Alpina B3 F30 Touring - 2013

Important note on years: the ALPINA B3 Bi‑Turbo based on the F30/F31 3‑Series debuted in 2013 (sedan at Geneva; Touring at Frankfurt later that year). The 2010–2012 period applies to its E9x predecessor (B3 S Bi‑Turbo). What follows focuses on the F31 B3 Bi‑Turbo Touring (409 hp/410 PS) launched in 2013.

ALPINA’s take on the F31 Touring arrived at just the right time. With BMW phasing out the E9x V8 M3 and the F80 M3 still a year away, Buchloe filled the gap with a torque‑rich, autobahn‑bred express that blended super‑saloon pace with long‑legged refinement. Revealed in 2013, the B3 Bi‑Turbo Touring used ALPINA’s re‑engineered 3.0‑litre straight‑six, twin‑turbocharged to 410 PS (409 hp) and 600 Nm, driving through a bespoke‑calibrated ZF 8‑speed Switch‑Tronic. Unlike the shoutier M cars, the B3’s mission was discreet speed: minimal aero, signature 20‑spoke wheels, quad pipes and those optional fine pinstripes—the famous Deko‑Set.

Early road tests raved about its dual character. Autocar and Evo praised the effortless mid‑range shove and unusually compliant ride for something capable of 300 km/h; Top Gear dubbed it the consummate “everyday” fast 3‑Series. The Touring’s party trick, widely quoted in headlines, was simple: a 300‑km/h family wagon straight from the showroom. That made it a cult favourite among autobahn aficionados and a stealthy alternative to the Audi RS4 Avant and Mercedes‑AMG C63 Estate. Against those, the ALPINA traded track bravado for relentless, real‑world pace and grand‑touring polish.

ALPINA’s craftsmanship shone inside: hand‑finished Lavalina leather was available, the instruments wore ALPINA Blue dials, and classic green/blue stitching dotted the cabin. Under the skin, unique springs, damper tuning and anti‑roll bars delivered precision without the harshness of many “sport” setups. Later in 2013, xDrive arrived on the B3 Touring, unlocking supercar‑baiting launches in all weather and expanding the car’s appeal in snow‑belt markets. Period critiques were few: some wished for a louder soundtrack or a manual gearbox (ALPINA doubled down on the brilliantly tuned 8‑speed auto), but most celebrated the car’s bandwidth.

Beyond numbers, the B3 reinforced ALPINA’s brand identity: a manufacturer in its own right (with its own WMI/VIN), building low‑volume, high‑speed GTs that fly under the radar. The F31 B3 paved the way for the later LCI “B3 S” power hike (to 440 PS), but it’s the launch‑spec 410‑PS Touring that crystallised the formula: understated looks, immense torque, and the ability to devour continents—with the dog and luggage on board. A true connoisseur’s choice.