With the recent reveal of the BMW 3 Series’ mid-life update, it was only a matter of time before we saw the updated Alpina B3.
The Buchloe-based tuning firm has revealed a refreshed B3, along with its diesel D3 S counterpart not sold here.
The B3 sedan and Touring wagon have been confirmed for Australia, however launch timing has yet to be confirmed. The D3 won’t be coming here.
Like the 3 Series update, there’s a revised interior with new technology, while outside there are detail changes.
Alpina has also given the B3 some more oomph courtesy of a new exhaust system and new engine software.
Its 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine now produces 364kW of power (at 5000-7000rpm) and 730Nm of torque (at 2500-4500rpm).
That’s up 24kW and 30Nm on the outgoing model, with peak power now available 500rpm lower.
Those outputs also align it with the recently-revealed B4 Gran Coupe, and in Touring guise it has the same 0-100km/h sprint time of 3.7 seconds.
The B3 sedan is quicker still with a 3.6-second sprint time.
All B3 models feature an eight-speed torque-converter automatic transmission and rear-biased xDrive all-wheel drive, and Alpina claims combined cycle (WLTP) fuel consumption of 10.1L/100km.
For reference, BMW’s M3 pumps out 353kW of power and 550Nm of torque from its twin-turbo six in standard guise, or 375kW and 650Nm in the Competition. The M3 Competition is quicker than any 3 Series-based Alpina with a 0-100km/h time of 3.5 seconds when equipped with all-wheel drive.
Cosmetic updates for the B3 include revised headlights, with the LED daytime running lights effectively flipped, along with more angular front and rear bumpers.
As before, Alpina’s trademark 20-spoke, 20-inch alloy wheels feature on the B3, though 19-inch alloy wheels are also available.
Quad exhaust outlets remain standard fit, while new options for the colour palette include Melbourne Red, Brooklyn Grey and Skyscraper Grey. There’s also a wide range of Individual paint finishes to choose from.
Inside, there’s a large curved display which incorporates the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 14.9-inch central touchscreen in one assembly.
The infotainment system also runs on the latest operating system, BMW OS8.0.
Alpina touches include a blue and green colour scheme for the digital instrument cluster, an Alpina production plaque by the shifter, and available Lavalina leather upholstery.
The D3 S continues to be off-limits to Australia, forcing prospective Alpina buyers who love diesels to step up to the X3-based XD3.
The diesel sedan and wagon use a bi-turbo 3.0-litre inline-six diesel with a 48V mild-hybrid system.
D3 S
It produces 261kW of power and 730Nm of torque, good for a 0-100km/h time of 4.6 seconds (sedan) and 4.8 seconds (Touring).
Earlier this year, BMW secured the rights to the Alpina brand.
Although it builds on the base laid down by BMW, Alpina currently does more than just tune its cars. BMW Alpina vehicles have their own VIN, and Alpina is recognised as a manufacturer in Germany.
The Alpina team will continue to develop, manufacture and sell BMW Alpina vehicles until the end of 2025, with final assembly continuing to take place at the firm’s workshops in Buchloe.
XD3
B4 Gran Coupe
B8 Gran Coupe
The service, parts, and accessories business for the existing and legacy BMW Alpina vehicle portfolio will continue there in the long term, and there’ll be no change to Alpina’s existing after-sales cooperation.
BMW says the transition towards electric vehicles and stricter emissions and safety regulations worldwide has resulted in “significantly higher risks for small-series manufacturers”, and Alpina is therefore engaging in a “strategic realignment”.
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