Photo: Alpina
When one thinks of Alpina as a brand, mixed feeling might pop up. That’s because if there ever was one company that combined pure performance with luxury, it’s this one.
The German tuner/manufacturer just announced that their mental B4 Bi-Turbo model will go on sale in the UK for prices higher than what BMW is asking for the M4. While from a luxury point of view, that makes sense, from the performance side, it doesn’t. And then, Alpinas are not for everyone.
The B4 Bi-Turbo Coupe starts at £58,950 on the road, £2,315 more than the M4 Coupe. The B4 Bi-Turbo Convertible, on the other hand, is even more expensive, starting at £62,950. Prices for the M4 Convertible haven’t been released yet but we’re expecting the same story, with the BMW alternative being cheaper.
Now, for that kind of money, you do get more luxury than inside the M car. Standard equipment includes an eight-speed automatic gearbox, Adaptive M Sport Suspension, leather upholstery, electrically adjustable heated sports seats, climate control and Bi-Xenon headlights.
The cabin is decorated with luxury carpet overmats and subtle ALPINA logos on the seat backs and door sills. The instruments are in ALPINA Blue and the steering wheel is covered in hand-stitched Lavalina leather.
Of course, that’s if you’re comfortable with the car at the starting price, without any added optional features. You can have your car done in every possible color you wish and the interior can be designed to your request but you’ll have to pay for it.
Now, from a performance point of view, the B4 is absolutely crazy. At least in a straight line. It can do 100 km/h (62 mph) from a standstill in 4.2 seconds for the coupe and 4.5 second for the convertible, when sending its power to the rear wheels. However, unlike the M4, you can also get an all-wheel-drive version that will do the same sprint in 4 seconds flat, faster than the DCT-equipped M car.
Get it on a track and the excitement begins to die down. The 3-liter bi-turbo engine makes 410 HP and 600 Nm (442 lb-ft) of torque but the suspension and heavy weight of the car will be felt all over and you won’t get too close to the M4’s performance. However, Alpinas aren’t built for that, they are exclusive cars for exclusive men and, at that, they do perfectly well.
The B4 Bi-Turbo Coupe starts at £58,950 on the road, £2,315 more than the M4 Coupe. The B4 Bi-Turbo Convertible, on the other hand, is even more expensive, starting at £62,950. Prices for the M4 Convertible haven’t been released yet but we’re expecting the same story, with the BMW alternative being cheaper.
Now, for that kind of money, you do get more luxury than inside the M car. Standard equipment includes an eight-speed automatic gearbox, Adaptive M Sport Suspension, leather upholstery, electrically adjustable heated sports seats, climate control and Bi-Xenon headlights.
The cabin is decorated with luxury carpet overmats and subtle ALPINA logos on the seat backs and door sills. The instruments are in ALPINA Blue and the steering wheel is covered in hand-stitched Lavalina leather.
Of course, that’s if you’re comfortable with the car at the starting price, without any added optional features. You can have your car done in every possible color you wish and the interior can be designed to your request but you’ll have to pay for it.
Now, from a performance point of view, the B4 is absolutely crazy. At least in a straight line. It can do 100 km/h (62 mph) from a standstill in 4.2 seconds for the coupe and 4.5 second for the convertible, when sending its power to the rear wheels. However, unlike the M4, you can also get an all-wheel-drive version that will do the same sprint in 4 seconds flat, faster than the DCT-equipped M car.
Get it on a track and the excitement begins to die down. The 3-liter bi-turbo engine makes 410 HP and 600 Nm (442 lb-ft) of torque but the suspension and heavy weight of the car will be felt all over and you won’t get too close to the M4’s performance. However, Alpinas aren’t built for that, they are exclusive cars for exclusive men and, at that, they do perfectly well.
Google News