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Alpina B3 E90 3.0i Biturbo (360 Hp) Allrad Switch-Tronic
Overall Rating
Alpina B3:
The Alpina B3 are a series of high performance executive cars manufactured by German automobile manufacturer Alpina, which is based on the BMW 3 Series of the car manufacturer BMW. As of 2021, it is produced as a sedan and station wagon. Up to and including the E90 series, two-door sedans, coupes and convertibles were also offered. With the exception of the convertible, every model was optionally available with all-wheel drive. The current diesel variant runs under the Alpina D3 Biturbo....(Read more on Wikipedia)
E90 Overview:
Alpina B3 (E90). With 500 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1645 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. Acceleration is excellent (0–100 km/h in 4.9 s). The top speed reaches 280 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
Based on the BMW 3 Series (E90) platform, the Alpina B3 benefits from a strong safety structure, achieving a top 5-star Euro NCAP rating for adult occupant protection.
3.0i Biturbo (360 Hp) Allrad Switch-Tronic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Offers identical power output to the RWD variant, with the Allrad (AWD) system providing enhanced traction and stability, especially in adverse conditions. Acceleration is marginally slower at 4.9s to 100 km/h.
Fuel Economy
The Allrad system slightly increases fuel consumption to 10.2 l/100 km combined, a minor trade-off for the added grip and all-weather capability.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Exceptional performance and smooth power delivery from the biturbo engine.
- • High level of exclusivity and bespoke luxury compared to standard BMWs.
- • Superb ride comfort and handling balance, suitable for daily driving and spirited runs.
- • Distinctive Alpina styling cues and interior enhancements.
- • Strong safety credentials based on the BMW E90 platform.
Cons:
- • Fuel consumption can be high, especially under enthusiastic driving.
- • Maintenance and parts can be more expensive due to Alpina-specific components.
- • The N54 engine, while powerful, can be prone to certain common issues (e.g., high-pressure fuel pump, wastegates).
- • Limited availability makes finding specific models challenging.
- • Rear-wheel drive models can be challenging in very slippery conditions without AWD.
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Coupe (E92): 2007 - 2013).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Alpina |
| Model: | B3 |
| Generation: | E90 |
| Modification (Engine): | 3.0i Biturbo (360 Hp) Allrad Switch-Tronic |
| Start of production: | 2008 |
| End of production: | 2013 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 360 Hp @ 5500-6000 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 120.8 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 500 Nm @ 3800-5000 rpm. |
| Engine displacement: | 2979 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 84 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 89.6 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.4:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 14.7 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 7.6 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 10.2 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | Euro 5 |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 4.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 4.9 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 280 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 4.6 kg/Hp, 218.8 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 3.3 kg/Nm, 304 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 4.7 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1645 |
| Max. weight: | 2090 |
| Max load: | 445 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 450 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 63 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4545 mm mm [35mm less] |
| Width: | 1817 mm mm [35mm more] |
| Height: | 1422 mm mm [27mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2760 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1500 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1513 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4x4) |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 245/40 R18ZR; 265/40 R18ZR |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
Behind the wheel of the Alpina B3. How does it handle on the road?