The BMW Alpina B3 Saloon impresses with its blend of performance and luxury. Reviewers praise its powerful engine, refined ride quality, and high-quality interior. However, some note that it may not be as engaging to drive as rivals. Overall, it’s a superb choice for those seeking a comfortable yet sporty saloon.
Read full reviewBMW Alpina B3 Saloon (2020 onwards)
2020 – onwards· 5 owner Q&As
Excellent
The BMW Alpina B3 Saloon is a modern twist on a classic icon, blending retro charm with cutting-edge electric performance. Launched in 2020, this saloon pays homage to its illustrious predecessors while embracing the future of motoring.
At a glance
488
hp · Power
363
miles · Range / tank
3.5s
0–60 mph
£
Running costs
From £1330/mo
Typical finance
Motoring.Today. verdict
Best for
- Exceptional performance and handling
- Luxurious interior with high-quality materials
- Eco-friendly electric variant available
Consider alternatives if
- Higher initial purchase price compared to standard models
- Limited rear visibility due to design
- Some may find the infotainment system complex
Finance snapshot
Typical monthly payment
£1330/month
Based on PCP · 48 months · £8,000 deposit
Best suited for
- Company Car Drivers
- Petrol/Diesel Buyers
- High Mileage Drivers
- Families
Affordability
Premium
Above average monthly commitment.
Ratings breakdown
Theo's AI summary
The BMW Alpina B3 Saloon (2020 onwards) is a remarkable blend of luxury, performance, and sustainability. With its impressive driving dynamics, advanced technology, and eco-friendly options, it stands out in the competitive saloon market. For those seeking a high-performance vehicle that does not compromise on comfort or environmental responsibility, the Alpina B3 Saloon is a clear recommendation.
Best match for
- Performance enthusiasts
- Practical families
- Budget-conscious buyers
Estimated ownership costs
Based on 10,000 miles per year
£210/month
£100/month
£50/month
£60/month
Estimated total
£420/month
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With its precise steering and agile handling, the BMW Alpina B3 Saloon provides an engaging driving experience. The advanced all-wheel-drive system enhances grip and stability, allowing drivers to navigate corners with confidence. Whether on winding country roads or urban streets
External voices
What the experts say
The design of the BMW Alpina B3 Saloon is lauded for its understated elegance and sporty aesthetics. The interior is well-crafted, featuring premium materials and a driver-focused layout. Critics mention that while it looks good, it may lack the boldness of some competitors. Overall, it strikes a balance between sophistication and sportiness.
Read full reviewThe BMW Alpina B3 Saloon is generally regarded as reliable, with solid build quality and a good reputation for durability. However, some owners have reported issues with electronics and infotainment systems. Overall, it’s considered a dependable choice for a performance saloon.
Ownership intelligence
The real cost of owning one
Finance options for the BMW Alpina B3 Saloon are flexible, with various leasing and financing plans available to suit different budgets. The car's strong resale value also makes it a sound investment for buyers looking for a luxury performance saloon.
Running Costs for the BMW Alpina B3 Saloon are competitive for a luxury performance vehicle. The efficient engine options, including the hybrid variant, contribute to lower fuel consumption and reduced emissions, making it a more economical choice in the long run. Additionally, the car's high-quality build ensures durability, potentially lowering maintenance costs over time.
For the electric variant, charging infrastructure is becoming increasingly accessible, allowing for convenient home charging and public charging stations. The petrol variants offer a range of fuel options, ensuring that drivers can choose the best fit for their lifestyle and driving habits.
Heritage
Milestones & history
2020
Launch of the BMW Alpina B3 Saloon
2021
Introduction of the hybrid variant
2023
Enhanced technology features and updates
Read full launch story
The purpose of the BMW Alpina B3 Saloon is to deliver a unique blend of luxury, performance, and practicality, catering to discerning drivers who seek an exhilarating driving experience without compromising on comfort. The evolution of the Alpina B3 Saloon has seen it transition from a traditional petrol-powered performance saloon to a modern vehicle that embraces electric technology, reflecting the changing landscape of the automotive industry and consumer preferences.
