BMW Alpina B3 Biturbo now available in AWD

Friday 25 January 2008


So the M3 is just a little too raucous and hard-edged, the regular 3-series is too soft and sedated, and you want four-wheel drive traction with your luxo-performance ride? Well, then, Goldilocks, the Alpina B3 Bi-turbo AWD is just what you’re looking for: it adds that little kick that’s missing from the original.

Powered by a hotted-up version of the same twin-turbo straight six that gooses the 335i to factory fame, the Alpina B3 cranks out 360hp, an improvement of 54hp over stock. Those raging horses are not lacking for traction either, thanks to Xdrive AWD technology, which gives AWD launches, safe performance in bad weather and handles like you’d expect from a performance sedan - or coupe, or touring wagon, since it’s available in all three forms. No word yet on availability or pricing, but expect it to clock in somewhere between the 335i and the M3 - remember, this is Goldilocks’ car, and the price, like the performance-to-comfort ratio, is intended to be just right.

For more details on the Alpina B3 Bi-turbo, read up on our original coverage of the RWD version here. For a taste of the fun in store before you click over: 0-100km/h in under 5 seconds, top speed of 280+km/h and 500Nm of torque.