BMW seemingly has no plans to give its 4 Series Gran Coupé the full-blown M treatment. Alpina’s new 364 kW B4 Gran Coupé, however, looks like a decidedly worthy substitute…
The covers have come off the new Alpina B4 Gran Coupé, which is based on the 4 Series Gran Coupé and is the first model revealed by the small-series manufacturer since the BMW Group announced its acquisition of the rights to the Buchloe-based brand.
From what we can tell, the B4 Gran Coupé is derived from the Munich-based automaker’s M440i xDrive model. Of course, the twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-six petrol engine has been suitably fettled, taking peak outputs from the standard 285 kW and 500 Nm to a healthier 364 kW and 730 Nm.
That maximum power is delivered to all four wheels via a specially adapted ZF 8-speed automatic transmission and isn’t far off the official three-door M4 Competition’s 375 kW figure, endowing the B4 Gran Coupé with a claimed 0-100 km/h sprint time of 3.7 seconds (two-tenths ahead of the rear-wheel-drive M4 and two-tenths behind the all-paw version). Top speed, meanwhile, is pegged at an M4-beating 301 km/h.
In addition to a sport exhaust system, the Alpina sport suspension kit ships standard on this four-door model, adding a bespoke spring and damper configuration as well as bringing a negative camber of 1.25° at the front axle. The firm claims these tweaks allow the B4 Gran Coupé to “master challenging road conditions with ease”, excel in “dynamic driving manoeuvres” and remain “composed at high speeds”.
The B4 Gran Coupé benefits from a thoroughly overhauled suspension system.
With that heady top speed unlocked, the braking system has also been upgraded, with 4-piston fixed callipers and 395 mm discs fitted at the front complemented by floating callipers with 345 mm discs at the rear. A high-performance braking system with drilled lightweight composite discs is also available as an option.
All the usual understated Alpina styling cues are present and correct, from the various aerodynamic body components to a subtly reinterpreted version of the Alpina Classic 20-spoke, 20-inch alloy wheels (complete with wider custom Pirelli P Zero tyres at the rear). Inside, you’ll find the requisite Alpina production plaque with an individual build number as well as a hand-stitched Lavalina leather finish for the steering wheel.
Earlier in March 2022, the BMW Group announced it had acquired the rights to the Alpina brand in an attempt to “secure the future” of the small-series manufacturer as the industry continues its rapid shift towards electromobility. The existing long-standing cooperation agreement between the two companies is expected to run until the end of 2025, with Alpina likely to retain its focus on combustion-engined BMW models until then. Thereafter, BMW says the cooperation will continue “but in a different form”.
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