Skip advert
Advertisement

Alpina D4 review

The Alpina D4 Convertible is an entertaining alternative to BMW’s M4

Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

How we review cars
Find your Alpina D4
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

The Alpina D4 is the diesel M car that BMW hasn’t got the nerve to build. It delivers sharp handling and searing performance that tread on the toes of BMW’s own M4, yet boasts a subtle look that makes it more appealing. Add the lower running costs of the diesel, plus a near-£10k saving over the M4, and it’s very tempting. The Convertible isn’t the sharpest, but it’s no worse than the M4 drop-top.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Alpina has spent 50 years fine-tuning BMWs by increasing performance and sharpening the handling, and the latest model in the line-up is the new D4.

It’s based on the BMW 435d, albeit without that car’s now-standard four-wheel drive, and is available in Coupé or Convertible form. Alpina has added its eight-speed Switchtronic auto, boosted the engine to 350bhp, revised the suspension and made a few cosmetic tweaks, too.

Styling revisions include a minor bodykit and those not-so-subtle 20-inch alloys, but overall, the D4 has a less imposing look than BMW’s own flagship M4. Inside, there are blue-backed dials, a hand-stitched steering wheel and a numbered plaque on the dash reminding you of the D4’s exclusivity. Everything else is pure 4 Series.

The broad power band and 700Nm of torque mean the D4’s great for overtaking, while the engine has a sporty note for a diesel. The suspension tweaks more than compensate for the large wheels and low-profile tyres – the car is firm yet composed – but there’s plenty of tyre noise at speed.

In corners, the D4 Convertible is pegged back by the extra weight of BMW’s complex folding hard-top. There’s some twist in the body, but the Alpina is still entertaining.

The only real issue is with the gearbox, because, while it delivers crisp shifts in auto mode, the small buttons on the back of the steering wheel make manual changes fiddly.

Skip advert
Advertisement

More reviews

Senior test editor

Dean has been part of the Auto Express team for more than 20 years, and has worked across nearly all departments, starting on magazine production, then moving to road tests and reviews. He's our resident van expert, but covers everything from scooters and motorbikes to supercars and consumer products.

New & used car deals

Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £18,725Avg. savings £4,199 off RRP*Used from £15,337
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £25,915Avg. savings £2,116 off RRP*Used from £18,900
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £5,075 off RRP*Used from £14,448
Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £1,831 off RRP*Used from £15,519
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k

New entry into the electric people carrier market undercuts the VW ID. Buzz by a significant margin
News
29 Apr 2025
Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price
BMW X7 - front

Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price

German firm’s flagship SUV could never be called cheap but it is exceptional value at £735 a month – making it our Deal of the Day for Sunday 27 April
News
27 Apr 2025
New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645
Kia PV5 Cargo on display at Commercial Vehicle Show - front 3/4

New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645

All-new entry into the van market promises competitive pricing and comes with a range of up to 247 miles
News
30 Apr 2025