The first deliveries for BMW-based Alpina cars in Australia are slated to begin in early 2017, with local a BMW dealer taking up the mantle of Down Under distributor with some support from BMW Australia.
This will mark the first time famed German (specifically BMW) tuner will be widely available to local buyers, following through on the initial announcement back in July that initial imports will centre around dealerships in Doncaster and Bundoora with plans to expand throughout Australia.
The first model to reach our shores would be the Alpina B4 Bi-Turbo which starts at $160,900 (including on-road costs), a two-door coup closely related to the BMW 435i, and in fact is built upon the same assembly line with certain specific alterations made at the factory level.
Under the bonnet lives an N55 3.0-litre straight-six petrol engine but its twin-turbocharger setup is unique to the B4 along with the Akrapovic exhaust system. Through its updated cooling system and forged steel crankshaft, Alpina was able to extract an additional 75kW and 200Nm from the motor, totalling 300kW and 600Nm, with drive is sent to the rear wheels via an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission.
Those numbers aren’t far off from the BMW M4’s 317kW and tops it in terms of torque, offering up 50Nm more at peak from the Bimmer’s 550Nm. The B4 Bi-Turbo hasn’t been developed for lightness, but in spite of that the coupe can accelerate to 100km/h in 4.2 seconds and will only run out of puff at 303km/h.
From the outside, the Alpina can be immediately distinguished via its unique 20-inch alloys. From there, the visual cues continue to the quad exhaust exits and body kit. Alpina doesn’t have room for terms like ‘shouty’ and ‘in your face’, but instead focuses on creating the high performance cars that are best suited for the road.
Because the Alpina cars are in limited supply in Oz, they do come fitted with a healthy amount of standard kit. However, owners can pick from a list of options that run the gamut from interior trim materials to bespoke stitch work to a TV tuner integrated into the infotainment suite.
Pricing for the four-door B3 Bi-Turbo which, you guessed it, is based on the BMW 3 Series, is set to kick off from $155,900 with the Touring body style runs from $160,900. However, no specific details accompanied the price announcement nor any word on when they will arrive.
- Alpina B3 Bi-Turbo – $155,900
- Alpina B3 Bi-Turbo Touring – $160,900
- Alpina B4 Bi-Turbo – $160,900
- Alpina B4 Bi-Turbo Convertible – $170,900
For more on BMW vehicles, including pricing and specifications, check out our Showroom.
