The best alpina we miss in the US is the B3 based on the BMW 3-Series.
Available in sedan and wagon body styles, the B3 makes a great alternative to the BMW M3, especially for buyers looking for discerning performance — and it’s even better for the one-round update now introduced for 2023.
Starting with the updated 2023 BMW 3-Series as the foundation, Alpina engineers have worked on the powertrain, added some changes to the exterior with the company’s signature styling signals, and made the interior even smoother.
2023 BMW Alpina B3 Turing
The key to the update is the car’s 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-6 power bump. The engine is the same unit found in the M3, and here it delivers 488 hp and 538 lb-ft of torque. This is higher than the outgoing B3’s 462 hp and 516 lb-ft, resulting in a 0-62 mph acceleration in 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 190 mph (3.7 seconds and 188 mph for a wagon).
In select markets, Alpina continues to offer a diesel powertrain, in a model labeled D3 S. The engine is also a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-6, with a maximum output of 350 hp and 538 lb-ft.
In both cases there is an 8-speed automatic and all-wheel drive standard as in previous models. Although the transmission has an updated torque converter here. And for the chassis, the Alpina has its own settings for the steering system, as well as some of its own suspension components, including springs.
2023 BMW Alpina B3
2023 BMW Alpina B3
2023 BMW Alpina B3
For the exterior, the Alpina has added a front lip spoiler as well as a rear fascia component that covers the black plastic expanse on the standard 3-Series tail. There is also Alpina’s signature quad-exhaust tip design and wheel pattern.
Inside, the 3-Series BMW update includes a new dash that eliminates the traditional instrument cluster cowl, leaving a 12.3-inch floating screen for the instrument cluster attached to the second 14.9-inch floating screen for the infotainment hub. Alpina has added its own display for instrument cluster gauges. The company adds its own logo around the cabin, and a numbered build plaque on the center console.
Prices for the 2023 B3 will start at 88,600 euros (approximately $ 94,690). While there are no plans to offer it in the US, we will likely see more Alpina offer locally in the near future. The BMW Group acquired the Alpina brand name in March and announced that it would begin manufacturing Alpina vehicles at its own plant from 2025. Alpina itself will focus on vehicle development as well as servicing, plus parts and accessories.