Coming to fill in the shoes of the M3 Touring that
BMW will not make, the new Alpina B3 Touring has been uncovered at the 2019
Frankfurt Motor Show. A rival to the likes of the Audi RS4 Avant and Mercedes-AMG C63, it’s
powered by the 3.0-liter, straight-six twin-turbo S58 engine, tuned to deliver
462 PS and 700 Nm of torque. Directing the output
to the all-wheel drive system is an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission.
The new B3 Touring also packs a limited-slip rear
differential and Launch Control function that has been optimized for the 0-200
km/h sprint. Alpina didn’t say how quick it is to 100 km/h, but it has a top speed that exceeds the 300 km/h mark in Sport+
mode, the rest being Comfort, Comfort+ and Sport.
The suspension has been updated with Eibach springs,
larger stabilizers and Variable Damper Control. The improved brakes comprise of
395 mm front and 345 mm rear discs with four-piston fixed calipers finished in
Alpina Blue and featuring the company’s logo in white. Available at a premium
are lightweight drilled brake discs with heat-resistant pads.
Further highlighting the tuned 3-Series Touring’s
design are a number of aerodynamic enhancements, which provide better cooling
and reduce lift at high speeds for increased stability. A couple of twin
tailpipes are integrated into the rear diffuser that features small fins in the
middle for a more dynamic approach. The 19-inch Dynamic wheels are shod in
255/35 front and 265/35 rear winter tires, and the Classic 20-inch ones are
wearing 255/30 and 265/30 front and rear rubber, respectively. Reserved for Alpina models are
the Blue and Green metallic paint finishes. Should they not be to your liking,
then you could also choose between a variety of other shades from BMW and BMW
Individual.
More customization options are available in the
cockpit and include Lavalina leather, piping, stitching, embroidery and
embossing made to customer specification, alongside new door sills and floor
mats. The digital instrument display with the new Alpina design, infotainment
system, navigation, Parking Assistant, Active Guard Plus and others are also
standard.
Alpina will launch the new B3 Touring in Q1, 2020,
with deliveries starting next summer and pricing to be announced in due course.