What is it?
If you’re in the market for a fast, luxurious coupé with more than 400bhp, you’ve likely considered the Mercedes-AMG C63, Audi RS5 and BMW M4. But for a touch of added exclusivity, you might want to consider an Alpina B4 S Biturbo.
The B4 S, which supersedes the old B4, is based on the same straight-six-powered platform as the M4, which has undergone extensive technical and aesthetic adjustments, as per Alpina’s traditions. It means the car is a more potent but less focused alternative to its BMW counterpart.
Under its svelte bonnet is BMW a 3.0-litre six based on the N55 block of cooking 3 Series and 4 Series models, but it uses twin turbochargers that are 10% larger, a water-cooling system that’s 20% bigger and an uprated oil cooler with 35% more capacity. The engine spins a lighter crank that’s made from forged steel.
Maximum power output for the Alpina-fettled N55 peaks at 434bhp at 5500-6250rpm and torque reaches 487lb ft at 3000rpm. Those figures are 9bhp and 81lb ft more than the M4, although the B4 S, which only comes with an eight-speed automatic, is 90kg heavier than the auto BMW. Still, that added torque helps the Alpina to accelerate from zero to 62mph in 4.2sec, a tenth quicker than the M4.
Under the bonnet is where the technical improvements for the B4 S over the B4 end, though: Alpina has stuck with the same suspension settings, meaning it sits on slightly less aggressive springs and dampers than its cousin from BMW's M division.
As before, the B4 S gets BMW Professional infotainment as standard, which adds a widescreen sat-nav and all-round parking sensors. The car’s seats also come wrapped in Dakota leather at no extra cost, although the car you see here features Merino leather, a £1285 option.
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Makes one wonder...
...why BMW didn't build this car themselves.
Analogue dials vs virtual screens
After getting a 3 series with heads up display I don't really see the point of something like the Virtual Cockpit - I never take my eyes off the windscreen. If BMW / Alpina want to make it better they could improve the HUD, for example providing engine revs / gears, especially when in manual.
A B3S Touring at the moment would probably be my dream car - in Alpina Green. However it is (at least here) an expensive option. BMW will give pretty hefty discounts on a 340 (which I got) or an M3 however Alpina's are pretty much only at list. Realistically, when I enquired, a 540 touring, with pretty much all the options, was quite a bit cheaper than a B3S.
Analogue dials vs virtual screens
Most people probably don't, but I actually prefer traditional dials to digital screens. They look more elegent and classy. Besides, in the B4 you can get all the infotainment, that you get in Audi's virtual cockpit, in the centally mounted screen.