ALPINA B3

M3 too loud for you? There is another way

- TRENT GIUNCO

ENGINE 2993cc l6, DOHC, 24v, twin turbo

POWER 340kW @ 5500-7000rpm

TORQUE 700Nm @ 2500-4500rpm

0-100KM/H 3.8sec (claimed)

WEIGHT 1785kg • PRICE $142,900

LIKE: Wicked performance; plush ride quality; entertaining dynamics

DISLIKE: Interior isn’t special for an Alpina; subdued soundtrack

JUST A TINY bugbear, a small annoyance – sometimes that’s all it takes to frustrate. In a world where many are blessed with an abundance of choice, every factor counts. In a market proliferated with luxury performance cars, crossing I’s and dotting T’s becomes critical.

Therefore I couldn’t help but exhale a sigh of relief when first sitting behind the leather-bound
steering wheel of the Alpina B3. The aluminium shift paddles are not only lovely to operate, but it also means that the dreaded shift buttons are gone. Yes, the beautifully CNC-milled items are a $502 option, but on a car with a base price of $142,900 it seems a small price to pay. For the first time, a seemingly small Alpina detail that used to be a B3 sore point can now be deleted.

It might come across as an overreaction. However, with so much performance on tap, the added interaction the paddles provide is key. While Alpina might project a USP pertaining to luxury and comfort, both of which are attributes the B3 retains, there’s now more reason than ever to find enticing roads off the highway. Big power, colossal torque and all-wheel-drive traction are now all part of the remit. Therefore, getting the finer details right that enhance driver involvement can only be a bonus.