Alpina D4 S

FIRST DRIVE Superb remix of BMW coupé

- Jordan Katsianis

ON first inspection, the new Alpina D4 get start, thanks to its opinion-splitting design.

The beaver-like BMW nose is at its most awkward on the 4 Series, with its complex plastic grille patterns and fussy detailing and this is arguably made worse by Alpina's typical chin spoiler and decals.

While the 4 Series Gran Coupé's body is certainly sleek and muscular, somehow the new 20-inch wheels can seem a little lost in the arches. Looks are subjective, though, and we're judging the D4 S on its ability of which there's a lot, making it one of the best modern long-distance cruisers this side of a Bentley Continental GT.

The D4 S Gran Coupé's combination of a twin-turbocharged six-cylinder diesel engine and 4 Series Gran Coupé body is one BMW itself doesn't currently offer. Building on the specification of BMW's M340d powertrain, Alpina has tweaked the ECU to produce 350bhp, 15bhp up on the BMW. Torque has also grown (by 30Nm) to a stonking 730Nm.

The engine is connected to an eightspeed automatic transmission and BMW's clever xDrive all-wheel drive system, with drive predominantly sent to the rear wheels, the fronts only cutting in when required.

There's also a limited-slip differential on the rear axle, and a 48V mild-hybrid system that allows engine-off coasting, among other subtle fuel-saving tricks.