Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC)
Power
0–62 mph (0–100 km/h)
Top speed (260 km/h)
Fuel, maker's test (9.3 L/100 km)
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Sentiment is highly specialized and divided, centered on its identity as a rare, bespoke grand tourer rather than a sports car.
1 problem reported · medium confidence
Problems owners report
- No mechanical, reliability, or quality issues are reported in the available data
All critical feedback relates to the vehicle's intended character and specification compared to the Z8.
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available to distinguish between trims or model years. All discussion pertains to the singular Alpina Roadster V8 model produced in 2003.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the BMW Z8 (direct predecessor/comparison), Mercedes-Benz SL550, Aston Martin models (general comparison) and BMW M5 (E39).
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Overall sentiment
Sentiment is highly specialized and divided, centered on its identity as a rare, bespoke grand tourer rather than a sports car. The vehicle is universally recognized for its extreme rarity (555 total units, with 450 reportedly sent to the US), timeless design, and significant collector value, with current prices noted from approximately $150,000 to over $300,000 USD. However, a clear and recurrent critique from the enthusiast community focuses on its deliberate engineering choices compared to the standard BMW Z8. Owners and commentators frequently note that Alpina transformed the car into a "luxury cruiser" or "grand tourer" by installing a softer suspension, a 6-speed automatic transmission (Steptronic), and a 4.8L M62 V8 engine with 375 hp. This is contrasted with the standard Z8's more powerful 4.9L S62 V8 (400 hp), 6-speed manual, and sportier tuning. The consensus is that the Alpina variant prioritizes smooth torque delivery, refined cruising, and luxury features over raw performance and engagement, making it a car appreciated more for its exclusivity and touring character than its driving dynamics.
Positioning vs competitors
Positioned explicitly as a more refined, automatic-only grand tourer alternative to the standard BMW Z8. It is not viewed as a competitor to contemporary sports cars but rather as a bespoke, limited-production cruiser. Compared to the Z8, it is consistently described as "softer," "more of a GT," and "technically worse" in terms of pure performance specifications, but better suited as a "usable, everyday luxury cruiser." Its value proposition is almost entirely based on rarity and collector status rather than outperforming rivals.
Recommended configurations
No specific configurations are discussed by owners. The vehicle is offered in a single, fully-equipped specification.
General recommendations
Suitable exclusively for collectors and enthusiasts who prioritize extreme rarity, iconic design, and a relaxed grand touring experience over sporting performance. Strongly recommended for those seeking a low-production, appreciating modern classic. NOT recommended for driving enthusiasts who prefer manual transmissions, high-revving engines, or sharp handling, as the standard Z8 is considered superior for those purposes. Prospective buyers should be prepared for significant investment-level pricing and should verify provenance and production number (e.g., 382/555).
Remarks
The provided data consists almost entirely of spotting posts and general commentary, with no substantive long-term ownership reports, detailed driving impressions, or maintenance discussions. The analysis is therefore based on comparative technical specifications and repeated community perceptions rather than direct ownership experiences. The vehicle's identity is fundamentally tied to its comparison with the BMW Z8, with its purpose understood as creating a more comfortable and luxurious variant. Production and market data (e.g., 555 units, US allocation, current values) are mentioned recurrently and consistently.
Specifications
Not sold in North America: these versions are from other markets.
4.8 i V8 32V
4.8L 8-cylinder · 381 hp · RWD · manual
Built 2002–2006