Updated 12.25.14

The BMW 6 Series wears perhaps the most unnoticeable facelift for what we believe will be the 2016 model-year. That does not diminish how cool and exclusive the B6 xDrive GranCoupe is. Nor does it dampen the huge, HUGE sprint and top-end pace of this AWD super-sedan.

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Meet the first (and only) Alpina B6 in the United States at the moment.

This blue stunner is, in fact, the quickest BMW ever made.

The addition of AWD and a huge jump in twin-turbo V8 power means the Alpina B6 is more rapid to 60-mph than any other BMW. Ever.

This includes the M6, 1980 M1, 2015 M5 Jahre 30, i8, M4, M3…. Everything else is slower.

THE PRIVATE DEBUT

As well as the USA reveal of the Vision Future Luxury concept and M5 30th Anniversary, BMW’s Pebble Beach villa was packed with all the hottest metal in the range.

From M3’s and M4’s to i3’s and i8’s — the parking lot of the mansion was almost as newsworthy as the executive presentations and one-off concepts on show.

One such stunner parked quietly to the side is the Alpina B6, which is available in the USA for the first time ever as a 2015 model year.

The Alpina B6 is coming to America exclusively as a Gran Coupe, where its sexy style, power and equipment upgrade makes a strong case for itself versus the M6 Gran Coupe.

The key reasons for choosing the B6 over the M6 are:

— standard AWD traction in the Alpina

— Added exclusivity — perhaps 50 total cars will come over in 2015 to the US

— Cabin design and material choices from the almost limitless Alpina custom leather and suede gallery

— A more comfortable ride

— Quicker than the M6 thanks to the xDrive and 540-horsepower engine

— Factory exhaust upgrade to free the sonic delights of this engine much more than the stock M6

That is a good list.

Pricing for the Alpina B6 Gran Coupe in the USA is from $118,000, and the car can be special-ordered now as a 2015 model from BMW showrooms nationwide.

2015 BMW ALPINA B6

 

Exterior – Exciting Details, Functional Aerodynamics

The BMW 6 Series is marked by an elegant and dynamic design as well as excellent aerodynamic properties. ALPINA gives the new B6 Bi-Turbo a unique, powerful appearance which elegantly underlines the sporty character of this beautiful coupé and convertible.

The exterior components that influence the aerodynamic properties of the B6 Bi-Turbo are not just there for aesthetic reasons – their design is subject primarily to functional premises and plays a central role in achieving excellent high speed stability.

Take for example the front spoiler with the integrated carbon fibre front splitter. It causes more air to flow over and around the vehicle, simultaneously reducing the air masses which flow underneath by more than 10%. This leads to a noticeable stabilisation of the front-end at high speeds and plays a role in reducing any tendencies to understeer. The front spoiler, in conjunction with the rear spoiler, ensures that the B6 Bi-Turbo is very well tethered. Uplift on the front axle is reduced by 14% and tends towards a value of zero on the rear axle from a speed of 150km/h. Instead of the rear spoiler, the Coupé is also available with a rear wing – which despite an impressive visual impact, fits precisely the contours of the rear area and reduces drag.

All these components also ensure the effective flow of air to various cooler groups, such as the inter-coolers and engine cooling system. One special detail: the high- performance brakes, with a diameter of 374mm front and 345mm rear, are additionally supplied with cooling air by a specially constructed NACA air intake on the front underbody.

The double tailpipes, with a slightly elliptical shape in typical ALPINA style, are designed in titanium and carry small logos that make discreet reference to the origins of the ALPINA exhaust system made by Akrapovič. The rear valence, which attractively and elegantly frames the outlet of the tailpipes, additionally integrates the features of a diffuser.

INTERIOR & EQUIPMENT – MASTER CRAFTSMANSHIP, EXCLUSIVE PERSONALISATION

Blue ALPINA instruments with high resolution information display with black panel LCD technology. A sport steering wheel, hand-stitched in LAVALINA leather. Blue illumi-nated entry sills with logo. Or the classic ALPINA luxury wood – an exclusive burl wood of the laurel family, which grows only on the Pacific coast of the USA. These are just some of the elegant features of the interior that point to the exclusive origins of the B6 Bi-Turbo – just for connoisseurs.

Naturally, no limits are set on the personal predilections of customers. From the paintwork to the interior trims to the colour of the upholstery – everything offered by the ex-tensive BMW and ALPINA equipment range is available. Seldom does a BMW ALPINA leave Buchloe without making use of the virtually limitless personalisation options of-fered by the ALPINA Manufaktur. Our philosophy dictates that the customer can design his or her own individual interior – made by skilled craftsmen in our leather workshop.

The B6 Bi-Turbo features an extensive range of standard equipment, including leather upholstery, fully adjustable comfort seats with heating system, navigation system with preparation for Bluetooth mobile phone, USB audio interface, Xenon lights and LED fog lights.

Chassis & Suspension

DYNAMIC COMFORT

Advanced electronic suspension technologies such as Dynamic Damper Control (electronically adjustable dampers) and Adaptive Drive (active roll stabilisation) work together with the fully variable torque distribution of the all-wheel drive system to achieve very neutral, agile driving dynamics which meet the highest demands on comfort and sportiness. Maximum traction, especially on slick road surfaces or in wintery weather make the B6 Bi-Turbo Gran Coupé a perfect companion in all conditions.

High-performance convertibles and large grand coupés place special demands on their chassis – requiring distinct levels of comfort for easy cruising, safe and neutral handling at high speeds, and light-footed agility for the moments in between. In order to do justice to this broad spectrum of requirements, the new B6 Bi-Turbo features the latest electronic suspension technologies and comes with Dynamic Damper Control (electronically adjustable dampers) and Dynamic Drive (active roll stabilisation) as standard.

This system has been artfully calibrated by ALPINA and is tied into other system parameters controlling steering assistance, torque cushioning and the Dynamic Stability Control system. Featuring pronounced Comfort+, Comfort, Sport and Sport+ modes, the B6 Bi-Turbo transitions effortlessly from cultivated luxury convertible to thorough-bred sports car.

Specific springs, increased front wheel camber and a subtle adjustment of the toe-in in conjunction with a 20” wheel-tyre combination all serve to produce a very agile chassis set-up. The lightweight 20” ALPINA CLASSIC wheels, with MICHELIN PILOT SUPER SPORT tyres, contribute significantly to the direct handling and precise steering. Conventional tyres are used to promote ride comfort.