ROAD TEST t a time when the ROAD TEST industry is forced to Range at a glance A contort and adapt on No 5498 what often seems like ENGINES POWER FROM a weekly basis, feels a more D3 S Touring 350bhp £55,950 reassuring presence than ever. B3 Touring 456bhp £67,950 After all, you’ll soon have the option of buying an SUV from Ferrari, there are already plenty of 8-spd automatic purely electric on the road and AMG will drop the cylinder Alpina’s line-up for its conversions count from eight not to six but four of the G20-generation BMW 3 Series for its next super-saloon. consists of the B3 tested here and Yet Alpina’s latest B3, tested here in the diesel-powered D3 S (which Touring form, wants only to reprise is somewhat confusingly named, z Test car wears optional 20in forged the qualities for which the marque is because there will be no basic D3). Classic alloys in place of the standard- known. Those being six amply blown Breaking with tradition, both fit 19in items, which are cast. As well as cylinders, refined road manners to are now available with four-wheel being instantly recognisable, they also match a sumptuous interior, and an drive only, but the decision to offer reduce by almost 14 kg. understated exterior underwritten by just a single transmission option – The high-performance brake system monumental performance. ZF’s eight-speed torque-converter – then adds lighter discs and racier pads. The extent of that performance is unchanged from the previous is something we’re all too keen to generation of cars. In due course, assess, not least because this is the we would expect a B3 S to appear first time that Alpina has taken a with more power and torque, some bona fide BMW M engine for its subtle design changes, chassis conversion of an regular BMW model. tweaks and perhaps a more special Alpina also has quiet hopes that exhaust system. Alpina also tends the B3 will, for the first time in the to round off its B3 generations company’s 55-year history, help with something fruitier. In the past, bring total volumes for the brand to there has even been a GT3-badged comfortably more than 2000 cars derivative designed for track driving. per year – useful at a time when development costs are rising fast. It asks almost £70,000 for this straight six as the M3. This marks Touring model, so any newcomers a departure for Alpina, and a to the brand will expect a machine useful one, not least because it no z Open the bonnet and you’ll find that palpably more special than the BMW longer needs to recast a regular the car’s original VIN – the one applied on M340i Touring on which the car BMW engine block to take an extra the BMW production line in Regensburg, is based and something with even . The S58 is twin near – has been crossed out and broader everyday appeal. It’s no turbocharged from the outset, replaced by an Alpina-specific code. simple task and the B3 Touring must although Alpina fits smaller turbine also fend off similarly priced and housings and modifies the intake excellent rivals in the RS4 Avant system to achieve its own balance and Mercedes-AMG C63 Estate. of torque and response. The cooling However, arguably this car’s most capability is also beefed up and fierce competitor will come from there are two additional external the firm with which Alpina enjoys coolers along with Alpina’s enlarged a unique relationship, to the extent intercooler and air ducts. that assembly lines are shared, as Where the old B3 made 424bhp, well as model blueprints, often years the new car is up to 456bhp. Its in advance of any public or media 516lb ft also makes this the most awareness. In 2022, BMW will offer torque-rich 3.0-litre production its first ever M3 Touring. motor ever made and precisely Far from hurting sales, the belief of matches the 4.0-litre V8 of the Alpina CEO Andreas Bovensiepen – C63 S. By comparison, the new son of founder Burkhard – is that the M3 makes 479lb ft, even in z Quad exhaust tips round off a system B3 Touring’s corporate cousin may pumped-up Competition guise. specific to Alpina, although no longer is in fact boost awareness for Alpina’s To contain that torque, Alpina it manufactured by Akrapovic. Note also effort, particularly in the two years employs a reinforced eight-speed ZF the diffuser, which is entirely functional. before the M car arrives. What we’ll torque-converter, usually reserved discover now is whether you should for its V8 models, which also uses even bother waiting for the canine- parts from Rolls-Royce’s V12 friendly M3 or whether you should driveline. It delivers the engine’s h e a d s t r a i g h t t o B u c h l o e r e g a r d l e s s . efforts variably to each axle and at DESIGN AND ENGINEERING the rear through an electronically controlled limited-slip differential, AAAAB although in the interests of We like Alpina’s hallmark is how it marries traction, the typical torque split is z Thunderous performance is ride comfort with the control and marginally less rear-biased than matched by improved drivability stability necessary for the German that of the M340i. Alpina also ◊ z Ride and handling characteristics autobahns. This, and how its cars’ are superbly tuned for road driving handling characteristics generally speak to the driver, instead of shouting. The last generation of B3 Touring We don’t like z You’ll find subtle aero addenda was compelling in these respects, MAX EDLESTON z Heavier than before, although the and the new car aims to continue that dotted about the car, not least on the Uniquely close and historic BMW partner delivers its latest everyday supercar torque and engine response mask it form, only with the G20-generation front splitter and upper windscreen MODEL TESTED B3 TOURING z No rear-drive option: even the M340i taken as its base. edge. Even the windscreen wipers are boss wanted it but the market is small Except for that engine. Here, modified to cope with up to 190mph. Previous B3 was an excellent all-rounder PHOTOGRAPHY Price £67,950 Power 456bhp Torque 516lb ft 0 - 60mph 3.8sec 30 -70mph in four t h 5.3sec Fuel economy 28.2mpg CO 2 emissions 228g/km 70 - 0mph 43.8m the B3 uses the same 2993cc S58 36 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 4 NOVEMBER 2020 4 NOVEMBER 2020 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 37 ROAD TEST Weights and measures DIMENSIONS

