- the bmw alpina b4 gran coupe makes 22 more horsepower than the standard m4 and 59 more pound-feet of torque than the competition model.
- alpina claims a zero to 62 mph sprint of 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 187 mph.
- bmw would not confirm whether the b4 gran coupe will be sold in the united states.
earlier this month, bmw took full control of alpina, the german tuning company that specializes in fast and luxurious bimmers and had enjoyed a symbiotic relationship with bmw for decades. now alpina has revealed its latest bmw-based creation, the alpina b4 gran coupe, which ups the performance of the four-door 4-series to create the closest thing to an m4 gran coupe.
like the m4, the all-wheel-drive b4 uses a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six, tuned by alpina to produce 495 horsepower. this slots it neatly between the standard 473-hp m4 and the 503-hp competition model. but the alpina’s whopping 538 pound-feet of torque far surpasses the competition’s 479 pound-feet. it uses a retuned version of the zf eight-speed automatic and alpina claims the b4 can hit 62 mph in 3.7 seconds, putting it three-tenths behind bmw’s claim for the all-wheel-drive m4 competition. the b4’s claimed top speed is 187 mph.
alpina’s sport suspension includes specially developed front anti-roll bars and unique spring and damper configurations, aiming to provide a composed ride at high speeds. there is also an electronically controlled rear limited-slip differential, and the b4 receives a unique alpina exhaust system.
the b4 gains minor aerodynamic enhancements, with subtle spoilers front and rear and a diffuser sandwiched between the four oval exhaust tips. the classic 20-inch alpina turbine wheels are wrapped in pirelli p zero tires developed specifically for alpina. inside is supple lavalina leather, a unique sports steering wheel, and plenty of luxurious standard equipment including a heated steering wheel and driver-assistance features.
bmw would neither confirm nor deny the availability of the b4 gran coupe in the united states when asked, but did acknowledge to car and driver that “there has been no announcement by bmw of a 4 series-based alpina model for the u.s.” in europe, deliveries will begin this summer and the b4 costs the equivalent of around $100,000.