2025 BMW Alpina B3 Spotted: Second Facelift Planned

BMW is rumored to be planning a second facelift of the current 3 Series in an attempt to extend the car's life until a gas-powered successor is launched around 2027.

This would bring the lifespan of the current 3 Series to nine years, about two years longer than the typical BMW product cycle. An electric sedan in the 3 Series segment based on the Neueclasse platform is known to be available around 2026 and will likely be badged i3. This suggests that BMW may lead the next 3 Series family with an EV first, followed by a gas model.

Giving credence to this rumor is the sighting of an updated BMW Alpina B3 being tested in prototype form. The Alpina B3 is a tuned version of the 3 Series and, like the BMW sedan on which it is based, has received initial updates for the 2023 model year.

A second update to the B3 is expected to arrive later this year as a 2025 model. This is likely when BMW will introduce the second update for the 3 Series as well. Camouflage gear indicates changes to the fascia at both ends, and not much else.

This is consistent with rumors suggesting that the second update to the 3-series will introduce only minimal changes in appearance. The interior is rumored to be the focus of attention, with better materials and possibly an updated interface. Powertrain improvements are also expected, with some engines becoming more powerful and others dropping a few horsepower to meet the latest emission regulations.

The current B3 is powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine diverted from the M3, with the Alpina version producing 488 hp. Alpina also offers a diesel option in select markets in another model, dubbed the D3 S.

The B3 is currently not sold in the United States. It is not clear if an updated version will change that. Stay tuned.