The Alpina B3 Touring (F31) 3.0 Biturbo Allrad, produced between 2013 and 2015, represents a unique blend of high performance and practicality within the BMW 3 Series (F30) lineage. Alpina, a renowned German automotive engineering company, took the already capable BMW 3 Series Touring (wagon) and elevated it with significant powertrain and chassis upgrades. This particular variant, equipped with a 3.0-liter biturbocharged inline-six engine and all-wheel drive, occupied the top performance tier of the B3 Touring range, offering a compelling alternative to more mainstream performance wagons. It was positioned as a more exclusive and refined option compared to the BMW M3 Touring (which wasn’t available during these years) and other high-performance estates.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Alpina |
| Model | B3 |
| Generation | B3 Touring (F31) |
| Type (Engine) | 3.0 (410 Hp) BITURBO Allrad |
| Start of production | 2013 |
| End of production | 2015 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban | 10.8 l/100 km (21.8 US mpg, 26.2 UK mpg, 9.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban | 6.4 l/100 km (36.8 US mpg, 44.1 UK mpg, 15.6 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined | 8 l/100 km (29.4 US mpg, 35.3 UK mpg, 12.5 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 186 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 4.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 4.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 3.9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 302 km/h (187.65 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 4.3 kg/Hp, 235 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 2.9 kg/Nm, 343.8 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 410 Hp @ 5500-6250 rpm |
| Power per litre | 137.6 Hp/l |
| Torque | 600 Nm @ 3000-4000 rpm (442.54 lb.-ft. @ 3000-4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine displacement | 2979 cm3 (181.79 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 84 mm (3.31 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 89.6 mm (3.53 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.2:1 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Twin-Turbo, Intercooler |
| Kerb Weight | 1745 kg (3847.07 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2295 kg (5059.61 lbs.) |
| Max load | 550 kg (1212.54 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 495 l (17.48 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1500 l (52.97 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 60 l (15.85 US gal, 13.2 UK gal) |
| Length | 4628 mm (182.2 in.) |
| Width | 1811 mm (71.3 in.) |
| Height | 1410 mm (55.51 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2810 mm (110.63 in.) |
| Front track | 1538 mm (60.55 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1556 mm (61.26 in.) |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 8 gears, automatic transmission |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 245/30 ZR20; 265/30 ZR20 |
| Wheel rims size | 8J x 20; 9J x 20 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
At the heart of the B3 Touring lies Alpina’s version of the BMW N55 engine. While based on the BMW unit, Alpina extensively modified it. The 3.0-liter inline-six features two turbochargers, direct fuel injection, and variable valve timing (Double-VANOS). Alpina’s enhancements included larger turbochargers, a revised intercooler system, and a bespoke engine management system. These modifications boosted power output to 410 horsepower and 600 Nm (442 lb-ft) of torque. The engine’s power delivery is remarkably smooth and linear, even at lower RPMs, thanks to the twin-turbo setup. The engine is longitudinally mounted at the front of the vehicle. The B3 Touring utilizes a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission, specifically tuned by Alpina for quicker shifts and enhanced responsiveness. This transmission is known for its smoothness and efficiency, contributing to both performance and fuel economy.
Driving Characteristics
The B3 Touring 3.0 Biturbo Allrad delivers a compelling driving experience. The all-wheel-drive system provides excellent traction, particularly in adverse weather conditions, allowing for confident acceleration and cornering. The 0-60 mph sprint takes approximately 3.9 seconds, making it a genuinely quick wagon. The automatic transmission shifts smoothly and intelligently, adapting to driving style and conditions. Compared to the standard BMW 3 Series Touring or even the 335i, the Alpina B3 offers a more refined and powerful experience. While not as track-focused as a dedicated sports car, it provides ample performance for spirited driving on public roads. The suspension is tuned to provide a comfortable ride without sacrificing handling precision.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The B3 Touring came standard with a generous array of equipment. Interior features included Alpina-specific leather upholstery, unique trim pieces (often utilizing wood or carbon fiber), and sport seats. Standard technology included a navigation system, premium sound system, and parking sensors. Optional extras included a panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise control, and upgraded leather options. Alpina offered a degree of customization, allowing customers to personalize their vehicles with various interior and exterior options. The exterior was distinguished by Alpina-specific aerodynamic enhancements, including a front spoiler, rear diffuser, and unique alloy wheels.
Chassis & Braking
The B3 Touring’s chassis benefits from Alpina’s expertise in suspension tuning. The suspension system features stiffer springs and dampers compared to the standard 3 Series, resulting in reduced body roll and improved handling. The car utilizes a multi-link rear suspension for enhanced stability and ride comfort. Braking duties are handled by high-performance brakes, providing ample stopping power. The B3 Touring typically features ventilated discs on all four wheels, ensuring consistent braking performance even under demanding conditions.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Alpina B3 Touring was generally well-received by automotive critics. Reviewers praised its blend of performance, practicality, and refinement. It was often lauded as a more engaging and exclusive alternative to the standard BMW 3 Series Touring. Compared to the 335i Touring, the B3 offered significantly more power and a more luxurious interior. Fuel economy was respectable for a high-performance wagon, averaging around 29.4 US mpg in combined driving. Reliability was generally good, although maintenance costs were higher than those of a standard BMW due to the specialized components and Alpina’s tuning.
Legacy
The Alpina B3 Touring (F31) 3.0 Biturbo Allrad remains a desirable vehicle in the used car market. Its combination of performance, practicality, and exclusivity has made it a sought-after model among enthusiasts. The N55 engine, while known for some potential oil consumption issues, is generally considered reliable when properly maintained. The ZF 8-speed automatic transmission is also known for its durability. These cars represent a unique offering from Alpina, showcasing their ability to create high-performance vehicles that are both engaging to drive and comfortable to live with.
