Alpina B3 Touring

FIRST DRIVE B3 offers a subtle alternative to BMW's M3 Touring

- Alex Ingram

IT'S been a big 12 months for BMW's M Division. Munich's motorsport arm celebrated its 50th birthday by releasing its first purpose-built M car since the original M1, which took the imposing form of the plug-in hybrid XM SUV.

A model much closer to M's original core values was the new M3 Touring, the very first big-booted hot 3 Series. It didn't disappoint, providing all the excitement of an M3 saloon but with the practicality of a 500-litre boot thanks to its wagon bodystyle.

Neither are cars for the shy or retiring, though, so if you want a more subtle way of going very, very quickly, there is an alternative: the Alpina B3 Touring. Recent updates have brought it in line with the latest 3 Series, including new, larger infotainment screens, but Alpina has made tweaks elsewhere, too.

Among the subtle cosmetic changes is a revised front bumper. It adds a little more menace to the face, but it's still very conservative compared with the M3. Our test car rides on optional 20-inch alloy wheels, although 19-inch rims are fitted to the B3 Touring as standard.

Special

Inside, the cabin feels very similar to the 3 Series, only more special. The leather on the steering wheel and the seats feels softer, for instance. The digital driver's display has received a mild reworking with a new skin in the traditional Alpina blue colour, too. It's all capped off with the Alpina logo on the steering wheel, to remind you that you're sitting in something quite special.

Even though being in the cockpit feels like an experience in itself, it's the way the B3 drives that is truly special. But it's one of the more mundane qualities ride comfort that sticks out the most.