2023 Alpina B3 release, confirmed for Australia

With the recent release of the mid-life update of the BMW 3 Series, it was only a matter of time before we saw the update. Alpina B3.

The Buchloe-based tuning firm has released a refreshed B3, with its diesel D3 S counterpart not being sold here.

The B3 sedan and touring wagon have been confirmed for Australia, but the launch time has not yet been confirmed. D3 will not come here.

Like the 3 Series update, there is a modified interior with new technology, with detailed changes to the exterior.

Alpina gave B3 some more omps, courtesy of a new exhaust system and new engine software.

Of 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine Now produces 364 kW Power (at 5000-7000rpm) and 730Nm Of torque (at 2500-4500rpm).

It is more than 24kW and 30Nm in outgoing models, now maximum power is available less than 500rpm.

Those outputs align it with the recently released B4 Gran Coupe, and in the Turing camouflage it has the same 0-100km / h sprint time of 3.7 seconds.

The B3 sedan is still fast with a 3.6-second sprint time.

All B3 models have an eight-speed torque-converter automatic transmission and rear-biased xDrive all-wheel drive, and Alpina claims Combined Cycle (WLTP) 10.1L / 100km fuel consumption.

For reference, BMW’s M3 pumps 353kW of power and 550Nm of torque from its twin-turbo six in standard camouflage, or 375kW and 650Nm in competition. The M3 competes faster than any of the 3 Series-based alpinas of 3.5 seconds at 0-100 km / h when equipped with all-wheel drive.

Cosmetic updates for the B3 include modified headlights, LED daytime running lights effectively flipped, and more angular front and rear bumpers.

As before, Alpina’s trademark 20-spoke, 20-inch alloy wheels are in the B3, although 19-inch alloy wheels are also available.

Quad exhaust outlets are standard fit, while new options for the color palette include Melbourne Red, Brooklyn Gray and Skyscraper Gray. There is also a wide range of personalized paint finishes to choose from.

Inside, there’s a large curved display that includes a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch central touchscreen in one assembly.

The infotainment system also runs on the latest operating system, BMW OS8.0.

Alpina touches include a blue and green color scheme for the digital instrument cluster, an alpina production blade by Shifter, and available Lavalina leather upholstery.

The D3 S continues to be restricted to Australia, forcing potential Alpina buyers who prefer diesel to switch to the X3-based XD3.

Diesel sedans and wagons use a bi-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six diesel with a 48V light-hybrid system.

It produces 261kW of power and 730Nm of torque, good for 4.6 seconds (sedan) and 4.8 seconds (travel) for 0-100km / h time.

Earlier this year, BMW secured the rights to the Alpina brand.

Although it is built on the foundations laid by BMW, the Alpina currently does more than just tune its car. The BMW Alpina car has its own VIN, and the Alpina is recognized as a manufacturer in Germany.

The Alpina team will continue to develop, manufacture and sell BMW Alpina vehicles by the end of 2025, with the final assembly at the firm’s workshop in Buchlo.

The existing, inherited BMW Alpina car portfolio of services, parts and accessories business will continue there in the long run and there will be no change in Alpina’s existing after-sales collaboration.

BMW says changes to electric vehicles and stricter emissions and safety regulations have resulted in “significantly higher risks” for small-series manufacturers worldwide, and Alpina is therefore being employed in a “strategic rearrangement”.

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