2019 BMW Alpina B6 Review: A Faster Gran Coupe

An even more exclusive alternative to the BMW M6 Gran Coupe is this, the Alpina B6, from the specialist automobile manufacturing company that has been releasing high-performance versions of BMW's already revered models for several decades. In this case, one of BMW's most stunning modern designs - the so-called "four-door coupe" body of the Gran Coupe - gets the B6 treatment and, with it, a colossal 591 horsepower to play with. The key difference between the B6 and the M6 is the former's all-wheel-drive setup, allowing it to transfer all of that power to the road more effectively. While the M6 may be less powerful, it is more focused on a scalpel-sharp driving experience, with the B6 aiming for a better balance between dynamism and comfort. The usual array of striking Alpina wheels, colors, and trim differences further set the 2019 B6 apart, making it a charismatic, four-door performance car setting tongues wagging wherever it goes.

What's the Price of the 2019 BMW Alpina B6?

The Alpina B6 is available in just a single trim and has a listed MSRP of $124,400, exclusive of tax, licensing registration, and a destination charge of $995.

Handling and Driving Impressions

There's no disguising the fact that the Alpina B6 is a big vehicle, and despite the massive performance on offer, this is more of a rapid cruiser than a serious sports car. While it grips with the reassurance you'd expect of an all-wheel-drive setup - and the steering is accurate and well-weighted - feedback remains muted in typically modern BMW fashion. Quite simply, it's the B6's engine, not electrifying dynamics, that dominates proceedings with its explosive power delivery and burly sound. Using the Dynamic Drive Control, and switching from Comfort to Sport or Sport+ modes, opens the exhaust valve and delivers endlessly entertaining sonic thrills. Switch back to Comfort, and the advantage of those softer handling traits is a ride quality that is surprisingly absorbent, considering those enormous wheels. There's a compliance to the suspension setup that makes the B6 easy to live with, and more than capable of covering long distances without fatiguing driver and passengers. High levels of sound insulation and superior quality interior fittings make for a properly luxurious cocoon from which to watch the world whizz by. A powerful braking system effectively reins in the B6 from high speeds.

Verdict: Is the 2019 BMW Alpina B6 A Good car?

When you're paying in excess of $100k for a luxurious, high-performance car, the intangibles start to come into play more than they would if you were shopping for a family hatchback. At this premium end of the market, it's not only about the raw numbers, but the level of exclusivity too. Therein lies what makes the Alpina B6 so special; inside and out, it looks and feels like something markedly different from the regular M6. Under that striking exterior, it also sets itself apart with more power, a modified transmission and less edgy dynamics. Seated within its finely crafted cabin, there's the self-satisfaction of knowing that you're unlikely to see another car like this one on the road, and many would say that is priceless. If you're lucky enough to get your hands on one, the Alpina B6 is likely to become a collector's item, especially as the 6 Series as we know it bows out to the new 8 Series.

What BMW Alpina B6 Model Should I Buy?

There's only one Alpina B6 to choose from, but you can create your own model by delving into the extensive options list. The Driving Assistance Package offers a comprehensive suite of driver-assist technologies and makes the Alpina B6 both less taxing and safer to drive. While pricey at $2,200, the Executive Package ups the feel-good factor and, ultimately, that's what the Alpina B6 is all about.

We'd also recommend spending enough time working through the various color, material, and trim options available, as these can quite significantly affect the look and feel of the final product. The optional Frozen Bronze Metallic color looks spectacular, for instance, and is a great alternative if the standard range of colors isn't to your fancy.

2019 BMW Alpina B6 Comparisons

2019 BMW Alpina B6 vs BMW M6 Gran Coupe

For over $5,000 less than the B6, you could drive away in an M6 Gran Coupe. With 31 hp less than the B6 in standard guise - albeit with an available Performance Pack that overcomes the deficit with an extra 40 hp - the M6 has to make do with sending its still-considerable power exclusively to the rear wheels. This is a double-edged sword, as it makes the M6 the more challenging car to drive, but also the more thrilling one if you're in the mood for it. Both have a similarly high standard specification, while the M6 looks the part thanks to the M division's usual array of sporty add-ons. The B6, however, is the more comfortable car thanks to a more forgiving suspension setup. Its unique interior and exterior treatment, along with the knowledge that it is produced in significantly lower volumes, help to make it the Alpina the more alluring choice. One isn't necessarily better than the other, but the Alpina B6 is the one we'd most want to own.

2019 BMW Alpina B6 vs Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

While significantly less expensive than the Alpina B6, the range-topping CLS 53 AMG also can't match the B6's outputs, so it is a less exhilarating performance car. The CLS enjoys sleek styling and a deeply impressive interior, although both lack rear headroom due to their coupe-like profiles. Each of these German competitors excels dynamically, with a fine balance between secure handling and exemplary long-distance comfort. Ultimately, the CLS is a stunning car, but truthfully, it's just another impressive Mercedes-Benz. The Alpina B6 offers something a bit more special and exclusive, and is likely to appeal to a more discerning buyer - and one with the means to afford it, of course.