2015 Alpina B6 Gran Coupe
'BMW" is the most searched for brand on Kijiji, according to the classified ad site's own data. This confirms our suspicion that BMW is the Canada Goose of cars; everyone kind of wants one, or at least wants to see how much one would cost.
And that's a minor problem for those one-per-centers who would never think to use Kijiji to shop for a car. Because, when you spend upward of $100,000 on something, you want exclusivity – something everyone else doesn't have.
Alpina is the answer to those one-per-center prayers for a more-exclusive BMW. This B6 Gran Coupe may look like a 650i BMW, but it's not. Alpina is an auto maker in its own right. In addition to making cars, the firm also collects and distributes vintage wine. Yes, really.
The German company started tuning and racing BMWs in the 1960s and built a strong reputation among gearheads. Today, Alpina takes BMWs off the regular production line and fits tuned BMW engines, plusher leather interiors, new suspension and a subtle body kit consisting of lip spoiler and Alpina's classic 20-inch wheels. Gold or silver pinstriping is optional, and done tastefully, sir.
In Canada, Alpina offers two models – the B7 sedan and the B6 Gran Coupe – though more are available in Europe. Both models are purchased through BMW dealers and come with a BMW warranty.
Alpina builds luxury cars: cars that are faster and more comfortable than their BMW counterparts. The B6, for example, rides better than BMW's own high-performance M6 Gran Coupe ever could. Sure, the B6 sacrifices some sharpness and race-track carving ability, but who would take that car to a track? In the real world of traffic jams, road trips and potholes, the B6 is better.
Not only that, the B6 is quicker, too, because of its all-wheel-drive system. The Alpina completes the 0-100 km/h benchmark in 3.9 seconds. The tuned twin-turbo V-8 makes 540 horsepower today, and for 2016, Alpina says it's been pushed up to 600 – that's more than Ferrari's hard-core 458 Speciale road-racer.
Plus, you can be pretty sure nobody is searching for Alpina on Kijiji.
TECH SPECS
- Base Price: $132,900; as tested: $150,800
- Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8
- Transmissions: eight-speed automatic
- Fuel economy (litres/100 km): 15.2 city/9.8 highway
- Drive: all-wheel drive
- Alternatives: Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG, Audi RS 7, BMW M6 Gran Coupe
RATINGS
- Looks: Not sure about the front bumper treatment, but those wheels are beautiful. The B6 turns heads.
- Interior: Canadian model doesn’t have the fully upgraded interior it gets in Europe. However, we can confirm Alpina’s steering-wheel leather is even softer than BMW’s.
- Performance: Comfortable and fast – 540 hp arrives as a tidal wave. It lacks the precision edge of an M6, but offers a calmer driving experience.
- Technology: Mostly the same kit you’d get in an M6. The $9,500 Alpina Exec Pack adds soft closing doors and electric sunshades, among other opulence.
- Cargo: Rear seats lack headroom. For carrying passengers, an Alpina B7 is much better.
The Verdict
8.5
Greatness comes at a price (But wait for the upgraded 2016 model).
Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Instagram
Add us to your circles
Sign up for our weekly newsletter