Alpina doesn’t let BMW’s updates go unnoticed, and with the recent facelift of the 3- and 4-Series, it’s no surprise that they’ve swiftly followed suit with their own enhanced versions: the Alpina B3 and B4 GT.
While the ‘GT’ moniker is fresh, Alpina dabbled with it last year for the farewell editions of the outgoing 5-Series-based B5. However, this time around, the B3 and B4 GT aren’t limited editions but regular production models, boasting significant enhancements over their predecessors.
Key among these upgrades is the powertrain, featuring the S58 twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine shared with the M3/M4 but now dialed up to 522 horsepower (529 PS / 389 kW). Coincidentally, or perhaps not, this output nudges just past BMW’s own M3 and M4 models, which pack 523 horsepower (530 PS / 390 kW) in their latest iterations, underscoring Alpina’s competitive edge.
Torque remains unchanged at a formidable 538 lb-ft (730 Nm), retaining a notable advantage over BMW’s offerings rated at 479 lb-ft (650 Nm).
The additional horsepower translates to a quicker sprint to 62 mph (100 km/h), with all three all-wheel-drive GTs shaving 0.2 seconds off their predecessors’ times. The B3 GT sedan now achieves this feat in 3.4 seconds, edging out the M3 Competition xDrive by a tenth. The B3 GT wagon and B4 GT Gran Coupe match the M3’s time of 3.5 seconds.
Pushing beyond, the new trio extends their lead to a full second when reaching 124 mph (200 km/h), with slight gains in top speed as well. The B3 GT sedan leads the pack, topping out at 191 mph (308 km/h), while the remaining variants hit 190 mph (305 km/h).
Chassis enhancements include a larger rear anti-roll bar and revised shocks for the B3 models, while the B4 receives new shocks, reinforced front suspension mounts, and updated steering and electronically-controlled rear LSD tuning.
Externally, all models sport motorsport-inspired canards and a splitter at the front, along with a gloss black diffuser and black tailpipes at the rear. The B4 adopts the facelifted M4’s headlights and the innovative 3D rear lights seen on the M4 CSL, while the B3 now rides on 20-inch forged wheels previously exclusive to the B4.
- Alpina B3 and B4 GT models debut with a power increase to 522 horsepower.
- Torque remains strong at 538 lb-ft, surpassing BMW counterparts.
- Acceleration improves, with the B3 GT sedan hitting 62 mph in 3.4 seconds.
- Chassis upgrades enhance performance, including revised shocks and reinforced front suspension mounts.
- Exterior updates include canards, a splitter, gloss black diffuser, and black tailpipes.
- The B4 inherits design elements from the facelifted M4, including updated headlights and 3D rear lights.
- The B3 now features 20-inch forged wheels previously reserved for the B4 model.
Source: Alpina
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