For decades, ALPINA has created its own niche by focusing on luxury-oriented grand tourers. Overlaps with BMW M products, which in the past were more focused on the race track, were deliberately avoided. Nevertheless, a GT developed in Buchloe can also hold its own on a track as demanding as the Nürburgring.
Onboard recordings from Sports car shows the German magazine’s test driver, Christian Gebhardt, giving full throttle in the B3 GT. The limited special edition appears here as a sedan, but ALPINA also offered a more practical tourer. With Pirelli P Zero rubber, the more elegant alternative to an M3 completed the lap in 7:51. This made it one second faster than the ALPINA B4 that the same experienced driver had driven three years earlier.
As expected, the B3 GT was no match for the hardcore M3 CS. When Sports car Christian Gebhardt, who tested competitive sports a year ago, only needed 7:27 to cross the finish line. The M3 Touring was also quicker than the B3 GT, stopping the clock at 7:34 a few years ago.
To be completely honest: We are not optimistic about the B3 returning in the BMW ALPINA era. The upcoming standalone automaker is expected to move upscale, initially focusing on the 7 Series and X7. Under this new direction, smaller cars like the B3, B4 and even the B5 are unlikely to make a comeback. Likewise, new ALPINA versions of the X3 are probably not planned.
Under the umbrella of the BMW Group, future ALPINA models are aimed at those “who drive far and travel fast”. This is a clear sign that the brand will not compete with BMW M, but will offer more stately GTs without veering into Rolls-Royce territory. As a result, cars like the B3 may be gone for good, and Munich is looking to fill the gap with the M350 and next-generation M3.
The B3 GT truly marks the end of an era and signals the end of the ALPINA that many of us grew up with. BMW is committed to respecting and building on the legacy of the niche brand. We’re confident it’ll be more than just a luxury trim level for a facelifted 7 Series or the next-gen X7.
Video: Sport Auto / YouTube
