of them to incorporate officially Alpina as a legal entity. Alpina has been legally classified as a producer since 1983, applying its VIN to all cars that does.

   
   

   Now, more than 50 years after those double Weber, the family still owns Bovenseipen Alpina, and the machines are more than 500 hp, not 100. Although it is a completely separate entity, Alpina has full access to future BMW models, CAD drawings and all specifications at least two years before the models for sale to the public. The Alpina B7 is available from BMW dealers in the United States for several years, and in these days, Alpina is the introduction of this car, the B6 Gran Coupe, in our market.

   
   

   The Alpina B6 is the version of the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe. The elegant four-door get everything you want in a fancier, faster 6, but especially becomes torque. The changes to the 4.4-liter V8 BMW include new turbochargers Garrett, Mahle pistons, plugs NGK, intercooler more robust, a new engine computer and reinforcements to the entire AWD transmission, including the eight-speed automatic transmission. BMW M cars are more powerful and probably better on the track, but the Alpina might be more comfortable to live with while offerering more performance than the normal 6-Series Gran Coupe.

   
   

   
   

   How to drive?

   
   

   Step on the gas, and you will feel 540 pounds-feet of it rarin 'to go. The same figure applies to 540 horses; Alpina claims 0-60 in 3.7 seconds. We got a 3.8 with a passenger, a little 'altitude and a lot of luggage. The maximum speed with high performance tires is said to be a thrilling 198 mph, which we have seen 180 and climbing again before running out of the room on the highway.

   
   

   Alpina reconditions the interior, with everything from Myrtlewood dash applied to the hand-stitched leather-whatever-you-want from Alpina or BMW Individual customization services.

   
   

   We do not know if you have ever gone 198 mph, but we are here to tell you that 180 was a remarkable experience serene in this car. At that speed, the Alpina B6 tracked steady and true. Sure, there was wind noise around the A-pillars, but come on, man. You have to expect that at these speeds. Low speeds, such as, for example, 150 mph, were like a walk in the park. In something less than three digits, this car definitely feels underused.

   
   

   The acceleration from standstill is incredible, too, especially when you consider that the whole thing weighs a hefty £ 4780. All four wheels grip the asphalt and noise, you're done. How many non-Top Fuel, production cars in the world to launch such a hurry? Mighty few. And that has comfortable seating for four or five full-size adults.

   
   

   "With our variable damping, our way of comfort is very comfortable," said Andreas Bovenseipen, CEO of the second generation of Alpina. "It 's almost like a feeling of Rolls-Royce / Bentley."

   
   

   The Rolls part of that quote is not far off, considering the history of the parties sharing between Rolls and BMW.

   
   

   2015 BMW Alpina B6 specific Gran Coupe

   
   

   Over winding mountain roads, the Alpina B6 maintains the same sense of composure that has a speed almost terminal. Located in sport or sport more and really goes to town. Alpina says with his computer and xDrive that there is "a lot more" rear wheel bias in the system. On the roads skinny on where we crossed the Austrian Alps, we did not really hang the tail out, but we never felt any understeer. At speeds above 90 mph, all torque goes to the rear wheels. The front suspension has also more negative camber for handling neutral.

   
   

   Do I Want It?

   
   

   Exclusivity is a nebulous thing; with only about 300 of these come into US BMW showroom, you will certainly get the exclusive in Alpina. Performance is another matter. A BMW M model will serve purest. Alpina is proud to match performance and comfort, and certainly did here. You might look at a Mercedes AMG or Audi RS of similar size. Perhaps these are more performance oriented, too, but for a daily driver that you want to from time to time to shake out at 198 mph, this could be the best solution.

   
   Sticker prices start at $ 118,225, including destination charge, and B6 is available from your BMW dealer at this time.
   
   On Sale: Now
   
   Base price: $ 118,225
   
   Drivetrain: 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8, 540 hp 540 lb-ft; eight-speed automatic, awd
   
   Curb Weight: (. Mfg) £ 4,780
   
   0-60: 3.7 seconds 3.8 (AW) (mfg.)
   
   Top speed: 198 mph (mfg.)
   
   Fuel economy, mpg (city / highway / combined): 16/24/19