The new Alpina B3 is now being launched on
select European markets, becoming the first true high-performance variant of
the G20 3-Series. Customers in Europe wishing to place an order for the 2020
Alpina B3 will have to pay € 81,250 for
the Sedan and € 83,050 for the Touring.
Alpina’s take on the 3-Series uses a
modified twin-turbo 3.0-liter straight six petrol engine delivering no less
than 455 HP and 700 Nm of torque. The latter is available
from just 2,500 rpm. The turbochargers now feature Alpina’s flow-optimized
housings, with the powertrain getting a new cooling system and a new air
intake.
Paired to it is a ZF eight-speed automatic
transmission, featuring Alpina-specific software and revised transmission
mechatronics to make it more responsive and deliver quicker shift times. The
gearbox also offers a wide selection of shift modes, “ranging from comfort to
super sporty” according to the Buchloe-based brand.
Alpina’s characteristic Switchtronic shift
buttons on the back of the steering wheel are standard but customers can, for
the first time, opt for a pair of CNC-machined aluminum paddles finished in a
black matte finish.
Power is delivered to all four wheels via
BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive system, which has also been updated by Alpina. A
limited-slip differential on the rear axle is standard. Combined with launch
control, the new Alpina B3 can deliver a 0-100 km/h in 3.8 seconds and
a 0-200 km/h in 13.4 seconds (Touring: 0-96 km/h in 3.9, 0-200 in 13.9).
Top speed is rated at 303 km/h for the Sedan and 300 km/h for the Touring.
The chassis features adaptive dampers with
three settings, combined with stiffer springs and fatter anti-roll bars. The
front brake discs measure 395 mm (15.5 in) in diameter and work with
four-piston calipers finished in Alpina Blue. A set of 19-inch multi-spoke
wheels is standard, with 20-inch forged Alpina Classic alloys being optional.
Alpina, make ours a Touring please,
preferably in Green Metallic over those beautiful 20-inch wheels.
