2024 ALPINA B3 GT – The Ultimate Sleeper You Need to Know About
In the arena of high-performance luxury sedans, few names resonate with the same prestige as ALPINA. With a storied history stretching back nearly six decades, ALPINA has continually redefined what a BMW can be. The latest in this lineage, the 2024 ALPINA B3 GT, takes this legacy to new heights, blending extraordinary power, sophisticated design, and impeccable craftsmanship.
The Legacy Continues
ALPINA has a rich history of refining BMW vehicles to new levels of performance and luxury. Founded in 1965 by Burkard Bovensiepen, the company has made its name synonymous with high-performance luxury cars. The ALPINA versions of the BMW 3 Series, introduced in the late 1970s, have always set benchmarks for the segment. From the early E21 ALPINA C1 to the newer B3 Bi-Turbo, each iteration has pushed the boundaries of what performance-oriented sedans can be.
Powerhouse Under the Hood
The 2024 B3 GT comes equipped with a 3.0-liter inline-six engine enhanced with twin turbochargers, which churns out an astounding 529 horsepower between 6250 and 6500 rpm and a peak torque of 730 Nm. This engine builds on BMW's revered S58, renowned for its smooth power delivery and robustness. ALPINA has introduced bespoke turbochargers, a unique intercooler system, and a reprogrammed ECU, all designed to maximize performance. This is not just another 3 Series; it's a tuned beast ready to deliver a thrilling drive.
Paired with an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission, the B3 GT offers seamless gear shifts and optimal power distribution. This transmission, specially tuned by ALPINA, provides quicker shifts and more intuitive responses to driver input, ensuring a unique blend of blistering acceleration and refined cruising capability. The ALPINA exhaust system, both performance-enhancing and aurally satisfying, adds another layer of delight to the driving experience.
Performance Upgrades
The B3 GT has received substantial performance upgrades compared to its predecessor. The engine delivers 34 more horsepower and an additional 30 Nm of torque, making it quicker and more responsive. The sedan version now sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds, a 0.2-second improvement, while the touring version takes 3.5 seconds. The speed increase is even more noticeable in the sprint from 0 to 200 km/h, with the GT models shaving off nearly 0.6 to 0.7 seconds compared to their predecessors. These tweaks make a big difference in real-world driving, offering a more exhilarating experience every time you hit the accelerator.
Driving Dynamics and Comfort
The driving dynamics of the B3 GT are nothing short of spectacular. It offers multiple driving modes from Comfort+ for relaxed cruising to Sport+ for an aggressive driving experience. ALPINA has introduced a stiffer connection between the rear dampers and the bodyshell, while the front end features domed bulkhead reinforcement struts that significantly improve steering precision. The new shock absorber configuration and limited-slip differential enhance traction and cornering performance, ensuring optimal balance and stability under all conditions.
While the car excels on the track, the real joy comes from open road driving. ALPINA rented the Sachsenring in Eastern Germany for test drives, but the full harmony of these specifications will likely be best experienced on the Autobahn or your favorite winding road.
Aesthetic Refinements
The exterior of the 2024 ALPINA B3 GT combines sophistication with a touch of sportiness. The front fascia features ALPINA's signature aerodynamic front splitter and blacked-out canards, while the rear hosts a newly designed diffuser and blacked-out tailpipes. These elements contribute to both aesthetic appeal and functional aerodynamics, ensuring reduced drag and improved stability at high speeds.
The classic ALPINA decal set and 20-inch wheels, available in Oro Tecnico, add a touch of exclusivity. The 2024 B3 GT is available in a range of exclusive colors, including ALPINA Blue and ALPINA Green, as well as BMW Individual options like Fashion Grey, Brewster Green, and Imola Red, giving prospective buyers plenty of ways to make their car uniquely theirs.
Interior Luxury
Inside, the B3 GT oozes luxury. High-quality Nappa leather and carbon-fiber accents adorn the cabin, which also features BMW’s latest iDrive 8.5 interface. Unique to ALPINA are the hand-finished LAVALINA leather steering wheel, Oro Tecnico shift paddles, and bespoke floor and luggage mats. These small but meaningful touches elevate the cabin experience to another level.
The ALPINA crest on the carbon dashboard inlay and the newly designed production number plate, bearing the car’s individual serial number and signatures of the ALPINA family, add to the sense of occasion and exclusivity.
Standard and Optional Features
The B3 GT comes standard with a suite of features like an upgraded ALPINA brake system and head-up display. Optional extras include a sunroof, Harman Kardon sound system, and keyless entry. For those who desire even more luxury, the LAVALINA interior upgrade packages offer enhanced leather applications, bringing unmatched refinement to the cabin.
A Grand Touring Icon
With the 2024 B3 GT, ALPINA continues its tradition of creating understated yet highly capable high-performance luxury sedans. With limited production slots and the upcoming end of ALPINA's production of BMW-based models after December 2025, the B3 GT is poised to be a collector’s item. The vehicle, available in both Touring and Sedan versions, delivers a unique blend of performance, luxury, and comfort that is hard to match.
ALPINA's future under BMW's umbrella remains to be seen, but for now, the 2024 B3 GT stands as a testament to what the brand represents: a harmonious blend of power, luxury, and exclusivity.