The new BMW 4-series Gran Coupe has been given the Alpina treatment, bringing M performance to the everyday saloon
Alpina has launched its take on the latest 4-series Gran Coupe, bringing its usual cocktail of performance tweaks and visual changes to the four-door fastback. Based on the M440i xDrive, the B4 is host to new hardware and software changes, bringing on-paper performance up to similar levels to the M4 Competition.
Unlike the BMW’s most potent petrol-powered Gran Coupe, the M440i, Alpina has opted to use the M-developed twin-turbocharged 3-litre S58 straight-six, equipping it with Alpina-specific turbine housings for both turbochargers. These join an enlarged intercooler, tweaked intake ducts and less restrictive filters, all of which contribute to a substantial increase in performance over the M440i. The result is a peak power figure of 488bhp, with a vast 538lb ft of torque giving it 59lb ft more than an M4 Competition – power is down 15bhp. These figures are also 33bhp and 22lb ft up on the B3 saloon and Touring.
Despite a relatively high 1965kg weight figure, its impressive figures don’t stop there, with BMW’s rear-biased xDrive all-wheel drive system helping it sprint from standstill to 100kph in an M4 Competition xDrive-matching 3.7sec and onto a 300kph top speed – the latter is 11kph higher than an M4 when equipped with the optional speed limiter lift.
To handle such an increase in torque, Alpina has bolstered the standard 8-speed ZF transmission with an uprated torque converter and wheel set – software tweaks are also said to have refined the experience with increased power levels.
Alpina has also added a new front anti-roll bar alongside bespoke spring and damper configurations, as well as increased negative camber on the front axle all in the name of improving steering accuracy and precision.
Alpina’s design modifications are typically understated with the new 20-inch, 20-spoke forged wheels joining the usual combination of subtly modified front splitter, rear lip spoiler and rear exhaust shroud. What’s certainly still there is the 4 series’s controversial grille.
Inside, optional Lavalina leather can be found on the seats and steering wheel, with aluminium trim, contrast stitching and a numbered production plaque all featuring. Standard kit is strong too, with a number of packages such as Parking and Driving Assistant, Speed Limit Assist, Cross Traffic Alert and Lane Change Warning included free of charge.
The 2022 Alpina B4 Gran Coupe will go on sale later this year with prices starting from c$101,000.
This article originally appeared at evo.co.uk
Copyright © evo UK, Autovia Publishing