Compare with alternatives
The BMW Alpina B3 Saloon (2020 onwards) stands out in its class for its blend of luxury, performance, and everyday usability, competing closely with rivals like the Audi S4, Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG, and Jaguar XE SV Project 8.
Audi S4 Saloon
Positioned as a performance-oriented luxury saloon with a focus on technology and comfort.
- vs features
- The Audi S4 offers a refined driving experience with Quattro all-wheel drive, advanced tech features, and a high-quality interior, but may lack the raw driving engagement of the Alpina B3.
- vs price
- Typically, the S4 is priced similarly to the Alpina B3, but can vary based on options and packages.
Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG Saloon
A sporty variant of the C-Class, appealing to those who want luxury with a performance edge.
- vs features
- The C43 AMG offers a powerful engine and luxurious interior, but may not deliver the same level of driving dynamics as the Alpina B3, which is more focused on performance.
- vs price
- The C43 AMG is generally priced slightly lower than the Alpina B3, making it a more accessible option for performance luxury.
Jaguar XE SV Project 8
A high-performance version of the XE, aimed at enthusiasts looking for a unique and powerful saloon.
- vs features
- The XE SV Project 8 is extremely performance-focused with a thrilling driving experience, but it sacrifices some everyday comfort and practicality compared to the Alpina B3.
- vs price
- The XE SV Project 8 is typically more expensive than the Alpina B3 due to its limited production and high-performance components.
Available now
BMW Alpina B3 Saloon (2020 onwards) for sale on Motoring.Today
Gallery
(15)Specs by trim
B3 3.0 Bi Turbo 4dr Auto AWD 4dPetrol Automatic · 2020–2022
- Power
- 455 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 3.7 s
- Top speed
- 188 mph
- Torque
- 700 Nm
- Economy
- 25.9 mpg
- Range
- 336 mi
- CO₂
- 247 g/km
- Insurance group
- 49
- Road tax
- £600
- New price
- £70,585
B3 3.0 Bi Turbo 4dr Switch-Tronic AWDPetrol Automatic · 2022–Now
- Power
- 488 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 3.5 s
- Top speed
- 190 mph
- Torque
- 730 Nm
- Economy
- 28 mpg
- Range
- 363 mi
- CO₂
- 229 g/km
- Road tax
- £600
- New price
- £79,720
B3 GT 3.0 Bi Turbo 4dr Switch-Tronic AWDPetrol Automatic · 2024–Now
- Power
- 521 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 3.3 s
- Top speed
- 191 mph
- Torque
- 730 Nm
- Economy
- 26.9 mpg
- Range
- 349 mi
- CO₂
- 239 g/km
- Road tax
- £600
- New price
- £88,275
FAQs
- What makes the BMW Alpina B3 Saloon a luxury performance saloon?
- The BMW Alpina B3 Saloon combines exhilarating performance with a luxurious interior, high-quality materials, and advanced technology, making it a standout in the premium saloon market.
- Is there an electric variant of the BMW Alpina B3 Saloon?
- Currently, the BMW Alpina B3 Saloon is petrol-powered. However, Alpina plans to explore hybrid and electric options in the future, aligning with sustainability trends.
- What is the driving experience like in the B3 Saloon?
- The driving experience in the B3 Saloon is exhilarating, featuring sharp handling, responsive steering, and a powerful engine that delivers impressive acceleration on various terrains.
- What are the running costs for the BMW Alpina B3 Saloon?
- Running costs are competitive for its class, with decent fuel efficiency and a starting price of £70,000, making it a viable option for performance-focused buyers.
- What are the pros and cons of the BMW Alpina B3 Saloon?
- Pros include exhilarating performance, luxurious interior, and a 5-star safety rating. Cons involve a high starting price, limited rear passenger space, and average fuel consumption.














