Since most cars are so different from their BMW M Division counterparts, buyers must have a special and unique reason for buying ALPINA products. Either the ALPINA B8 Gran Coupe or the BMW M8 Coupe can make the other redundant due to their similar goals. Find out if Carfection thinks the ALPINA B8 Gran Coupe is better than the M8 in this new video.
Both cars appear to be reasonably similar. Even though they have upgraded suspension, bigger brakes and much more power, they are obviously based on the BMW M8 Gran Coupe. Although the M8 has a genuine S63 engine from the M Division, while the ALPINA is a modified N63 engine, both cars use 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 engines.
Nevertheless, the M8 Competition produces 617 hp and 533 lb-ft of torque, while the ALPINA produces 600 hp and 690 lb-ft of torque. It’s fair to say that the performance figures of the ALPINA B8 and BMW M8 are very similar. The ZF eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive are also identical on both vehicles.
Beyond that, the suspension setups are the main mechanical differences between the two cars. Another noticeable difference is the firmness and performance of the BMW M8 Gran Coupe. The softer and more comfortable layout of the ALPINA B8 is ideal for longer trips. Compared to the M8, the ALPINA also features rear-wheel steering.
The driving experience of the BMW M8 Gran Coupe and the ALPINA B8 is remarkably similar. However, the latter has a touch more elegance and luxury. With a top speed of 201 mph, it is more comfortable and exciting to drive, but offers an incredible driving experience. Carfection believes that the B8 is superior to the M8, and I could not agree more.