The new-generation ALPINA B3 Touring will join the Australian ALPINA model line-up in the second half of 2020, alongside B5 Sedan, B5 Touring and XD3 models.
The engine in the B3 Touring is based on BMW M’s ‘S58’, a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged straight-six with specific ALPINA tuning to offer peak power of 340kW and 700Nm of torque. All that power will delivered via all-wheel drive, with eight-speed automatic transmission and a rear-axle limited-slip differential.
“The new ALPINA B3 Touring presents a unique option to the Australian marketplace,” said ALPINA Australia National Sales Manager, Phil Jeffery.
“With all the practicality of a Touring Wagon, the security of all-wheel drive, incredible performance and bespoke styling options, the B3 Touring ticks a lot of desirable boxes,” Phil added.
The ALPINA B3 Touring uses the renowned ZF eight-speed automatic transmission, with ALPINA SWITCH-TRONIC fitted as standard. ALPINA-specific transmission software, as well as uprated transmission mechatronics, allows for a wide band of transmission performance; from smooth and relaxed through to near-instant, the B3 Touring impresses.
Of particular note is the newly-designed manual shifting system for the SWITCH-TRONIC operation. CNC machined from solid aluminium, the steering wheel-mounted gearshift paddles are finished in matt black and add a further layer of tactility and control.
Following the ALPINA philosophy of form following function, the ALPINA B3 Touring builds on the BMW 3 Series Touring’s clean design language to offer a dynamic, functional ambience. The ALPINA front apron offers larger air intakes for enhanced cooling capability, and a finely-integrated, free-floating ALPINA logo across its lower edge. The entire frontsection has been designed to reduce lift, ensuring high stability at speed.
At the rear, the ALPINA sport exhaust system with two twin tailpipes highlights the B3 Touring’s specific rear apron. A rear diffuser section combines with the sloping roofline spoiler to further improve aerodynamics while providing a sophisticated appearance.
The B3 Touring will have a truly crafted interior with a hand-stitched LAVALINA leather steering wheel is fitted as standard to the ALPINA B3 Touring that is created in ALPINA’s own leather works, the softness and tactile quality of the steering wheel is a tribute to our in-house artisans.
Also available for the B3 Touring is the option to craft a LAVALINA interior to bespoke specification. LAVALINA is an untreated leather available in a wide range of finishes, and complements the B3 Touring’s interior design superbly. Customisation also extends to leather piping, specific stitching, embroidery and embossing to customer specifications.
As standard, the B3 Touring features specific ALPINA interior touches, from the vehicle-specific production plaque to the metal emblems that are integrated into the floor mats and seat backrests, the B3 Touring’s interior is pure luxury. The B3 Touring will have 500 litres of rear storage that expands to 1,510 litres with the second-row seats folded down.
ALPINA Australia expects the ALPINA B3 Touring to arrive in showrooms in the second-half of 2020. Further information regarding pricing and specification will be revealed closer to the local launch date.
Photographs by ALPINA Automobiles.