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The relationship between BMW and boutique tuner Alpina has been a special one for decades. Alpina, created by enthusiast Burkard Bovensiepen, acquired an excellent reputation for its tuning prowess and race cars in the 1970s. Nowadays, Alpinas enjoy BMW's full warranty, and the cordial ties remain intact even after BMW launched the M GmbH division. Sadly, the fruits of this partnership are largely out of sight, out of mind for most American shoppers; apart from the 7-series–based B7, Alpina offer any other vehicles in the U.S. Well, that was until BMW USA announced that this gorgeous 2015 Alpina B6 xDrive Gran Coupe would be available on our shores.

While BMW's M GmbH has maintained its focus on extreme performance and an aggressive character, the Alpina models have become somewhat more elegant and luxury-oriented. The new Alpina B6 xDrive Gran Coupe is a prime example of this, and its character is notably different from BMW's own M6 Gran Coupe, even though both models share the same basic engine architecture.

View PhotosMICHAEL SIMARI, THE MANUFACTURER

The 2015 BMW Alpina B6 xDrive Gran Coupe is fitted with a 540-hp variation of BMW's twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8, whose maximum torque is rated at 540 lb-ft. The twist is channeled to all four wheels via an eight-speed torque-converter automatic, hurling the long, low-slung sedan to 60 mph in a claimed 3.7 seconds and onwards to a top speed of 198 mph. In typical Alpina fashion, progress is not hampered by a governor.

A direct comparison with BMW's own M6 Gran Coupe reveals the different character of the two super sedans. In the M6, the extensively tweaked 4.4-liter V-8 makes 560 horsepower, 20 more than the Alpina, but just 502 lb-ft of torque, 38 less than the B6. The M6, in line with its ultra-sporty aspirations, is only available as a rear-drive model, and it’s fitted with either a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic or a six-speed manual. In a recent comparison test, we managed to get the four-dour M6 from standstill to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds, and our example wasn’t subject to the U.S.-market’s 155-mph governor but rather the German-market’s 190-mph limiter.

View PhotosMICHAEL SIMARI, THE MANUFACTURER

Visually, the Alpina B6 remains close to the regular 6-series Gran Coupe, but it is fitted with Alpina-exclusive, 20-spoke 20-inch aluminum wheels. Moreover, it can be specified with the trademark Alpina stickers, which lend a certain 1970s flair to this modern supercar. The altogether more classic and polished demeanor of the B6 serves to differentiate it sufficiently from the M6, which keeps its unique bumpers, wheels, and carbon-fiber roof.

Opting for the Alpina B6 Gran Coupe doesn’t entail the usual risks associated with other tuner cars—Alpinas are built on BMW production lines, they’re distributed by BMW, and they come with BMW's full service and warranty. If you are torn between the B6 and the M6 Gran Coupe, pricing won't help, either. At $118,225, this Alpina comes in at just $700 above the M6. So, ultimately, the decision comes down to one’s preferences: the performance and aggression of M GmbH or the elegance and luxury of Alpina. The choice is yours, and, thankfully, there’s no wrong answer.

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