Alpina B3 Touring 2020 confirmed for Australia: The performance wagon BMW won't build

It might not be an official M3 wagon, but with the same S58 engine and all-wheel drive, the Alpina B3 Touring might be the closest Australian buyers will get to a hardcore, big-booted BMW mid-sizer.

Confirmed for a local market introduction in the latter half of 2020, the Alpina B3 could even beat it’s as-yet-unrevealed M3 sedan cousin to market, but exact pricing is yet to be confirmed.

With the outgoing B3 S Touring priced at $149,900 before on-road costs, the new-generation version is expected to receive a small lift in cost to reflect an increase in specification, but should remain competitive against the $162,540 Mercedes-AMG C63 S Estate and $152,529 Audi RS4 Avant.

Fitted with BMW’s new S58 3.0-litre twin-turbo in-line six-cylinder engine, the Alpina B3 Touring punches out 340kW of peak power from 5000-7000rpm and maximum torque of 700Nm from 3000-4750rpm.

The same engine is fitted to the flagship BMW X3 and X4 M Competition mid-size SUVs, which output 375kW/600Nm.

A unique bodykit is fitted, which sports larger front air intakes, prominent front splitter, quad exhaust outlets, rear diffuser and roof-mounted spoiler.

The incoming M3 sedan and M4 coupe will also use the S58 powerplant, though exact figures for the new 3 and 4 Series flagships are still to be confirmed.

In the Alpina B3, drive is sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission, but the company is yet to announce acceleration figures.

With the outgoing, rear-drive version able to blitz the landmark triple-digit sprint in just 4.3 seconds, expect the new-generation version to match, if not better, that time.

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Aside from the engine upgrades, the Alpina B3 differentiates itself from a standard big-booted 3 Series thanks to a bespoke transmission tune, stiffer chassis and retuned suspension components.

Wheels are either 19 or 20 inches, which are wrapped in Pirelli P Zero rubber, while the front axle negative camber has been increased for improved steering response, according to Alpina.

Bringing the Alpina B3 to a stop is four-piston front brakes, which clamp down on 395mm discs, and floating piston rear callipers, biting on 345mm discs.

Inside, the B3 boasts a hand-stitched leather steering wheel, soft-touch seats and woodgrain trim.

A unique bodykit is also fitted, which sports larger front air intakes, prominent front splitter, quad exhaust outlets, rear diffuser and roof-mounted spoiler.

Inside, the B3 boasts a hand-stitched leather steering wheel, soft-touch seats and woodgrain trim, as well as a unique vehicle production plaque and BMW’s 10.25-inch multimedia touchscreen.

With the rear seats in place, the boot will swallow a 500-litre load, which can expand to 1510L with the pews stowed.

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Alpina Australia national sales manager Phil Jeffery said: “The new Alpina B3 Touring presents a unique option to 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.