BMW Alpina B3 sedan and wagon priced
Conservative style meets excessive power for BMW 3 Series-based Alpina duoThe new BMW Alpina B3 sedan and wagon will cost a respective $142,900 and $145,900 plus on-road costs when they arrive in Australia from around early October.
The two new high-performance German luxury cars are based on the new BMW 3 Series but receive interior and exterior modifications plus bespoke engine and chassis tunes to make them cut-price M3s of sorts.
While the B3 sedan's closest six-cylinder rival in a similar price bracket would be the $145,990 Alfa Romeo Giulia Q (375kW/600Nm), the B3 Touring will compete with the $152,529 Audi RS 4 (331kW/600Nm), which also packs a hot turbo V6.
The Alpina B3 duo are powered by the same engine (S58) as the upcoming BMW M3 and its 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline six-cylinder petrol engine pumps out 340kW/700Nm.
Featuring a unique Alpina ECU tune, Alpina turbochargers and custom exhaust and cooling systems, the B3 pair generate less power but more torque than their 375kW/600Nm donor engine.
The idea was to offer more torque lower in the rev range to improve everyday drivability, with 700Nm arriving at 3000rpm.
Both models feature an Alpina-tuned version of BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive system, which has been tuned to be rear-biased, and combined with an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission 0-100km/h acceleration is 3.8 seconds for the sedan and 3.9 for the wagon. Alpina claims (WLTP) fuel consumption of 11.1L/100km.
Chassis upgrades include Eibach springs all round, backed up by three-stage adaptive dampers and a unique 'Alpina' drive mode that keeps ride comfort supple while improving steering response.
New Alpina brakes are fitted, comprising 395mm discs up front clamped by four-piston callipers, and 345mm discs at the rear with a single-piston caliper, all painted blue with Alpina logos.
Updated front pivot joints have been added, designed to increased negative camber and front-end grip, while the electrically-assisted variable-ratio steering system has been given a once-over too.
Pirelli P Zero ALP tyres are shod with 19-inch alloy wheels and 20-inch rims are optional.
Inside, Alpina has added a Lavalina leather steering wheel while contrasting piano-black interior highlights are peppered throughout the cabin. Alpina floor mats and door sills are in evidence, as are Alpina logos on the seats.
Customers can also pay extra for completely re-upholstered cabins with Lavalina leather created by Alpina's in-house saddlery department.
Externally, Alpina likes to keep things discreet, so while there's a new rear spoiler and Alpina badges and an aerodynamically optimised front apron, the car is not visually provocative.
Aussie cars will enter production in May, before being finished at Alpina HQ and then arriving in Australia in early October.
"We are extremely excited to bring these amazing new BMW Alpina vehicles to the Australian market," said Phil Jeffery, Alpina Australia's national sales boss.
"Both the new B3 Sedan and B3 Touring offer a unique blend of power, agility and luxury as standard. Of course, the ability to truly customise the vehicle with a wide range of bespoke Alpina items adds further appeal to the model range," he said.
How much does the 2020 BMW Alpina B3 cost?
B3 Sedan – $142,900
B3 Touring – $145,900
* Prices exclude on-road costs
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