Alpina B3 & B4 Gain New ‘GT’ Version Ahead of BMW Takeover

Alpina has revealed the new B3 and B4 GT models based on both the facelifted BMW 3 Series and 4 Series.

Ahead of its official takeover by BMW, Alpina has revealed the new GT version for the B3 and B4 models. Both cars are based on the recently-facelifted BMW 3 Series and 4 Series models, where they feature some significant improvements over the previous non-GT B3 and B4 models.

Both the Alpina B3 GT and B4 GT use the same S58 inline-six mill derived from the BMW M3 and M4.

By far the biggest and most important improvements lie on the S58 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged straight-six mill both the B3 and B4 GT harness, which receives a 34 HP upgrade over the standard B3 and B4 to churn out 522 HP and 730 NM. For reference, the S58 on both the M3 and M4 is rated higher at 523 HP, although it loses on the torque front, with said figure capped at 650 NM.

Thanks to the extra torque output, the B3 GT sedan's 3.4-second century sprint time is 0.1 second faster than the M3 Competition xDrive, while both the B3 GT Touring and B4 GT Gran Coupe clock at 3.5 seconds. Top-end performances have also improved, with the B3 GT sedan maxing out at 308 KM/H and the remaining pair capped out at 305 KM/H.

Peppier powertrains aside, the new B3 and B4 GT also gain some other mechanical upgrades, including a bigger rear anti-roll bar and revised suspensions for the B3 GT duos, while the B4 GT benefits from reinforced suspension mounts, a new steering tuning, as well as an electronically controlled limited-slip differential (LSD) at the rear axle.

In terms of styling, both the Alpina B3 and B4 GT get the new motorsport-inspired canards and a splitter at the front, plus a new diffuser accompanied by new black-hued quad tailpipes at the rear. Just like its M-badged twin, the B4 GT gets the same updated LED headlights and the 3D LED taillights previously seen on the M4 CSL, while the B3 GT now rolls on the same 20-inch gold-hued Alpina forged wheels used on the B4.

Just like past Alpina models, the new Alpina B3 and B4 GT are exclusively available for the European market, with prices starting at €101,700 (RM519,493) for the B3 GT sedan, €102,900 (RM525,623) for the B3 GT Touring, and €105,100 (RM536,861) for the B4 GT Gran Coupe. Now capable of going neck-to-neck against the M3 in terms of performance, we’d reckon the new B3 GT would serve as a great alternative to those who aren’t keen on the M3’s controversial front kidney grille design.