What's the news?
Alpina is to launch two rapid and refined new models, badged as B4 Bi-Turbo. Available in either coupé or convertible format, with a Gran Coupé likely to come later, they follow on from the D3 Bi-Turbo recently revealed, which is claimed to be the world's fastest production diesel.
Exterior
Alpinas have always been more restrained performance iterations of BMWs, letting M Division go all flared arches and steroidal bodywork while the Buchloe company instead serves up classy, rapid motors. The new B4s are no different, with subtle aerodynamic enhancements such as the demure boot spoiler, tasteful side skirts and revised front bumper/splitter all honed in BMW's wind tunnel. There are quad pipes at the back, the 20-inch Classic alloys are back (often called 'Cotton Reels', these are 20-spokers - beware 19-spoke imitations!) and you can personalise the looks of the car through the BMW Individual programme, although classic Alpina Blue and Alpina Green paint finishes are offered. It's been a long time since we've seen some properly retro Alpina side stripes, though...
Interior
Alpina takes great care inside, too, and every B4 Bi-Turbo will have a numbered build plaque on the centre console. You can have a wide variety of hand-stitched leather interiors and hand-crafted woods for the dash and doors, while the standard equipment includes electrically adjustable heated sports seats, climate control, luxury carpet 'overmats' and Alpina logos on the seat backs and door sills. The dials are Alpina Blue - another Buchloe tradition - and the steering wheel is clothed in hand-stitched Lavalina leather.
Mechanicals
The B4 uses an Alpina-developed derivation of the 3.0-litre twin-scroll single turbo straight-six from the BMW 435i, replacing that one 'charger with two for its gentleman's express. It makes 410hp and 600Nm of torque, all of which is channelled to the rear wheels only (in the UK in any case; left-hand drive markets can option up all-wheel drive) by an eight-speed automatic gearbox. Alpina claims 0-62mph in 4.2 seconds for the coupé and 4.5 seconds for the slightly weightier convertible - although the latter at least retains the metal roof that can be opened and closed on the move up to 11mph, as way of compensation. There's no word on top speed yet but Alpinas don't have to adhere to the German 155mph limiter, so expect it to comfortably exceed 170mph. Adaptive M Sport Suspension is standard fit and Alpina quotes an average 37mpg combined economy for the B4 Bi-Turbo, as well as CO2 emissions of 177g/km.
Anything else?
You can cop your first eyeful of the B4 Bi-Turbo at the Goodwood Festival of Speed later this week, where it will be on show alongside Alpina's XD3 and D3 Bi-Turbo models. The B4 Bi-Turbo is available in the UK as a coupé for £58,950 or as a convertible for £62,950. And don't call Alpina a tuner - it was registered as a manufacturer in its own right in 1983, all its cars share warranty cover with BMW and you can service the B4 Bi-Turbo at any BMW dealer.
Matt Robinson - 25 Jun 2014
