In April 2021, BMW made it clear that there would be no M4 Gran Coupe. The overlaps with the M3 were probably too big for the German manufacturer, especially for an M3 Touring to be launched. But where BMW saw no market opportunities, excellent opportunities suddenly opened up for a small-series car manufacturer, namely Alpina.
The car manufacturer of Buchloe, which, coincidentally, BMW recently acquired, they definitely think the four-door 4 Series deserves a really fast release. This has just been unveiled and is called the B4 Gran Coupé.
In terms of design, the first thing that catches the eye is the classic front spoiler, which we think acts as a “bridge” towards a “phantom” 4 Series Gran Coupé that BMW, as mentioned, has decided not to produce. Alpina has also decided to insert a discreet rear spoiler and a diffuser, in which the four typical tailpipes are integrated. Small curiosity about this diffuser is the possibility of making it compatible with the towbar, if desired.
But the biggest exterior novelty is probably the newly developed 20-inch wheel, which reinterprets Alpina’s iconic 20-spoke wheel. The forged wheel weighs 12 pounds. It is available in 8.5 × 20 inches with 255/35 ZR20 tires at the front and 10 × 20 inches with 285/30 ZR20 tires at the rear. The Pirelli PZero Ultra bears the ALP identifier, so they have been specially developed for the car. The wheels are optionally available in black and anthracite.
Alpina B4 Gran Coupé, more powerful than the B3
A further development of the B3’s 3.0-liter twin-turbo six-cylinder provides propulsion in the B4 Gran Coupé. The unit is based on BMW’s S58 in-line six-cylinder engine, used among other things in the current M3 / M4. Performance increases compared to the B3 by 33 hp and 30 Nm reaching 495 hp and 730 Nm of torque.
The reinforced and recalibrated ZF 8-speed automatic transmission sends the power to all four wheels and apparently quite efficiently. The sprint from 0-100 km / h is done in 3.7 seconds in the B4 GC, while after 12.9 seconds it reaches 200 km / h. The maximum speed reaches 301 km / h.
In terms of driving dynamics, Alpina relies on a sporty chassis with components optimized in terms of stiffness and weight. Special domed front struts are installed for additional reinforcement. The negative camber on the front axle is 1.25 degrees. Separate stabilizers on the front axle are also offered.
A brake with four-piston calipers and 395 discs at the front (at the rear there is a floating caliper and 345 discs) is standard. A “high performance brake system with perforated lightweight composite brake discs” is available for a supplement.
The Alpina B4 Gran Coupé can already be ordered, but, for now, only in Germany. Deliveries are expected to start in July 2022 for those willing to shell out at least € 91,800.