Alpina B3 Touring review

No doubt it could have had the same 503bhp as the forthcoming M3, it could doubtless have looked like a walrus too, but Andy Bovensiepen and his team chose the other way, the one that says 456bhp is enough if seamlessly delivered, especially when backed by over 500lb ft of torque. And as for appearances, instead of a face only its mother could love, they’ve been boring instead and simply made it really good looking.

And, as ever, the beauty is more than skin deep. It comes with its own suspension tune (with a unique ‘Comfort Plus’ setting), torque distribution between axles (because all Alpinas are now four-wheel drive), its own diff calibration and its own brakes. A typically comprehensive job, then, which it will need to be because this will be the first 3 Series based Alpina estate to face competition from within when BMW introduces its first M3 Touring next year.

The engine is smooth and sonorous with just a little lag, the ride amazing on optional 20in rims. But in filthy conditions I couldn’t feel the nose as I’d like so had less confidence and therefore fun than I should. I blame the all-wheel drive hardware. And I’d still have the less powerful D3 diesel for its range and even greater torque. So it says much about Alpina that even this slightly disappointing offering remains a car I really, really liked.

Alpina B3 Touring

Engine: 2993cc, 6-cyl, twin-turbo
Transmission: 8-speed auto, 4WD
Power: 456bhp @ 5500rpm
Torque: 516lb ft @ 2500rpm
Weight: 1865kg

Power-to-weight ratio: 245bhp/tonne
0-62mph: 3.9 seconds
Top speed: 186mph
Price: £67,950

Ti rating: 8/10