Autocar's verdict:
This time, the 3-series isn’t shabby already, but in Comfort mode, you’d still consider the Alpina’s ride to be impressively compliant – especially given these are 30-profile tyres front and rear. There’s a little float to accompany its Comfort setting, but switch the B3 through to Sport and you’ve got a more nailed ride at the expense, of course, of some absorbance.
Ideally I’d like a setting that offers the best of both, but that’s probably an unreasonable ask; between the two modes, most circumstances are catered for, and overall the B3 is composed rather than outright sporting.
That suits the Alpina’s demeanour and, Alpina says, it’s what customers want. They get steering that’s accurate and responsive, but not hyperactive. Handling that’s well balanced, noticeable but contained body movements, with neutral or slightly sideways corner exit. Plus there’s inexhaustible Germanic stability, a super smooth drivetrain that’s nicely audible on big throttle openings, a terrific interior (that can be bespoke-finished at varying costs) and, well, a real old-fashioned honesty about the way the B3 goes down the road.
Truth is, a standard 3-series is already spectacular, but even so, it is easy to relate to the way this B3 does things. Rapid, rewarding but undemanding cars don’t come much better.
