19 MPG combined is the price of admission for the 2024 BMW Alpina B8 Gran Coupe. It’s the tax you pay for a hand-finished, intensely powerful, and subtly luxurious four-door coupe that exists in a space between high-performance BMW and bespoke coachbuilding. This isn’t transportation, it’s a statement.

City and highway performance

The Alpina B8 Gran Coupe’s 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 isn’t engineered for sipping fuel, but for thrust. The EPA estimates 17 MPG in the city, a reflection of stop-and-go driving where the engine’s power is constantly being deployed, then restrained. Out on the open road, the B8 fares slightly better, achieving 24 MPG on the highway. The difference highlights the car’s grand touring nature, it’s far more efficient when allowed to cruise at higher speeds.

Annual fuel cost

According to EPA estimates, owners of the B8 Gran Coupe can anticipate an annual fuel cost of $3,050. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and national average fuel prices. It’s a considerable sum, but one that’s unlikely to deter the typical Alpina buyer. This individual prioritizes exclusivity, performance, and meticulous craftsmanship. They understand that owning a limited-production vehicle like the B8 comes with certain expenses, and fuel consumption is one of them.

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides a standardized benchmark, but real-world fuel economy can vary significantly based on driving style, traffic, and weather. Aggressive acceleration, frequent hard braking, and prolonged idling will reduce the MPG figures. A conscious effort to drive smoothly and anticipate traffic flow can yield results closer to the EPA estimates. Owners who mainly drive in cities should expect to see numbers closer to the city rating, while those who frequently embark on long highway journeys might achieve figures that slightly exceed the highway estimate. But again, the owner of an Alpina B8 is likely making full use of the power, expect numbers to be lower than EPA.

How it compares

The Alpina B8 Gran Coupe occupies a unique segment, but it’s worth considering how its fuel economy compares against other high-performance luxury vehicles. The Porsche Panamera Turbo S delivers similar performance but manages slightly better fuel economy, rated at 17 MPG city and 24 MPG highway, for a combined 20 MPG. The Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S 4-Door Coupe achieves 15 MPG city and 21 MPG highway, landing at 17 MPG combined, making it less efficient. The Audi RS7 offers 15 MPG city and 22 MPG highway, for a combined 17 MPG. For buyers cross-shopping these vehicles, the Alpina’s fuel consumption is not a deciding factor. These are cars purchased for their performance and distinctive character, factors that outweigh minor differences in fuel efficiency.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The Alpina B8 Gran Coupe isn’t focused on fuel conservation, but there are steps owners can take to optimize efficiency without sacrificing driving enjoyment. Monitor the dashboard’s real-time fuel economy readout and adjust your driving habits accordingly. Smooth acceleration and avoiding unnecessary hard braking can make a difference.

The Alpina’s advanced automatic transmission is designed to select the most efficient gear based on driving conditions. Using Comfort mode can encourage the transmission to upshift earlier and downshift less aggressively, resulting in improved fuel economy, and less driving excitement. Experiment with different driving modes to find a balance between performance and efficiency.

Tire maintenance is important. Ensure that your tires are inflated to the recommended pressure, as underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and reduce fuel economy. Regular tire rotations will also help to ensure even wear and tear, optimizing efficiency.

Consider minimizing unnecessary weight in the vehicle. Removing items from the trunk and rear seats can slightly improve fuel economy, especially during city driving. Every little bit helps, and while it won’t transform the B8 into a Prius, it can contribute to a small but noticeable improvement in overall efficiency. You might also want to check out all Bmw fuel economy data or ALPINA MPG across all years.