Alpina B3 v BMW M3 v M340i v M340d: Touring DRAG RACE

Touring fans let’s gooooo!

We’ve got our hands on the latest & greatest BMW Touring cars, and they’re about to go head-to-head over the quarter mile! The question is, will it be a walkover for the new M3 Touring?

Well, let’s start off by looking at the stats. Starting with Mat in the Alpina B3 Touring, it’s powered by the S58 3-litre twin-turbo straight-six engine from the new M3 Touring. However, the power output has been tweaked, so it delivers 495hp and 730Nm of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels via an 8-speed auto gearbox, and it tips the scales at 1,955kg. If you’re looking to pick one up, the price starts at £80,700.

Alongside it, we have the M3 Touring. It comes with the same 3-litre twin-turbo straight-six, but the power output increases to 510hp and 650Nm. It comes with an 8-speed automatic gearbox and all-wheel drive, and it weighs in at 1,865kg. The starting price for one of these is £87,000.

Then we have the lesser-powered tourings. First up is the M340i, which is equipped with a 3-litre straight-six turbo that puts down 374hp and 500Nm. It’s the lightest car here, at 1,795kg, and the price comes in at around £62,000.

Then finally we have the M340d. It comes with the same size engine as the M340i, with the power output set at 340hp and 700Nm. Power is sent to all four wheels via an 8-speed auto gearbox, and it tips the scales at 1,870kg. The price is pretty similar to the M340i, coming in at around £61,000.

So will it be a clean sweep for the M3 Touring? There’s only one way to find out… LET’S RACE!

[coreyk]

When I see the M3 Touring I say thats a cool car, when I see the Alpine B3 I think thats a beautiful BMW.

[TheMeanmarine]

13.1 is a decent time honestly. Props to the diesel. If you can get good MPG'S and still run a 13, that's not a bad day.

[thomasholdsworth]

That Alpina is the pinnacle of 3 series BMWs for me. Best looking, best sounding, best handling (on the road), comfiest and a real rarity. Ultimate Q car vibes.

[Dlarm]

I have been waiting for a decade for this comparison. Back then it was the BMW M5, BMW m550d, Alpina B5 and Alpina D5. Thanks

[ashwin_]

The M340i is the most impressive out of the 4. Just a little over a second slower than the M3. Bang for the buck, I’d say!

[USSCoop]

Surprisingly The diesel 3 is the best looking non m3 out there because it’s got the pre facelift font end

[redbeam]

The alpina and 340D specs are just 🔥🔥🔥

[alanwayte]

Having owned two Alpina products, the ride is always incredibly civilised, and quality inside especially the leather excellent, I would go Alpina over M3 every time if your doing over 15000 miles per year..

[Vuxchen]

I've never commented but this was one of the best drag races ever. You did so much bs and had so much fun. I love all of you search for the bloody MPG figures and when you started swapping cars to trash on the others seating positions i complete lost it.

Such a great fun drag race i hope we get more of this :D

[cflwhat]

Id like to see this race again but with a tune on both the m340's... That would be interesting

[eddiechina]

I just love how you're just spitting the facts about the cars, give a little tease on revs and then give it a go. No bla bla, just gorgeous work.

[anjoLas]

This has been one of THE best episodes EVER if not THE BEST !

[randomrahul]

The 340d looks the cleanest and is also the least expensive, practical and, above all, the most economical too!

[nomsi]

Alpina B3 is just beautiful. I feel the M3 Touring is a great car, but its one of those cars that look better when you add and tune things. Especially when you put the aftermarket front bumper. That makes it look night and day better.

[NumberHeadlightRestoration]

Wicked video once again. I loved the seat swap bit. Great humour all round 😆👍🏼

[rawco]

Absolutely brilliant. I've been waiting for this one. Matt and your team are genius.👍

[davidkelly]

That Alipina is absolutely stunning. The "lots of spokes" wheels never disappoint

[NotMyAccount]

Personally, I prefer the pre-LCI look of the M340d over all the others. KITT Tuning is offering a M8 style bumper for the pre-LCI G20 and it looks sick.

[xiaoyu]

Finally, all touring race. amazing, keep them coming

[chillout]

This was a really fun episode, especially with all those extra bits that are not normally in other "normal" drag race episodes. I quite liked it. I'm sure many other viewers did too.