► 488bhp in a 4 Series Gran Coupe
► Four-wheel drive only
► Easier to live with than an M3 or M4
Given the troubling times we’re all facing, it’s nice to be the bearer of good news. Sadly, we don’t have the answer to any of the big questions, but we can confirm the BMW-Alpina B4 Gran Coupe feels like a true product of Buchloe despite a BMW takeover.
That’s right, in a move reminiscent of AMG’s assimilation into the Mercedes mothership, the well-respected BMW fettler is no longer independent. However, this is still a more comfortable, discreet and luxurious alternative to full blown M cars, whilst giving up very little in terms of performance.
With 488bhp it’s a little down on the 503bhp BMW M3 and M4 Competition if well up on the Audi RS5 Sportback, yet standard four-wheel drive ensures the B4 Gran Coupe still fires from 0-62mph in just 3.7 seconds before hitting a top speed of 187mph. There’s no 155mph limiter here….
Hold on, BMW don’t do a red hot 4er Gran Coupe, do they?
Well, the 369bhp M440i Gran Coupe certainly isn’t slow, but it’s not a ‘proper’ M. At first glance, you could be mistaken for thinking the B4 isn’t that much more potent, after all there are no blistered wheelarches or deeply dished alloys. Instead, your eye is drawn to the loadsaspoke Alpina wheels and optional stripe package that’s deliciously 80s.
There’s also an Alpina specific bodykit, four round chrome exhaust tips and plenty of Alpina badging inside and out. A range of options is available, including a full retrim in extra-supple leather with additional hide in areas that are normally plastic.
You can also have this M3-based engine in a 3 Series saloon or Touring in the B3, although you can’t get a 4 Series Coupe or Convertible version. What BMW give with one hand, they take twofold with the other.
Is it better than an M3?
It’s not so much better or worse, just different. Where the M3 and M4 are stiff, frenetic things that are particularly lively in rear-wheel drive form, the B4 feels more GT than sports car. Even with vast 20in wheels front and rear, the B4 rounds off jagged road imperfections deftly even around town whilst controlling body movements exceedingly well at speed.
Yes, you are still aware of much of the roads topography, but progress is by no means uncomfortable thanks to that layer of initial compliance. Standard-fit adaptive dampers mean it’s possible to stiffen things up for tighter body control and a more agile feel without it ever feeling crashy or unpleasant.
No doubt this means the M3 or M4 is better on track, somewhere many of these cars are ever likely to venture. With that and the near-500bhp power output in mind, the choice of four-wheel drive seems sensible especially given the cold, wet weather we experienced. Launch control helps use all available traction to produce rapid, drama free acceleration in the wet or dry and you’re unlikely to see the traction control light flickering as you move over the white line to overtake, something the B4 does with hilarious ease.
Sounds sensible, too sensible?
Not at all, you can still have an awful lot of fun in the B4. It turns in crisply with a dependable front end and well-judged steering weight. You won’t find the steering brimming with feel, but it’s precise and makes stringing together corners a satisfying experience.
The four-wheel drive certainly has more of a sense of humour than Audi’s Quattro system. You feel more rear bias on corner exit with fun to be had with the stability control disabled.
What about the interior?
As you’d expect, much of the interior is shared with the regular 4 Series Gran Coupe. You’ll spot the Alpina-badged steering wheel wrapped in extra soft leather, a plaque between the front seats with the car’s build number and a few Alpina logos.
You’ll find a few along with some new colours in the digital driver’s display and infotainment system, but you’ll want the full leather package to really make the B4 feel a cut above the M440i. As for space and practicality, the boot is large and accessed by a handy hatchback, while the rear seats are usable. Head and legroom will be tight for taller adults, but it’s far more practical than a 4 Series Coupe.
If you want a bit more detail on the other aspects of the interior, have a look at our BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe review.
Alpina B4 Gran Coupe: verdict
Don’t think of the B4 as an M4 Gran Coupe, more of an M440i on steroids. While that could sound underwhelming, the result is a car that arguably feels more at home on challenging UK roads than the M4. Yes, that car is undeniably more exciting in the right conditions, but it’s also harder work and barely any faster.
BMW will sell many more M3s and M4s than Alpina will sell B3s and B4s, so clearly most people after a 500bhp car want to shout about it. If you’d rather whisper, this is the car for you.