Alpina B3 Biturbo debuts at 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show
Alpina has unveiled its updated B3 Biturbo at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show, featuring a revised design, 410hp straight-six and subtle styling changes following the BMW 3 Series facelift.
Alpina has taken the wraps off its updated B3 Biturbo at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show, revealing a comprehensively revised version of its performance saloon just months after BMW launched the facelifted 3 Series. The B3 Biturbo now features sharper exterior details, a more powerful engine and a familiar focus on understated performance.
Styling and design changes
The B3 Biturbo adopts the latest BMW 3 Series body, but Alpina has introduced its own front spoiler and a chromed kidney grille to reinforce the car’s performance credentials. At the rear, the updated apron integrates double twin tailpipes, a detail that remains subtle compared to many rivals. The overall look is restrained, in keeping with Alpina’s approach, and distinguishes the car from standard BMW models without resorting to overtly aggressive features.
Engine, performance and efficiency
Under the bonnet, Alpina retains its 3.0-litre straight-six with twin turbochargers. Power is now rated at 410hp (301kW), while peak torque stands at 600Nm. The company claims 0-100km/h in 4.3 seconds and a top speed of 303km/h, placing the B3 Biturbo firmly in the territory of high-performance executive saloons. Despite the performance, Alpina quotes a combined fuel consumption of 7.6 litres per 100km and CO2 emissions of 177g/km, figures that reflect the dual focus on speed and efficiency.
Positioning and rivals
The B3 Biturbo sits above most standard 3 Series models in terms of performance, but it takes a different approach from the BMW M3, favouring comfort and refinement alongside outright pace. Alpina’s updates follow the wider trend at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show, where several manufacturers have presented high-performance and facelifted models. For more on the show’s major launches, see our coverage of the Suzuki Balenoand Skoda Superb Combi SportLine.