Alpina B3 Touring 2020 Confirmed for Australia: BMW's Performance Wagon Won't Produce

Powered by the new BMW S58 engine, the Alpina B3 develops 340 kW of power and 700 Nm of torque.

It may not be an official M3 wagon, but with the same S58 engine and all-wheel drive, the Alpina B3 Touring could be the closest Australian buyers get to a hardcore mid-size BMW with a big boot.

Confirmed to enter the local market in the second half of 2020, the Alpina B3 may even out-market its yet-to-be-disclosed M3 sedan cousin, but the exact price has yet to be confirmed.

Considering the outgoing B3 S Touring costs $149,900 before road expenses, the new generation version is expected to receive a slight price increase to reflect the performance increase, but it should remain competitive against the $162,540 Mercedes-AMG C63 S Estate. US dollars. Audi RS152,529 Avant for $4.

Powered by the new 58-liter twin-turbocharged BMW S3.0 inline-six engine, the Alpina B3 Touring develops peak power of 340 kW at 5000-7000 rpm and maximum torque of 700 Nm at 3000-4750 rpm.

The same engine powers the flagship mid-size SUVs BMW X3 and X4 M Competition with 375 kW/600 Nm.

A unique body kit with enlarged front air intakes, prominent front splitter, quad tailpipes, rear diffuser and roof spoiler has been installed.

The upcoming M3 sedan and M4 coupe will also use the S58 powertrain, though exact numbers for the new 3 Series and 4 Series flagships have yet to be confirmed.

In the Alpina B3, drive is sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission, but the company has yet to announce acceleration figures.

Considering the previous rear-wheel-drive version was able to hit a three-figure sprint in just 4.3 seconds, expect the new generation version to match, if not better, that time.

In addition to the engine upgrades, the Alpina B3 differs from the standard larger-boot 3 Series thanks to a custom drivetrain tuning, a stiffer chassis, and retuned suspension components.

The 19-inch or 20-inch wheels are wrapped in Pirelli P Zero rubber, according to Alpina, and the negative camber of the front axle has been increased to improve steering response.

Bringing the Alpina B3 to a halt are four-piston front brakes that hold down the 395mm discs and floating piston rear calipers that dig into the 345mm discs.

Inside, the B3 boasts a hand-stitched leather steering wheel, soft-touch seats and woodgrain trim.

Also installed is a unique body kit with larger front air intakes, a prominent front splitter, quad tailpipes, a rear diffuser and a roof spoiler.

Inside, the B3 boasts a hand-stitched leather steering wheel, soft-touch seats and woodgrain trim, as well as a unique vehicle production badge and BMW's 10.25-inch multimedia touchscreen.

With the rear seats installed, the trunk holds 500 liters, and with the benches folded down, it can increase to 1510 liters.

Alpina Australia National Sales Manager Phil Jeffery said: “The new Alpina B3 Touring represents a unique opportunity for the Australian market.

“With all the practicality of a Touring station wagon, the safety of all-wheel drive, incredible performance and unique styling options, the B3 Touring fits the bill,” he said.