Alpina: Low-level flight over the Bilster Berg š„
LICKERBITE As an alternative to the M models from Munich, Alpina in Buchloe develops BMW derivatives that are very sporty yet comfortable. The latest examples are the four-door Gran CoupƩs B4 and D4 S.
The Gran CoupƩ D4 S (gallery above) from the Alpina manufactory is an enticing new offering for sporty frequent drivers. It combines - typical of the BMW tuners from Buchloe - a high level of ride comfort with outstanding performance and modest fuel consumption figures.
The brawny 3-liter inline six-cylinder diesel with mild hybrid technology delivers a maximum torque of 730 Nm and a peak output of 355 hp. The engine power is transmitted to all four wheels via an 8-speed torque converter automatic transmission. This allows the D4 S to accelerate to 100 km/h in just 4.8 seconds and then - where still possible - up to 270 km/h.
Dynamic diesel ...
The aerodynamically enhanced diesel Gran CoupƩ, which rolls on characteristic 20-inch forged wheels from Alpina, proved its racing capabilities in test drives on the challenging Bilster Berg circuit in a way that you wouldn't expect from a diesel vehicle.
In addition to the tremendous torque, the revving ability of the compression-ignition engine as well as the chassis tuning and control systems are also surprising. The all-wheel drive is based on the BMW xDrive system with fully variable torque distribution. The special Alpina all-wheel-drive set-up with rear-emphasis works with an electronically controlled rear-axle limited-slip differential.
... and captivating gasoline engine
In parallel with the new D4 S diesel engine, Alpina also offers a four-door coupƩ with a gasoline engine. Like the diesel, the 3-liter biturbo gasoline engine of the B3 Gran CoupƩ delivers 730 Nm of maximum torque, but thanks to its even greater revving power, it boasts 495 hp of maximum output.
Together with the ZF 8-speed automatic, it manages the sprint to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds and achieves a top speed of 301 km/h. This, of course, makes it even faster than the diesel. Of course, this means it can lap the Bilster Berg a whole lot faster than the diesel.
Cooperation agreement still until the end of 2025
While the B4 Gran CoupƩ (gallery below) will be available in the next few weeks, buyers of the D4 S Gran CoupƩ will have to wait until the end of September, and the redesigned B3 sedan will be available from October. Prices of 89,900 (D4 S GC), 99,900 (B3) and 103,900 (B4 GC) francs can be expected.
The revised giant XB7 will also go on sale in December: with a length of 5.18 meters, an unladen weight of 2730 kilograms and an impressive 621 hp and 800 Nm - at prices beyond 200,000 Swiss francs.
It has also recently become known that BMW has acquired the rights to the Alpina brand. However, the Alpina business will continue as before until the end of the cooperation agreement on December 31, 2025.
The ordering of vehicles, production and distribution via Alpina partners and importers will remain unchanged until then.
