Tokyo show: Alpina unveils new-gen B3 sedan

ALPINA Automobiles has ripped the covers off its all-new B3 mid-size sedan, revealed one month after its Touring wagon counterpart and likely to touch down in Australian showrooms in late 2020.

While the Touring has been confirmed for an Australian debut in the second half of next year, Alpina Automobiles Australia is yet to lock in the sedan but has expressed its interest in bringing the vehicle here, with confirmation to come at a later date.

Along with the reveal of the sedan, Alpina has also detailed performance figures for its BMW 3 Series-based pair, which show off the potential of the new S58 twin-turbo inline six-cylinder engine set to underpin the upcoming new-generation M3.

The German tuner has confirmed the B3 sedan can complete the zero-to-100km/h sprint in a rapid 3.8 seconds, to 200km/h in 13.4 seconds and on to a top speed of 303km/h.

Touring variants take 0.1s longer to reach 100kmh and an extra 0.5s to make it to 200km/h, while top speed is slightly lower at an even 300km/h.

This means the B3 sedan is 0.1s quicker to 100km/h than the track-focused BMW M3 CS, the high-performance M3 variant offered towards the end of the previous generation’s life cycle.

The B3’s S58 twin-turbo 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine develops the same outputs as the Touring, with 340kW from 5000-7000rpm on tap to go with a hefty 700Nm from 3000-4750rpm, with high torque levels a signature element of Alpina engineering.

Power is channelled to all four wheels via a ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic transmission, with Alpina employing a version of BMW’s rear-biased xDrive all-paw system.

Official combined fuel consumption on the WLTP cycle is rated at 11.1L/100km, identical to the Touring.

Enhancements over the 3 Series donor car largely mirror that of the Touring, such as its quad-exit stainless-steel exhaust system, three-stage adaptive dampers including the unique Comfort+ mode, Eibach springs and bump stops, thicker stabiliser bars and retuned suspension geometry.

Stopping power comes from four-pot fixed front callipers painted blue with 395mm discs up front, and floating callipers with 345mm rotors at the rear.

Standard issue are 19-inch ‘Dynamic’ five-spoke alloy wheels shod in specially developed Pirelli P-Zero rubber, while classic 20-inch Alpina rims are also available as an option.

Other signature exterior touches are included such as the long front splitter, lip spoiler and unique blue and green paint hues.

Premium touches are also applied inside, with the inclusion of a hand-stitched leather steering wheel, metal Alpina emblems in the floor mats and back rests, branded door sills and a plaque complete with vehicle build number.

More details on the B3 sedan including local specification and pricing will be made at a later date, following the likely confirmation of the vehicle for Australia.