Pre-Order the GT Spirit – 1:18 Alpina B4 Bi-turbo White 2014 – Resin Model

The BMW Alpina B4 Bi-turbo is not merely a tweaked BMW; it is a product of Alpina’s distinct philosophy and engineering heritage. While based on the BMW F32/F33 chassis (the first generation of the B4 arrived in 2014), Alpina takes the base vehicle and re-engineers it extensively, positioning the brand based on its own milestones and motor sport history.

The B4 Bi-turbo serves as Alpina’s compelling answer to the BMW M4, offering a nuanced alternative to Munich’s more track-focused siblings. When launched, the B4 3.0 Bi Turbo 2dr Switch-Tronic commanded prices starting from around £58,560 when new. Alpina also offers variants such as the D4 S, B4 GT, and the ultra-rare B4 S Edition 99.

The Alpina approach emphasizes accessible, seamless power, ensuring every journey “has flashes of fun, no matter how menial”. Alpina performance models like the B4 and the Alpina D3 Bi-turbo Touring are frequently put through their paces in driving tests, demonstrating the brand’s reputation for potent yet refined vehicles.

While its BMW M rival, the M4, boasts 425bhp and achieves 0-60mph in 4.1 seconds, the Alpina often trades raw, track-edge sharpness for phenomenal real-world usability. Alpina vehicles are engineered to be both brutally quick and offer serene refinement.

Alpina models are not created through simple chipping; they are products of extensive internal engineering and manufacture. The B4 shares its lineage with BMW, with the first generation being designated F32/F33.

A major element of Alpina’s engineering mastery can be seen in its continuous development of core systems. Chassis, Powertrain, and Transmission systems are all specific points of focus for Alpina engineering.

Central to the driving experience of many Alpina models is the ALPINA SWITCH-TRONIC transmission. Alpina has been perfecting this technology for three decades, celebrating “30 Years ALPINA SWITCH-TRONIC”. This technology defines the interaction between driver and machine, offering precise control over the immense power generated by the Bi-turbo engine.

The balance of performance and comfort means that the B4 is engineered to be a top-drawer driver’s car, delivering rapid pace without relying on systems that feel artificial, contrasting with issues found in some rivals, like the ‘Dynamic Steering’ in the Audi S8 Plus.

The interior of an Alpina is where the brand’s philosophy of bespoke manufacture truly shines. While some mainstream performance cars, like the BMW M3 and M4, have been criticized for feeling “run-of-the-mill in the cabin,” they often rely on expensive options, such as a £1075 leather-lined dashboard, to lend a sense of occasion.

Alpina, on the other hand, highlights its focus on interior design as part of its model development. Its emphasis on Manufacture ensures that the cabin offers a palpable step up in quality and individual style, aligning with the “considered, natural style” favoured by luxury competitors. Alpina offers specific bespoke options, allowing owners to configure their vehicle to their personal taste.

The Alpina B4 Bi-turbo continues the legacy of a manufacturer deeply involved in motor sport, focused on engineering excellence and achieving key milestones. It represents the perfect niche vehicle: capable of blisteringly quick performance, yet retaining the grace, comfort, and refinement often desired for the long hauls across the UK and Europe.

The B4, standing among other respected models like the Alpina D3 Touring, maintains its position as a compelling, subtle performance weapon, offering a level of daily driving quality and bespoke tailoring that differentiates it from its direct rivals, which may prioritize track-day capability over Grand Touring comfort. It embodies the idea that power doesn’t have to come at the expense of luxury.