Last week, the G-Wagon and Rolls Royce resulted in an even 50/50 split. Seems somehow fitting. This week, I’m presenting you with two new cars. That’s right, no history or sob stories here. A local BMW dealer has a very rare Alpina B8 for sale. The problem is what’s parked right next to it.
The 2024 BMW Alpina B8 Gran Coupe vs the 2024 BMW M8 Gran Coupe
See the Alpina B8 listing here
As I zoom around in my own Alpina B8 press car for the week, I’m answering a lot of questions about what really matters in a car you might drive every day. Certainly, the Alpina checks almost every box, and it’s wonderful. But it’s also very dear – my example is nearly $150,000.
I stopped by my favorite BMW dealer to grab some photos of an M8 they have on the lot, and imagine my surprise when sitting next to that M was another B8. It’s a beauty, and to have one sitting available like that is a rarity.
But the M8 is also good. Very good. What should we pick as our Ultimate Daily Machine?
The 2024 BMW Alpina B8 Gran Coupe
Perhaps you’ve heard that BMW bought Alpina in 2022, and what that means for the future of the nameplate, I do not know. But I can tell you that as of now, Alpina can only manage to turn out less than 2,000 cars each year. Globally. As in world wide. You have a better chance of walking outside and getting slapped in the face by a Lamborghini than seeing one of these.
This particular example is even more unique because of its option combination:
- Stunning Frozen Tanzanite Blue Metallic
- Carbon fiber trim
- Fully loaded, which amounts to two additional packages (Driver’s Assistance and Diamond Surround Sound)
- $158,228 – matte paint isn’t cheap
- Perhaps the only disappointment is inside – Night Blue over Black. White would be so much classier.
The back story here is that someone ordered this car, and once it arrived said “Nah”. But their loss could be your gain if you don’t look over to the right…
The 2024 BMW M8 Gran Coupe
This is a weird car. Not the way it’s spec’d (it’s wonderful), but the M8 Gran Coupe in general. I know hundreds of M car owners, but not a single GC among them. It’s essentially a slinky-looking M5, but the M5 is already good looking, especially in post-LCI form.
Of course, the M5 is still a traditional upright sedan, whereas this car seats four and has a roofline that makes you question just how low you need to go to be fashionable. Let’s see:
- Skyscraper Grey Metallic (a severely underrated color)
- Sakhir Orange inside, very tasteful
- $143,585 – significantly less than the Alpina
- Missing a few things like carbon fiber trim, and carbon bucket seats
- Explain why this nearly $150k car has M3 seats, and no carbon available on the steering wheel
With the F90 M5 gone, this is your last chance to get an S63 uninhibited, saddled to a battery of some kind. It’s a rougher car than the B8, with a punchier engine and less body roll. But it’s also not as special. Is it better? You’ll have to wait for the B8 review.
Since you don’t need maximum attack mode to get groceries, maybe the Alpina makes more sense. What’s Circle BMW’s phone number…
Want your car reviewed?
If you live in the tri-state area and want me to check it out, send me an email!
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