BMW is struggling to keep the upcoming 3 Series facelift a secret. A few weeks ago, we spied BMW testing a prototype of the regular refreshed 3 Series that will take on the new Mercedes C-Class. We've also seen prototypes of the fully electric 3 Series and plug-in hybrid versions out in the wild. And just this week we discovered what its face will look like.

Now, for the first time, our spies have spotted the refreshed Alpina B3 lapping the Nurburgring before it enters production. Effectively, the Alpina B3 is a BMW M3 alternative without the offensive kidney grilles that continue to cause controversy.

Camouflage covering the front and rear suggests the styling changes from the regular 3 Series facelift will carry over to the Alpina B3. This means the updated performance sedan will boast redesigned headlights and taillights, a modified grille, and tweaked bumpers. Alpina's signature multi-spoke wheels and quad exhaust pipes also distinguish the B3 from the regular 3 Series.

As for the interior, the mid-cycle update will also add a new curved display for the infotainment system and digital instrument cluster.

Under the hood, the Alpina B3 is powered by the same 3.0-liter, twin-turbo straight-six as its standard 3 Series sibling mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, tuned to produce 462 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque.

This makes it slightly less powerful than the M3, which is rated at 473 hp in the base model and 503 hp in its range-topping Competition guise.

With this setup, the Alpina B3 will accelerate from 0-60 mph in 3.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 188 mph. However, reports suggest the updated Alpina B3 will be boosted to 490 hp, slotting it in between the M3 and M3 Competition. The Alpina B3 facelift should break cover in 2022. Sadly, it's unlikely to come to America since Alpina doesn't sell the B3 over here. Alpina is also preparing to unleash the new B4 Gran Coupe, which will fill the void of an M4 Gran Coupe.