Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC)
Every generation
Power
0–62 mph (0–100 km/h)
Top speed (324 km/h)
Fuel, maker's test (10.4 L/100 km)
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Sentiment is highly positive among owners, characterized by deep appreciation for the brand's unique philosophy of blending high performance with exceptional ride comfort and distinctive, understated luxury.
6 problems reported · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Catastrophically expensive repair potential
Very frequent concern regarding the cost of parts and labor, especially for Alpina-specific components like bespoke turbos and bodywork.
- N63/S63 V8 engine platform reliability
Very frequent mentions of the engine's reputation for being problematic, with issues like overheating, oil consumption, and turbo failures, though the TU1 version in later B6s is noted to have addressed some problems.
- Alpina-specific part availability and cost
Very frequent. Front and rear bumper covers are highlighted as being unavailable off-the-shelf; the front must be manufactured using an Alpina lower valence grafted to an M-Tech upper, costing several thousand dollars in parts and paint.
+ 3 more issuesShow fewer
- Bodywork and paint
Recurrent. Thin paint and clear coat that shows swirls and scratches easily.
- Driveline lag and low-speed behavior
Recurrent. Distinct lag when engaging from a stop and awkward shifting behavior at low speeds in traffic, described as a characteristic of the car.
- Interior fit and finish
Isolated. Some reports of rattles and a perception that interior construction is not as solid as other BMW models like the 5 Series.
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available to designate a single "best" version. Discussions reference different generations (E30, F06) with different appeals. For the modern F06 Gran Coupe, the 2016+ LCI model with the 600hp M2/2 engine is mentioned as an update over the earlier 540hp version. The convertible is specifically cited as a dream car for some owners.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the BMW M6, BMW M5, Lexus LC500, Mercedes-AMG E63 S Estate and BMW 650xi.
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Overall sentiment
Sentiment is highly positive among owners, characterized by deep appreciation for the brand's unique philosophy of blending high performance with exceptional ride comfort and distinctive, understated luxury. The B6 is consistently described as a "fast cruiser" or "highway missile," prized for its immense torque at low RPMs, sublime comfort over long distances, and subtle, classy aesthetics compared to more overtly sporty M models. A strong consensus exists that these vehicles offer a special, more refined driving experience than their BMW M counterparts, focusing on effortless high-speed travel rather than track-focused sharpness. However, this admiration is tempered by significant and very frequent concerns regarding ownership costs, the complexity and expense of Alpina-specific repairs, and the underlying reliability of the BMW N63/S63 V8 platforms upon which modern B6 models are based. The vehicles are noted to be rare but surprisingly inexpensive to purchase on the used market, though this low acquisition cost is directly linked to fears of catastrophic repair bills.
Positioning vs competitors
Positioned as a more comfortable, refined, and torque-focused alternative to the BMW M6. The M6 is acknowledged as the superior car for track use, corner carving, and having a harder performance edge, while the B6 is described as being just as fast, if not faster, in real-world highway driving due to its power delivery. It is characterized as the "classy option" and a "perfect sleeper." Compared to the Lexus LC500, the B6 is seen as having a more glorious but potentially more troublesome twin-turbo V8 versus the Lexus's naturally aspirated V8. The consensus is that Alpina offers "M power without wanting to kill you," prioritizing comfort and elegance over outright sportiness.
Recommended configurations
All-wheel drive (xDrive) is implied as standard for modern models. A comprehensive aftermarket warranty of the "exclusive" type (covering everything except a specific exclusion list) is very frequently and strongly recommended by owners. Meticulous, proactive maintenance with oil changes at intervals not exceeding 5,000-7,500 miles is considered mandatory. Owners advise verifying the vehicle's history and having a significant financial reserve (cited as ~$10,000) for potential repairs if purchasing without a warranty.
General recommendations
Recommended for connoisseurs who value a unique, luxurious, and supremely comfortable high-performance grand tourer over a raw sports car. Suitable as a daily driver for highway commuting but explicitly NOT recommended for slow, stop-and-go traffic, which the drivetrain dislikes. Only recommended for buyers who fully understand and can afford the significant maintenance and repair costs associated with a low-volume, high-performance German vehicle with a complex twin-turbo V8. Strongly advised to purchase from a knowledgeable specialist, obtain a thorough pre-purchase inspection focusing on the engine, turbos, and transmission, and secure a robust aftermarket warranty. Not recommended for buyers seeking simplicity, low running costs, or who are uncomfortable with potential reliability issues.
Remarks
Owner discussions span multiple generations, from the classic E30 B6 to the modern F06 B6 Gran Coupe, with the most detailed ownership experiences coming from F06 owners. The Alpina brand's future is a major point of discussion, with widespread concern that BMW's 2026 takeover will dilute the brand into a mere trim level, losing its bespoke craftsmanship and unique driving character. There is specific technical clarification that the B6's ZF 8-speed transmission is not the standard 650i unit but an Alpina-modified version with different internals. The perceived value proposition is paradoxical: the cars are rare and highly desired by enthusiasts, yet depreciate heavily, making them inexpensive to purchase but potentially very expensive to own. Analysis based on approximately 15 substantive owner discussions and numerous corroborating comments.
Specifications
Enthusiast code: F06
Not sold in North America: these versions are from other markets.
4.4 V8 Allrad Switch-Tronic
4.4L 8-cylinder · 600 hp · AWD · automatic
Built 2015–2018