Alpina B3 History

The B3 nameplate launched in 1987 with the E30-based B3 2.7, a naturally aspirated inline-six producing 204 hp in just 257 examples. It evolved through the E36 (B3 3.0 / 3.2, 1993–1998), E46 (B3 / B3 S, 1999–2006), and on into the turbocharged era with the E90/E91-based generations before landing on the current G20 platform.

The sixth-generation G20 B3 (introduced 2020) uses a BMW S58-sourced 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline-six tuned by Alpina to 462 PS — later raised to 495 PS in the 2022 facelift — in both sedan and Touring body styles with standard xDrive all-wheel drive. It represents the highest-performing production B3 in the nameplate's history.

Throughout its life the B3 has been Alpina's calling card: slightly softer in character than BMW's own M3 but with broader engine torque, more usable everyday manners, and the hand-finished details (distinctive multi-spoke wheels, colour-coded accents, numbered build plaque) that define every Alpina product.