Alpina has a long and proud history of making BMW models faster and more luxurious and the current B3 Sedan represents a compelling alternative to the controversially-styled M3.
Unveiled last year, the current B3 Sedan features a 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six that pumps out 455 hp between 5,000 and 7,000 rpm and 516 lb-ft (700 Nm) of torque between 3,000 and 4,250 rpm. The car needs just 3.8 seconds to hit 62 mph (100 km/h) and can power through to an impressive 188 mph (303 km/h) top speed.
During its recent ‘supertest’ at the Nurburgring, Sport Auto had the opportunity to put the Alpina B3 through its paces. With experienced driver Christian Gebhardt behind the wheel, the car managed to lap the complete circuit in 7:53.26.
Read More: 2020 Alpina B3 Sedan Takes A Swing At The Upcoming BMW M3
While such a time isn’t extraordinary, it places the Alpina B3 roughly on par with the BMW F10-generation M5, BMW M2 Competition, and the Renault Megane R.S. Trophy-R as tested by Gebhardt. It’s also worth keeping in mind that the B3 is an out-and-out performance car and also makes for a luxurious daily driver that’s perfect to use on the street.
Of course, there’s little doubt that the new BMW M3 will be faster. For starters, the new M3 has more grunt in Competition guise (503 hp and 479 lb-ft) and should be more suited to track driving than Alpina’s offering. However, there’s little doubt that thanks to its more conservative design, the Alpina B3 won’t leave onlookers shocked quite like the new M3 does due to its massive front kidney grilles.
