[Video] Take a closer look at the Alpina B3 with Shmee150

This ALPINA B3 generation may be considered one of the best in history. It could even be more highly respected than the BMW M3 generation. The G20-gen B3 seems to be the perfect blend of performance, comfort, and style, making it the near-perfect everyday driver. We get to see the latest ALPINA B3 up close and personal in this new video from Shmee150.

Clearly, the latest ALPINA B3 is based on the G20-generation 3 Series but has been seriously overhauled. For instance, under its hood, the mighty powerplant is actually based on the same S58 engine that powers the new M3. Usually, ALPINA does not use M Division engines, but it does so in this situation, and it is all the better for it. With standard BMW engines, ALPINA will work wonders. Find out what it can do with M Division engines?

Engine

The 3.0 liter twin-turbocharged I6 provides 462 horsepower and 700 Nm (516 lb-ft) of torque. While that’s only ten horsepower less than the regular M3, that’s a lot more torque than a helluva. So, since it will have more low-down, usable torque, it should be easier to use regularly.

As evidenced in this film, it also sounds brilliant. As evidenced in this film, it also sounds brilliant.

Compared to the BMW M3, one of the main draws of the ALPINA B3 is its appearance. Instead of the M3’s huge snout and 4 Series headlights, the B3 shares the same face as the regular 3 Series, meaning it gets sensibly-sized grilles and 3 Series headlights. The B3 is a much more attractive car due to its tamer nature, especially when you add its usually beautiful ALPINA touches, such as its gorgeous multi-spoke wheels, front and rear bumpers.

Within ALPINA B3, you’ve got a cabin that looks like a 3-series standard but has much more comfortable leather and trimming functions. The interior is not a major improvement for an ALPINA B7 or XB7 because the regular cars they are built are already so fine. But the B3 versus 3 Series upgrade is a bigger leap. Also, inserting fresh paddle shifters is a tiny but impactful touch.

The regular BMW paddles are a little lame, and the normal ALPINA button shifters are small and irritating. The B3 appears to have modern, much larger paddles that not only look nice but seem to be much more practical than both the standard BMW and ALPINA units. Let’s hope they will remain on all future versions.