The Alpina B3/D3 has always been an essential model in the Buchloe-based automaker’s lineup and that’s not going to change anytime soon.
Despite its recent focus on SUVs, Alpina will continue to build performance versions of BMW sedans and wagons and the all-new 3 Series G20 seems to be next in line for some vitamins. These are the first photos of the upcoming Alpina B3 which is currently undergoing hot weather testing in southern Europe.
As you can see, the sports sedan features very light camouflage on the bumpers, front grille surrounds, and boot lid. Everything else is left exposed because not much has changed compared to the stock 3 Series. That’s probably because the carmaker has only begun developing the B3.
How do we know this is a gas-powered B3 and not a diesel-powered D3? Well, the BMW M340i-specific kidney grilles give it away. Since the prototype is based on the M Performance model, it should feature a souped-up version of the turbocharged 3.0-liter straight-six engine that puts out 382 hp (387 PS) in the US-spec BMW M340i.
Also read: 2020 Alpina XB7 Coming Soon As The Unofficial BMW X7 M
Expect the Alpina B3 to feature around 450 horsepower courtesy of a biturbo setup and other upgrades to the inline-six engine. Customers will be able to recognize the B3 thanks to subtle design elements such as new bumpers including a front splitter with Alpina lettering at the front, and a rear diffuser flanked by quad round exhausts at the rear. A deck lid spoiler and Alpina-specific multi-spoke alloys will round off the exterior styling upgrade.
Alpina is expected to offer a D3 version as well which should use the same 388 PS (383 hp) 3.0-liter inline-six diesel with a quad-turbocharging system from the Alpina XD3 and XD4 SUVs. Both the B3 and D3 should be able to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in under 4 seconds.
Topping it all off is the fact that the Alpina B3/D3 will be available in the Touring body style as well, unlike the next-generation BMW M3 which will remain a sedan-only affair.
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