Marking the 60th anniversary of the company, Alpina has unveiled its latest super-sleeper model. Based on the BMW 8 Series Gran Coupé, the large four-door offers supercar-rivalling performance in the subtle way that the marque is renowned for. The bonnet is home to an enhanced version of the N63 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine. With modifications to the intake, air boxes and boost allowed by the ECU, the engine now delivers 625bhp from 5,500-6,500rpm, and 627lb-ft (850Nm) of torque from 3,500-5,000rpm.

The B8 GT is the most powerful Alpina ever made, and thanks to a revised launch control system, is capable of reaching 62mph in just 3.3 seconds, with 124mph flashing by after just 10.5 seconds. The top speed now stands at 205mph - the same as the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren supercar, and the manufacturer says the “continuous, sustained acceleration thrust above 124mph is simply impressive.” We’re inclined to believe them, but we wouldn’t mind putting that theory to the test on the Autobahn ourselves.

Drive is delivered to all four wheels through an updated ZF 8-speed transmission and an electronic locking differential on the rear axle. The gearbox has been updated to manage the extra output, and the transfer case now sends more torque than before to the rear wheels. At each corner, 21” multi-spoke alloy wheels envelop the Alpina high-performance brakes which are standard on the B8 GT. The perforated multi-piece discs are gripped by uprated pads, and blue-painted callipers. Adaptive suspension features on both axles, while a new dome bulkhead strut has been added to the front of the car, promising sharper steering and improved high speed stability.

The B8 GT continues the Alpina tradition of hiding its performance upgrades in plain sight. At first glance, the car takes the same silhouette as the 8 Series Gran Coupé, but closer inspection reveals the unique front splitter with the Alpina brand name in the centre. The air intakes in the lower grille, air outlets behind the front wheel arches, the four diveplanes at the extremities of the front apron, and the rear diffuser are all finished in carbon fibre. Quad exhaust tips flank the diffuser, and an improved sound is promised thanks to a new central silencer in the exhaust system.

Complimenting the colour of the Pirelli P ZERO-shod alloy wheels, silver pinstriping runs from the front wheel arch to the rear light cluster as standard. For those wanting the most discreet B8 GT possible, the stripes and model badges can be omitted. The subtle attention to detail is fanatical on this car, with the B-pillar carrying the model name, and the wheel hubs featuring the Alpina wordmark.

The interior sees customised graphics for the BMW iDrive-based infotainment, complete with the brand logo in the centre of the rotary iDrive infotainment control wheel. The gear selector and the rear door sills have B8 illuminated within them, while the gearshift paddles feature the model’s full name. The floor mats feature the Alpina logo, and there is a commemorative plaque on the transmission tunnel certifying the build number of each example. Another detail appears on the front door sills, the front seat backrests, and the cup holder lid: the signature of Alpina founder Burkard Bovensiepen.

Special edition cars coming with customised luggage is nothing new, and the B8 GT is no exception to that rule. Each car comes with two black weekend bags that feature the brand name on the zip, sides and inner lining. Each B8 GT also comes with a commemorative watch from Swiss brand Carl F. Bucherer. The watch and the weekend bags have their serial numbers matched to that of the car, and are made from the same Lavalina leather that can be optioned and customised for the interior. 

Only 99 examples of the Alpina B8 GT will be made, and of these a maximum of 20 will have two-tone paint; Black Sapphire can be combined with Alpina Blue or Alpina Green II for an additional cost. Pricing in the UK starts from £191,300, with a quick trip to the configurator seeing this rise up to £219,065 owing to the selection of the Lavalina leather interior, ventilated front seats, window blinds, and a TV tuner among other things. Order books are open now, with deliveries expected to begin in July 2025. The B8 GT is rumoured to be the last standalone model before the Alpina brand becomes part of BMW in 2026. Launching its most powerful model to date, and paying tribute to the company founder, the Buclhoe-based business have saved the best til last.

Specifications: Alpina B8 GT