BMW 4-Series: Alpina B4 Biturbo price and specs – debuts at Goodwood

The Alpina B4 BiTurbo (pictured) debuts at Goodwood 2014

We’ve already had the arrival of the BMW 4-Series Coupe and Convertible – the replacement for the old 3-Series Coupe and Convertible – so logically the next step is an Alpina version. And here it is. The Alpina B4 Biturbo is based on the latest 4-Series and gets the N55 BMW straight six from the 435i but tweaked and fettled by Alpina to deliver 404bhp and 442lb/ft of torque.

With BMW’s eight-speed auto ‘box still ion place, that extra power lets the Alpina B4 get to 62mph in just 4.2 seconds (4.5 seconds for the heavier B4 Convertible), and in LHD markets, where the 4WD version is available, that drops to just 4.0 seconds.

That’s quicker than the impressive Alpina D3 diesel take on the 3-Series, although economy suffers as you’d expect – the D3 manages 53.3mpg whereas the B4 returns 37mpg.

Suspension is much the same as on the BMW 4 Series, but the B4 does get Alpina springs and switchable dampers with a firmer rebound, new bushes and new anti-roll bars.

Alpina has also fitted a strut brace and tinkered with the steering geometry and stability control to promise an even more dynamic drive than the 435i.

Stopping power is also improved to deal with the extra performance, with a set of Alpina Blue Brembo calipers sitting inside the 20″ Alpina alloys.

The usual Alpina body kit makes an appearance with some subtle changes to the front and back, plenty of Alpina logos and small interior tweaks, but anyone used to a regular 4-Series won’t find the Alpina B4 anything other than fully familiar.

Bothe the Alpina B4 Coupe and Convertible will debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this month, with the Coupe costing from £58,950 and the Convertible £62,950 – before you start on Alpina’s extensive customisation options.

By Cars UK