Mountain mover

Singapore — Alpina is a German tuner that specialises in BMWs and has an excellent pedigree and reputation. It’s been tweaking BMWs since 1965 and has a very close working relationship with the BMW headquarters in Munich.

Alpina takes near-finished BMWs from the factory floor then, improves them back at its headquarters in Buchloe, Germany, turning them into cars like the B3 Biturbo. Local dealer Munich Automobiles is the first to sell Alpinas in South-east Asia.

What’s it like?

The B3 is based on the 335i sedan, which is already one of the best-handling cars around. Alpina’s extensive modifications include an extra turbocharger, a limited-slip differential and substantial suspension and engine improvements.

Alpina’s engine produces over 100bhp more than the stock BMW 335i powerplant, so the B3’s speed is undoubted. But speed is only part of the story.

Driving a 335i fast with the electronic driver aids turned off is only for experienced drivers, but the B3’s steering, power delivery and ride make it more accessible, and quicker, than the car it’s based on.

Should I buy one?

Definitely, if you like your cars unique. Most people will assume it’s a dressed-up BMW until it disappears into the distance. Alpina only makes about 1,200 cars a year, so while the B3 is not cheap (prices start from S$400,000, on application), you’ll be the owner of a machine that’s rarer, and in some cases quicker, than the usual exotica. Derryn Wong

Alpina B3 Biturbo

Engine: 2,797cc twin-turbo in-line 6, 410hp & 600Nm

Performance: 305kmh, 0-100kmh 4.2s, 7.6L/100km, 177g/km CO2

Price: S$POA

+ : An understated, uber-quick driver’s car, possible cult classic

- : Exclusivity means it’s expensive too