The Alpina B4 Gran Coupe (G26) 3.0, producing 495 horsepower, represents a high-performance variant of the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe, meticulously engineered by the independent German automotive engineering company, Alpina. Production commenced in 2022 and continued through June 2024. This model occupies the top echelon of the G26 series, offering a blend of luxury, performance, and exclusivity. It’s built upon the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe platform (G26) and distinguishes itself through significant mechanical upgrades and bespoke styling elements. The B4 Gran Coupe aims to bridge the gap between a standard BMW performance model and the more focused offerings from BMW’s M division.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Alpina |
| Model | B4 |
| Generation | B4 Gran Coupe (G26) |
| Type | 3.0 (495 Hp) AWD SWITCH-TRONIC |
| Start of production | 2022 |
| End of production | June, 2024 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Coupe |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Combined fuel consumption (WLTP) | 10.1 l/100 km (23.3 US mpg / 28 UK mpg / 9.9 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions (WLTP) | 229 g/km |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 14 l/100 km (16.8 US mpg / 20.2 UK mpg / 7.1 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 7.4 l/100 km (31.8 US mpg / 38.2 UK mpg / 13.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 9.8 l/100 km (24 US mpg / 28.8 UK mpg / 10.2 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 223 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 3.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 3.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 3.5 sec |
| Maximum speed | 301 km/h (187.03 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6d-ISC-FCM |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 4 kg/Hp, 251.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 2.7 kg/Nm, 371.5 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 495 Hp @ 5000-7000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 165.4 Hp/l |
| Torque | 730 Nm @ 2500-4500 rpm (538.42 lb.-ft. @ 2500-4500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine displacement | 2993 cm3 (182.64 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 84 mm (3.31 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 90 mm (3.54 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.3:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Twin-Turbo, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | VALVETRONIC |
| Kerb Weight | 1965 kg (4332.08 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2400 kg (5291.09 lbs.) |
| Max load | 435 kg (959.01 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 470 l (16.6 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1290 l (45.56 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 59 l (15.59 US gal | 12.98 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1800 kg (3968.32 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Length | 4792 mm (188.66 in.) |
| Width | 1850 mm (72.83 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2073 mm (81.61 in.) |
| Height | 1440 mm (56.69 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2856 mm (112.44 in.) |
| Front track | 1593 mm (62.72 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1588 mm (62.52 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | All wheel drive (4×4). ICE drives all four wheels. |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 8 gears, automatic transmission SWITCH-TRONIC |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | Front: 255/35 R20, Rear: 285/30 R20 |
| Wheel rims size | Front: 8.5J x 20, Rear: 10J x 20 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
At the heart of the B4 Gran Coupe 3.0 lies a 3.0-liter inline-six cylinder engine, internally designated as the B58. This engine is heavily modified by Alpina, featuring twin turbochargers, a larger intercooler, and a bespoke exhaust system. The engine produces 495 horsepower and a substantial 730 Nm (538 lb-ft) of torque. It utilizes direct fuel injection and Alpina’s signature VALVETRONIC variable valve timing and lift technology, enhancing both efficiency and responsiveness. The engine is longitudinally mounted at the front of the vehicle. The power is then transferred to all four wheels via a sophisticated eight-speed automatic transmission, branded as SWITCH-TRONIC. This transmission offers both automatic and manual shift modes, with particularly quick shift times optimized for performance driving.
Driving Characteristics
The B4 Gran Coupe 3.0 delivers exhilarating performance. The combination of the powerful engine and all-wheel drive results in a 0-60 mph time of just 3.5 seconds and a top speed electronically limited to 187 mph. The SWITCH-TRONIC transmission provides smooth and precise gear changes, whether in automatic or manual mode. The all-wheel-drive system is rear-biased, providing a sporty and engaging driving experience. While not as track-focused as the BMW M4 Gran Coupe, the Alpina offers a more comfortable and refined driving experience, making it suitable for both daily commuting and spirited driving. The gear ratios are tuned for a balance of acceleration and highway cruising efficiency.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The B4 Gran Coupe 3.0 is exceptionally well-equipped as standard. Interior features include premium leather upholstery, Alpina-specific interior trim (often utilizing carbon fiber or wood), sport seats with adjustable bolstering, and a comprehensive infotainment system with a large touchscreen display. Standard safety features include a suite of driver-assistance systems, such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. Optional extras include a premium sound system, a head-up display, and various customization options for the interior and exterior.
Chassis & Braking
The B4 Gran Coupe benefits from chassis enhancements developed by Alpina. These include stiffer springs and dampers, revised suspension geometry, and reinforced anti-roll bars. The braking system features large, ventilated discs at all four corners, providing ample stopping power. The Alpina also incorporates a sophisticated stability control system that allows for a degree of wheel slip during spirited driving, enhancing agility. The suspension is tuned to provide a comfortable ride while maintaining excellent body control.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Alpina B4 Gran Coupe 3.0 was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its blend of performance, luxury, and refinement. Compared to the standard BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe and even the M4 Gran Coupe, the Alpina offered a unique proposition – a high-performance vehicle that prioritized comfort and usability. Fuel economy, while not a primary focus, was respectable for a vehicle of this performance level. Reliability was generally considered to be good, benefiting from Alpina’s meticulous engineering and quality control.
Legacy
The Alpina B4 Gran Coupe (G26) 3.0 represents a compelling offering in the high-performance luxury coupe segment. Its combination of a powerful engine, sophisticated drivetrain, and luxurious interior has made it a desirable vehicle for enthusiasts. On the used car market, these models hold their value well, reflecting their exclusivity and build quality. The B58 engine, in particular, is known for its robustness and tunability, making it a popular choice among performance enthusiasts. The B4 Gran Coupe stands as a testament to Alpina’s expertise in refining and enhancing BMW’s already impressive vehicles.
