The Car
The latest Alpina saloons and touring (estate car) models feature all the usual technology currently found in in standard models; older versions have similar, but with analogue dials from the relevant model year. The interior remains pretty much standard for the brand, which means of course that fit and finish inside is of a very high quality. It’s under the bonnet (hood) and bodywork that the difference is noted.
The Alpina B3 saloon has an athletic, yet elegant appearance with impressive performance figures. Alternatively, in terms of everyday practicality, the Touring convinces with a functional stowage space volume of 500 to 1,510 litres and an innovative luggage compartment concept, with plenty of room left for passengers. Subtle aerodynamics are in place, not least on the front splitter and upper windscreen edge. Even the windscreen wipers are modified to cope with high speeds!
On The Road
This is where it counts. The power and acceleration of this car is relentless. The Alpina B3 has sports suspension which ensures superior road holding, balanced handling and pronounced agility. The variable sports steering together with the performance brake system and wheel and tyre combination work in harmony for a finely balanced and dynamic chassis set-up that delivers the aforementioned pure driving pleasure.
It isn’t just a case of adding turbochargers, although of course this model had two. There’s much more to the tuning than that. The regular 3.0-litre petrol (gasoline) six-cylinder engine from BMW, which uses a single turbo as standard, has instead two smaller turbos fitted for improved throttle response, with power upped from 308bhp to 404bhp. Real pulling power is provided by up to 443lb/ft of torque, delivered through an eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox.
Comfort & Power
The BMW Alpina is about power but not at the expense of comfort. Start up and the melody begins with a base guitar tick-over that turns into the full orchestra when the throttle is pressed. Response is near-instant with virtually no turbo lag; 62mph arriving in under five seconds. With adaptive damping the car can be set up to suit. Select Comfort around town and then once on the open road, choose Sport and the added firmness gives the B3 much more poise into a corner. This sporting motor has one of the most direct steering set-ups of any prestige car available. There’s plenty of traction too, adding confidence.
Perhaps the real beauty of this car is that it can be all things to all drivers. There’s none of that hard-case BMW M3 brutality here; this car delivers on astonishing power while still offering cruising comfort on demand. Buyers can import this used car direct from Japan in right-hand drive form via the comprehensive MHH Japanese Cars service. See our website for the latest stock of Alpina cars or regular BMW models, all with detailed specifications.
