TOKYO MOTOR SHOW: Alpina B3 sedan unveiled
New-generation 3 Series-basedfour-door should come here in 2020Authorised BMW tuner Alpina has unveiled its new-generation B3 sedan at the Tokyo motor show.
But while its Touring wagon relation first shown at the Frankfurt show in September has already been confirmed for Australian sale, the four-door is still waiting the local green light.
Don’t panic if your heart’s set on the G20 3 Series-based sedan, however, because the expectation is we’ll get it, probably alongside in the second half of 2020, with pricing to be announced closer to the on sale date.
Just for reference, its predecessor the Alpina B3 S, officially sold for $142,990 when first launched, but dropped to $116,990 drive-away in early 2018.
As is typical of Alpina, which is based in Buchloe in Germany and has been on sale in Australia since late 2016, there is significant retuning under the skin of the new B3 and only subtle modifications visible to the eye.
Like the Touring, the B3 sedan cops a heart transplant courtesy of the new S58 bi-turbo inline six-cylinder 3.0-litre engine that’s already appeared in the X3 and X4 M and is set to appear in the next-gen M3 and M4.
In the M-fettled SUVs it punches out 375Nm and 600Nm, but the Alpina version dips 35kW to 340kW and generates a further 100Nm taking it to 700Nm.
Combine that with a retuned ZF eight-speed auto and traction control and the B3 zips to 100km/h in 3.8sec and 200km/h in 13.4sec. It then rips on to a top speed of 303km/h.
The official fuel consumption claim according to the WLTP standard is a thirsty 11.1L/100km, while emitting 252g CO2/km.
The potent drivetrain is supported by an uprated cooling system and a stainless steel exhaust with exhaust valves that can be adjusted by the driver for more (or less) volume.
All that oomph is distributed to all four wheels via a fettled version of the BMW xDrive system, while a limited-slip differential stops the inside rear wheel spinning up mid-corner.
Alpina retunes the chassis, fitting Eibach springs and modifying BMW’s variable damper control, while adding a comfort+ mode for more suspension compliance, emphasising the company’s traditional desire to deliver a bruiser with cruising ability.
Brake discs are 395mm up-front, clamped by signature Alpina blue fixed four-pot brake callipers. The B3 rolls on a choice of 19- or 20-inch forged alloy wheels encased in staggered Pirelli P Zero rubber.
B3 exterior modifications are more about performance than looks. New front-end intakes support the uprated cooling systems, while aerodynamic elements front and rear reduce high-speed lift for better stability.
Inside, it’s mostly familiar 3 Series, with some Alpina modifications to the presentation of digital instrument cluster, seat trimming in Lavalina -- semi-aniline with a pigment-based protective layer -- leather and various Alpina logos in floormats, backrest and door sills.
One interior Alpina quirk is the B3 uses manual gearshift buttons on the back of the steering wheel, instead of flappy paddles. You have to pay extra for them.
All this works in concert with the upgrades that come with the new BMW 3 Series including its larger size, extra interior space and latest suite of connectivity, infotainment and safety systems.
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