Alpina launches 187mph B4 Gran Coupe
There probably won't be an M4 GC, but fear not - Alpina is on hand
Given Alpina's fondness (and talent) for the ultimate in luxury four-doors, it's a surprise that a 4 Series Gran Coupe hasn't happened sooner. Still, good things come to those who wait and all that, so here's the first Alpina B4 Gran Coupe - a car described as nothing less than a "fascinating model for automotive aesthetes who cultivate a sense for something special."
There's nothing that might be called revolutionary about the 4 GC - and, frankly, in a world where there are two-tonne electric Lotus SUVs, playing to traditional strengths is quite reassuring. Not least with Alpina's rich vein of current form. It's powered by the same epic six-cylinder as found in the B3 - a version of the M3's S58 straight-six, don't forget - here with 495hp and 538lb ft. The keen will note they are gains over the saloon and Touring seen so far, which made do with a measly 462hp and 516lb ft, thanks to a new exhaust and additional optimisation of the engine management. It means the Alpina is now just 15hp behind the 510hp M3 and M4 Competition, with an extra 59lb ft. Hooked up to a ZF eight-speed auto, Alpina claims this xDrive Gran Coupe can reach 62mph in 3.7 seconds and a mighty 187mph flat out. Imagine those grilles coming up behind you on the autobahn at that speed...
This being an Alpina, however, the B4 is about far more than just straight-line speed. Bespoke bracing under the bonnet reinforces the front end, which ought to benefit the steering response. Alpina's sports suspension "masters challenging road conditions with ease and excels in dynamic driving manoeuvres", with the now-familiar Comfort Plus mode designed for specifically for high-speed running with the minimum of fuss. Sport and Sport Plus offer "direct feedback for sporty, agile handling", it's said. There's also 1.25 degrees more negative camber at the front, new anti-roll bars and refreshed components for "dynamic, authoritative feedback". The xDrive system is rear-biased, of course, in best Alpina tradition. It's often the little tweaks that make Alpinas feel so special.
Additionally the Gran Coupe also benefits from an uprated brake system, with a further high performance upgrade available on top of that; it says much of the car's remit that Alpina makes a note that the high performance discs "can lead to a loss of acoustic comfort". As always, this new Alpina runs on a bespoke compound of Pirelli, with summer and winter options for year-round use
However, it's what's on those P Zeroes that might be of most interest, as Alpina has redesigned its classic 20-spoke rim. Described as a "reinterpreted" look, there's still no mistaking the wheels for anything but Alpina's best-known design with the long and thin spokes. They're forged, 20-inch in diameter and weigh 12kg each, which Alpina says will help with the superlative ride quality it's famed for.
If now working on rather more dramatically styled BMWs, the Alpina cosmetic overhaul has remained fairly modest, and that's true for this B4 Gran Coupe as well. Notable upgrades are familiar from the B3, including the new spoilers front and rear, the four pipes of an Alpina sports exhaust and diffuser between them. Which you might say looks a bit naff - but the new GC remains easily the best looking G26 4 Series yet.
Especially in Alpina Blue with the silver sticker set. As always, a wide range of colours will be on offer, including Alpina Green, which, if the configurator is anything to go by, looks just as good as ever. Similarly, the interior can be decked out pretty much however the customer wishes, but you'll never go far wrong with the naturally tanned Lavalina leather. Alpina reckons it's "in a quality class of its own in the automotive segment, and is prized for both its supple softness and its temperature balancing properties." So there - green and tan it is...
With the spec settled, you'll be needing a price; there isn't one for the UK yet, but in Germany the B4 Gran Coupe costs €91,800 - currently that's £77,730. Given the B3 saloon was £66,450 at launch, that could be quite the leap, but then the Gran Coupes always command a premium. (And think of the extra power.) Orders are open now, with first deliveries due in July. See, no surprises whatsoever, just another very desirable Alpina BMW. The only real shock would be if the B4 Gran Coupe isn't a total delight to drive, so we'll get behind the wheel ASAP - just to be sure.
k ugly grille thoughA new front bumper without bugsbunny teeth, would have made this an elegant and great looking car and really differentiated it from rest of 4 series.
But then perhaps that would be like BMW conceding they had f****ed up with front design of the car!
I like a chunky steering wheel, but that looks to take the piss
Dare I say it but I'm warming to the grilles. See a few in the flesh and they don't offend me as much as they used to. I think this looks good as a toned down M3/4 alternative.
To me, it definitely looks a whole lot better - article and image below -
https://www.evolveautomotive.com/blog/the-evaero-g...
I also think that the Grille part of the grille doesn't really help and the Vorsteiner carbon grille also looks a lot better whilst retaining the original bumper. I think it is the lack of muliple lines and parts that makes it less busy - which helps.
I have to say i hated the grille initially but seeing in the flesh - i can't really forgive it, but, i don't hate it quite as much now i'm used to seeing it more.
The B4 GC is a stunning car. Get past the front end people, it's here to stay.
To me, it definitely looks a whole lot better - article and image below -
https://www.evolveautomotive.com/blog/the-evaero-g...
I also think that the Grille part of the grille doesn't really help and the Vorsteiner carbon grille also looks a lot better whilst retaining the original bumper. I think it is the lack of muliple lines and parts that makes it less busy - which helps.
I have to say i hated the grille initially but seeing in the flesh - i can't really forgive it, but, i don't hate it quite as much now i'm used to seeing it more.
I like a chunky steering wheel, but that looks to take the piss
Dare I say it but I'm warming to the grilles. See a few in the flesh and they don't offend me as much as they used to. I think this looks good as a toned down M3/4 alternative.
Alpina clearly have an agreement with BMW not to change aesthetics to such an extent as to be able to change it.
It’s always annoyed me about Alpina that they’ve had to use SE trim steering wheels, not so bad on current models but some of the old ones were grim!
k ugly grille thoughA new front bumper without bugsbunny teeth, would have made this an elegant and great looking car and really differentiated it from rest of 4 series.
But then perhaps that would be like BMW conceding they had f****ed up with front design of the car!
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