Why you should buy an Alpina instead of an ///M model

BMW high performance line, better known as ///M range, was founded in 1972 to create racing cars that were able to compete in the most exigent motorsports. The first car that was developed by ///M was the 3.0 CSL, also known as Batmobile due to the shape of the rear end and its wing.

After this one, BMW decided to work together with Lamborghini in order to create the perfect racing car to dominate the endurance series; The BMW ///M1 which was the first car to have the famous tricolor badge that could be purchased by the public since 1978 after it was announced during the motorshow in Paris from the same year.

It didn’t take long since the German Autobauer noticed how successful was the idea of selling sports cars to the public, so in 1979 the BMW ///M535i was released.

Since then we have been able to see their creations on the road and participating in different racing events around the world.

However, a small private workshop has been hidden in the immense shadow made by fame and glory of the colossal car producer. Its name might be known by many Petrolheads, but for sure is not something that a person who is not into cars would have heard before.

Alpina was founded in 1965 as a familiar business where the production is dedicated to improve BMW base models; Not only in their exterior look, but in their interior and, of course, in their performance. This is such a small company that only 220 people are currently working there. Nevertheless is the perfect amount of people who can work in perfect synchrony with BMW and with the exclusive customers who prefer Alpina before any other german high performance luxury car.

But you might be asking: Why would someone buy an Alpina if BMW has the already mentioned above ///M? And the first word you have to think about is uniqueness. “But it means that an Alpina is more expensive than the high end models of BMW. Am I wrong?” Yes. You’re wrong. The base model of an Alpina B3 Biturbo costs €67.900 while a BMW ///M3 that is the equivalent €72.600 which means that are almost €5.000 of difference. On the other hand, you can get an AWD version for €70.800.

And if that doesn’t seem like a big amount of saved money, you can also give a look at the D3 Biturbo which costs €58.100 that despite of being diesel, handles and runs as well as the ///M3.

And uniqueness can’t be described well by itself. As some might know, or at least might have noticed by my profile picture I love to wear flawless and elegant suits. Definitely a good confection is synonym of taste and sophistication. Is exactly what happens with Alpina; You have one to be discreet, and it will break necks for sure.

On the other hand, this is not only for posers. This is the kind of hardcore stuff that James Bond’s lifestyle would deal with: Get distracted for one second and this beast will knock you out of the track. But hold on: these vehicles are not the villains. In spite of tending always to oversteer and try always to go sideways, Alpina is focused on comfort, so the suspension is adjusted to provide a better sensation to the passengers and give a good and stiff sensation while driving. Check Chris Harris’ Alpina B3 review

And I’m not only referring to the Alpina B3. Actually all the model range that Alpina offers is capable of doing mad stuff. And the best part is that they have put their hands on the models that BMW hasn’t developed ///M versions. For example: All the diesel versions of the 3, 4, 5 and X3 series has been improved, and the 7 series is the ///M7 we have always been waiting for. And also think that the 3 series and 5 series that Alpina improves can also be AWD and Station Wagon depending on the specifications given by the customer.

Now tell me on the comments, which is your favourite Alpina? would you pick it before choosing its counterpart from ///M (If it has one)?