In late March 2022, an era in automotive history ended when BMW
bought out German tuner Alpina. Alpina had long created unique takes on many vehicles, but specialized in BMW. While the European tuner firm didn't produce large-scale European competition for the automaker, it did experience its best year in 2021, selling 2,000 vehicles worldwide. BMW immediately integrated the tuner's designs into an Alpina/BMW creation known as the Alpina B4 Gran Coupe. The B4 Gran Coupe offers car lovers worldwide the opportunity to own one of the tuner's unique designs. Let's look at what makes the Alpina so special and unique to insure
. What makes Alpina so special?
Established in 1965 by engineer Burkard Bovensiepen, Alpina
has crafted some of Europe's most unique vehicles—all based on BMW models. It currently consists of nine vehicle models, none of which made it to the U.S. since Alpina doesn't have a North American location. The automaker/tuner typically crafts just 1,700 cars per year. For comparison, in a typical year, the 19 major automakers turn out 92 million vehicles.
BMW's purchase gives Americans a rare opportunity
The BMW buyout won't bring huge changes immediately. The venerable manufacturer wants Alpina to continue crafting its customized BMWs until 2025. The tuner will immediately share designs with BMW, while the Bovensiepen family will establish a new company, bearing their family name, and continue to customize classic cars, according to Car and Driver
. Although BMW hasn't said it will sell the Alpina B4 Gran Coupe in the US, its purchase of Alpina provides the best chance Americans have of nabbing one of these unique German masterpieces.
What the BMW Alpina B4 Gran Coupe offers
The modified B4 comes close to the BMW M4, offering all-wheel-drive and combining a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with a retuned ZF eight-speed automatic. Alpina tuned the engine to generate 495 horsepower, adding 22 horsepower to the standard BMW.
Sure, that's a tiny bit less than the Competition model, which beats it with a 503 horsepower output, but still impressive. The Alpina-tuned B4 beats the Competition by generating 538 pound-feet of torque to the BMW's 479 pound-feet.
The Alpina B4 comes off the line faster, too, going from 0 to 62 in a mere 3.7 seconds, and accelerating to 187 mph. Alpina also added to the BMW's body style with front and rear spoilers. The tuner placed a diffuser between the B4's four oval exhaust tips. Renowned tire manufacturer Pirelli developed the vehicle's P Zero tires for Alpina to compliment the B4's 20-inch turbine wheels.
Alpina also added luxury to the BMW, outfitting the coupe in Lavalina leather. The upgraded B4 offers a heated sports steering wheel and driver-assistance features added to BMW's design.
MORE: Are BMWs Reliable Cars?
Finding BMW insurance coverage
If you do purchase one of these rare BMW/Alpina B4 Gran Coupe vehicles, you'll need top-of-the-line insurance to provide it the coverage it deserves. You don't have to scour the internet looking for great deals or custom coverage.
Jerry
can find you cheap car insurance with the best coverage in under a minute. Drivers who use Jerry save an average of over $800 a year! Answer a few simple questions about your vehicle and get competitive quotes in under a minute.
4.7
