The Alpina B8 GT 2025 : A 205MPH Powerhouse Bidding Farewell to an Iconic Legacy

 The automotive world is witnessing the end of an era. Alpina, the esteemed tuner and manufacturer that has spent decades refining and perfecting BMWs, is preparing to merge into BMW’s corporate umbrella. After December 31, 2025, Alpina as we know it will cease to exist, making the newly revealed B8 GT one of the last true Alpinas. Limited to just 99 units, this extraordinary grand tourer is not just a car—it is a tribute to the brand’s founder, Burkard Bovensiepen, and a celebration of Alpina’s six-decade legacy. As one of the most powerful Alpina models ever produced, the B8 GT ensures that the brand departs with a bang rather than a whimper.

A Legacy of Excellence: The Alpina Philosophy

Since its inception in 1965, Alpina has stood apart from BMW’s in-house M division by focusing on a unique blend of luxury, performance, and long-distance comfort. While M cars have traditionally been built for track-ready aggression, Alpina models have favored high-speed touring with refined handling and sumptuous interiors. This balance of power and sophistication has made Alpina the choice for discerning buyers who seek understated performance without sacrificing daily usability.

The B8 GT embodies this philosophy to the fullest. Based on the BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe, it takes an already premium package and elevates it to a new level. With increased power, revised aerodynamics, and exclusive materials, it maintains Alpina’s commitment to delivering an elite driving experience.

Power and Performance: A 205mph Autobahn Missile

Under the hood, the B8 GT houses a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8, the same powerplant found in the Alpina B5 GT. However, this engine has been further refined to produce a staggering 634 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque. This represents a significant jump over the standard B8’s 612 horsepower and places it in direct competition with BMW’s own M8 Competition. While the M8 is a tenth of a second quicker to 62 mph (3.2 seconds versus 3.3 for the B8 GT), the Alpina makes up for it with a higher top speed of 205 mph, surpassing even the M8’s optional 190 mph limiter.

Achieving this level of performance required several key modifications. The B8 GT benefits from revised turbo boost pressure, a de-throttled air intake, and dual new airboxes, which improve airflow and overall efficiency. Additionally, the ECU has been reprogrammed to optimize power delivery, and the exhaust system has been upgraded with an Alpina-specific sports exhaust. This not only enhances the car’s performance but also gives it a distinctive soundtrack—one that is more refined than the aggressive growl of an M car, yet still commands attention.

Power is transmitted through an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission, which has been recalibrated for faster and smoother shifts. A revised launch control system allows the B8 GT to maximize grip off the line, while an optimized transfer case ensures that more torque is directed to the rear wheels. The result? A high-performance grand tourer that remains composed at high speeds while still offering the ability to induce controlled oversteer when desired.

Suspension and Handling: The Alpina Difference

One of Alpina’s defining traits has always been its meticulous suspension tuning. Rather than aiming for outright track performance, the brand prioritizes ride comfort and high-speed stability, making its cars ideal for long-distance driving. The B8 GT continues this tradition with a refined adaptive suspension system that offers greater differentiation between Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ modes.

In Comfort mode, the car glides over road imperfections with ease, providing a supple ride that makes long journeys effortless. Switch to Sport or Sport+, and the chassis firms up, reducing body roll while still maintaining a level of compliance that ensures the ride remains civilized. Unlike the stiff, aggressive nature of M cars, the B8 GT strikes a perfect balance, making it one of the most versatile performance cars on the market.

The braking system is equally impressive. Standard Alpina high-performance brakes provide ample stopping power, while the massive 21-inch forged wheels contribute to improved handling dynamics. These wheels, a hallmark of Alpina’s design, are not only aesthetically pleasing but also reduce unsprung weight, further enhancing the car’s agility.

Design and Aerodynamics: Understated Elegance

At first glance, the B8 GT might not look drastically different from the standard 8 Series Gran Coupe, but upon closer inspection, the meticulous attention to detail becomes apparent. The front fascia features new air intakes and subtle dive planes just ahead of the front wheels, both of which contribute to improved aerodynamics. A more pronounced carbon fiber rear diffuser adds a touch of aggression while maintaining the overall sophistication that defines Alpina models.

A select 20 of the 99 units will be available with exclusive two-tone paint schemes, featuring Alpina Blue or Alpina Green paired with a Black Sapphire roof, bonnet, and trunk lid. Other available colors include the striking “Purple Silk,” which adds a unique, almost regal presence to the car. Regardless of the chosen hue, every B8 GT exudes class, with a design that is both timeless and contemporary.

Inside, the cabin is a showcase of luxury and craftsmanship. The seats feature Burkard Bovensiepen’s signature embroidered on the backrests, while full leather upholstery, Alcantara seat panels, and walnut wood trim elevate the interior’s ambiance. Contrast stitching, aluminum shift paddles, and an Alcantara headliner further enhance the premium feel. Exclusive production plaques and subtle Alpina branding remind occupants that they are sitting in something truly special.

A Collector’s Dream: The Final True Alpina?

With only 99 units being produced, the B8 GT is destined to become a collector’s item. Priced at €225,000 (approximately £190,000 or $232,000), it commands a significant premium over the BMW M8 Gran Coupe, but the exclusivity, craftsmanship, and bespoke nature of the car justify the cost. In addition to the car itself, each buyer will receive a special edition Carl F. Bucherer 43mm watch, featuring a blue dial, black leather strap, and Alpina branding. This added touch reinforces the idea that purchasing a B8 GT is not just about acquiring a car—it’s about owning a piece of history.

BMW’s acquisition of Alpina in 2022, shortly before Burkard Bovensiepen’s passing, marked the beginning of the end for the brand’s independent identity. While BMW has assured fans that the Alpina name will continue under its stewardship, there is understandable skepticism about whether future Alpina models will retain the same unique character. The B8 GT, then, may very well be the last true Alpina—a vehicle developed entirely under the brand’s traditional philosophy, free from BMW’s direct influence.

Conclusion: A Grand Finale for a Legendary Brand

The Alpina B8 GT is more than just a high-performance grand tourer; it is a farewell letter from one of the most revered tuners in automotive history. It represents everything that made Alpina special—powerful yet refined performance, luxurious craftsmanship, and an unwavering commitment to high-speed touring excellence. With its breathtaking speed, sophisticated design, and limited production run, it is a fitting tribute to Burkard Bovensiepen and the brand he built.

As we bid farewell to Alpina’s independent era, the B8 GT ensures that the company’s legacy will not be forgotten. Whether as a collector’s item, a daily driver, or a statement of exclusivity, this final masterpiece cements Alpina’s place in automotive history. It is a reminder of what made the brand truly special, and for those lucky enough to own one, it will be a piece of motoring heritage that will only grow more valuable with time.

For now, we celebrate Alpina’s swan song—a car that encapsulates six decades of engineering brilliance and passion. The B8 GT is not just another luxury performance car; it is a legend in the making.