Alpina shows its versions of the BMW 3 Series with very visible changes

We recently had the opportunity to see the facelift of the BMW 3 Series, which will arrive in 2023. And now it is Alpina that is showing some versions it has developed on the model, seeking to offer more attractive variants. It has made changes to the saloon and touring bodies, both in the petrol version (B3) and in the diesel version (D3 S).

On the exterior, Alpina has taken advantage of several elements from the M Sport department of BMW, but exclusive Alpina elements have been added. A more prominent front diffuser and another at the rear, in body colour, house the quad exhaust pipes.

The Alpina Classic multi-spoke forged alloy wheels of 20 inches are optional. The standard model will feature Alpina Dynamic alloy wheels of 19 inches, which are not bad either. In terms of bodywork, both models are available in Alpina’s traditional blue and green colours. These can be complemented with Alpina vinyls to give the car a more attractive and unique look.

In the interior, the owner has access to the entire BMW Individual catalogue range. The BMW Alpina 3 Series uses the new curved digital cockpit that is present in the conventional model. This includes the 14.9-inch screen for controlling the information and entertainment system, with the BMW 8 operating system.

This has been adapted to Alpina’s format and displays an interface with Alpina styling. There are other Alpina badges inside the car, so the variant is easy to identify in the cabin. On the centre console, the door sills, the steering wheel, the floor mats and the seat backs you will find the tuner’s logo

.

Chassis modifications

The changes go beyond the physical appearance, because changes have been made to the chassis. The suspension has been replaced by Alpina’s sport suspension. It uses new springs, bump stops and anti-roll bars. It also has a damping system that can be adjusted according to the driving style being used. Four settings are available, so it adapts to the needs of each moment.

The sport steering has been tuned to make it more responsive and efficient, while the brakes measure 395 mm at the front and 345 mm at the rear. They feature Alpina’s signature blue colour, but can be replaced by optional equipment with lightweight perforated discs and heat-resistant brake calipers

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Petrol and diesel engines

The BMW Alpina B3 has a turbocharged six-cylinder 3.0-litre engine that delivers 495 CV and a maximum torque of 730 Nm. The power increase is due to a software update and the incorporation of Alpina’s twin mono-scroll turbochargers. The air intake has also been improved, along with an optimised cooling system.

Torque is transmitted through an eight-speed gearbox recalibrated with reinforced components. The saloon version accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds, while the Touring version needs 3.7 seconds for the same acceleration. Top speed is 305 km/h and 302 km/h, respectively.

As for the BMW Alpina D3 S, it is equipped with a turbodiesel six-cylinder 3.0-litre engine as well

. It delivers 533 CV and a maximum torque of 730 Nm. This variant is slightly slower than its petrol twins. The 0 to 100 km/h acceleration takes 4.6 seconds and the top speed is 273 km/h in the saloon and 270 km/h in the

Touring version.

Prices in Germany

The Alpina versions of the BMW 3 Series are already available to order as soon as possible. The price in Germany, which is the one we will use as a reference, is 88,600 euros for the petrol saloon and 89,900 euros for the BMW B3 Touring. As for the diesel, the BMW D3 S Limousine, with saloon bodywork, is somewhat cheaper. Its price starts at 77,050 euros§h69§, while the diesel version with Touring bodywork has a starting price of §h70§78,450 euros§h71§.

Technical specifications of this car

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