Say what you will about the logic of the BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe's existence, but it's actually rather beguiling in person. Alpina does a good job of making faster BMWs with blue gauges, so that's promising for the 2015 Alpina B6 xDrive Gran Coupe.
Sure, it rivals Land Rover Range Rover Evoque Autobiography Dynamic for the longest name applied to a car. But the Alpina Gran Coupe gets a 540-horsepower, 4.4-liter bi-turbo V8 that powers the much larger B7 xDrive. With the smaller body, BMW says the Gran Coupe hustles to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds and on to a top speed of 198. The only transmission is an 8-speed auto, but with a name like "Alpina Switch-tronic," you'll get over the lack of choice.
Inside, it's still beautifully appointed and those blue gauges are in place (I'm such a sucker for blue gauges), along with blue lights for the sill plates. Also, frameless windows make me weak. Did I mention this car costs $118,225?
Yes, it's quite expensive, but unlike most BMWs, it's fully loaded. Is it worth it when the M6 Gran Coupe is slightly cheaper and has 20 more horses? Think about it when the order books open next month after its debut at the New York Auto Show.
Oh, and it's available in green, too.
Photos: BMW
2015 BMW Alpina B6 xDrive Gran Coupe Is A 198 MPH Blue Monster