Alpina B3 Touring confirmed for Oz

The Alpina B3 Touring is on the way Down Under.

First unveiled at last month’s Frankfurt motor show, the twin-turbo all-wheel drive wagon is based on BMW’s latest 3 Series Touring but scores more power, upgraded suspension, bigger brakes better aerodynamics and a limited-slip differential.

Making it somewhat of a family-friendly M3, the B3 Touring is powered by the same engine as the new BMW X3 M and X4 M (and the new-generation BMW M3 sedan and M4 coupe) – BMW M’s ‘S58’ 3.0-litre biturbo straight-six.

However, in this case it gets a specific Alpina tune, with peak power rated at a stonking 340kW/700Nm – less power but more torque than the 375kW/600Nm M SUVs -- sent through a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels.

Alpina is yet to confirm 0-100km/h acceleration times for its newest wagon, but if the previous B3 Touring Touring is anything to go by you can expect the sprint to take around four seconds. The German car-maker does, however, claim average fuel consumption of 11.1L/100km.

The Alpina B3 Touring comes with three-stage adaptive sports suspension, Eibach springs and a range of driving modes, including SPORT, COMFORT and a bespoke COMFORT+ option. Drivers can also choose between three steering modes: COMFORT, SPORT and SPORT+ for a more “dynamic response”.

Stopping power comes from four-piston brake callipers and 395mm discs up front, and floating rear callipers with 345mm rotors at the rear.

Inside the cabin, CNC-machined shift paddles are fitted to a hand-stitched leather steering wheel and Lavalina leather upholstery is standard, although owners will be able to customise parts of the interior including stitching, piping, embroidery and embossing.

On the outside, Alpina has redesigned the wagon’s front-end to reduce lift and increase high-speed stability.

Alpina Australia national sales manager Phil Jeffery says the new Alpina B3 Touring presents a unique offering in the Australian marketplace.

“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,” he said.

Alpina is yet to confirm official pricing for the 2020 B3 Touring, saying it will be revealed closer to the wagon’s local launch in the second half of 2020, when it will join the X3-based Alpina XD3 diesel and the larger 5 Series wagon-based, petrol V8-powered B5 Touring ($217,000) on sale here.

Given the XD3 is priced at $109,900 and the old B3 Touring was pegged at around $150,000, expect the new B3 wagon to be less popular (and therefore more exclusive) than the SUV.