0.35 1468mm 980mm 500- 975mm max 1510 litres

740mm 1060mm max

Kerb weight: 1865kg 809mm 2851mm 1059mm 4719mm

PARKING z Aluminium paddles are a departure from Alpina’s z B3’s numbered plaque is now mounted on the z Merino-leather-clad seats are very supportive z Test car isn’t heavy on the Alpina-specific leather options, but this is still a traditional but awkward gearshift buttons. For £280, transmission tunnel, as with the more expensive B5 but also very soft – if not quite on the same level of

Typical garage height Typical parking space width (2400mm) wonderfully plush cabin for a 3 Series and comfortable in day-long driving. they feel lovely and add another layer of involvement. and B7 models. Previously, it was on the dashboard. plushness as the wonderful chairs found in the B5. 2025mm

Typical leg room 660-880mm

2065mm (with mirrors) 3650mm z Back row is business as usual for the new 3 Series Touring, which means good space and occupant visibility. Headrests can fold down for a clearer view back. WHEEL AND PEDAL ALIGNMENT Both pedals are clearly but very comfortably offset for 60mm your right foot, although the width of the brake makes it 195mm Height 480mm easily reachable with your left if you choose. Electric column adjustment is generous. Width 1000-1480mm

HEADLIGHTS Top-of-the-range LED Length 910-980mm matrix adaptive-beam lights as standard really impressed for brightness on high beam and rarely caused Centre complaints about dazzling. z Spacious and softly upholstered boot features rubber rails that rise up to grip luggage when the tailgate closes. That’s useful in something this quick.

Δ adds driveline-cooling NACA ducts in either 19in or 20in sizes – whose Professional instrument display in have the entire cabin upholstered to the underbody. sidewalls have been developed to a fetching shade of blue with green in Lavalina, but to do so requires Multimedia system AAAAA Elsewhere, Alpina stiffens some deliver greater pliancy than their highlights, although at least one extraordinarily deep pockets and suspension parts, widens the tracks, ever-so-slim sidewalls imply. tester was disappointed to find that so is usually the preserve of the B5 The B3 uses an Alpina-specific version of BMW’s Live Cockpit reprogrammes the INTERIOR the marque’s classic blue analogue Bi-Turbo or f lagship B7 saloon. As Professional, which pairs a 12.3in digital instrument display and alters the steering geometry, not dials, with their crisp orange needles, for the hard surfaces, piano black is (featuring blue highlights) with a 10.3in central touchscreen that least by increasing by 1deg the level AAAAB have now been consigned to history. standard, although aluminium is can also be controlled intuitively using the rotary controller atop of negative camber on the front axle BMW has given Alpina an excellent Where you go from here depends a no-cost option and it’s possible to the transmission tunnel. Except for some menu options, such and fitting its own pivot bearings. canvas here, and it’s one upon which on your tastes and your budget. As specify various rustic-feeling woods, as one to set the tyre pressure monitor for high-speed driving, The suspension then uses specific the trimmers in Buchloe work only standard, the B3 is fitted with BMW’s including oak, maple and ash. the system is identical to that in high-specification BMW models Eibach springs controlled by the lightly. The most obvious addition for new generation of sports seats, which As for equipment, the B3 is well and therefore the best in this class. The graphics are especially same dampers used by the M340i the B3 is the ultra-supple Lavalina are well bolstered and trimmed in provisioned, just like its predecessor. crisp, and the fact that BMW has resisted the temptation to but reprogrammed. The bump- leather (Bavarian and preserved both Alcantara and a man-made However, our test car benefits from do away with physical switchgear for volume and the climate stops and anti-roll bars are also without salt) stitched around the Sensatec. The next rung up the several useful cost options, and we controls makes this an easy and safe system to use on the move. bespoke. We’ll elaborate on the steering rim and airbag cover. It ladder is Vernasca leather, although would budget in the region of £5000 Surprisingly, DAB radio is a £268 option and wireless various suspension settings in gives the driving environment our car’s seats go still one better for a memorable level of opulence. charging for smartphones costs an extra £420. Apple CarPlay due course, but the range of an immediate lift, and Alpina’s and are swathed in Merino leather, As for practicalities, the Touring’s is also by subscription, although one year is included with the parameters is broader than BMW optional CNC-milled aluminium which is well worth the £1900 outlay. 1510 litres of luggage space with the purchase of the car. However, Alpina does include Parking offers and includes a unique Comfort paddle shifters, first seen on the Spend more and the dashboard can rear bench folded (at the touch of a Assistant, which consists of Park Distance Control, front and Plus mode for long-distance drives. old B4 S Edition 99, add to the rich also be trimmed in Merino, for an button) betters that of alternatives rear, as well as Reversing Assistant and a rear-view camera. The All of this meets the road through tactility of the controls. Alpina has overall effect that feels more 7 Series from Mercedes, Audi and even Volvo. B3 doesn’t feel awkwardly big, but these are still useful tools. ‘ALP’-marked Pirelli P Zero tyres – also reskinned BMW’s Live Cockpit than 3 Series. It’s then possible to For more in this department, you’d ◊ 38 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 4 NOVEMBER 2020 4 NOVEMBER 2020 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 39 ROAD TEST Track notes

One reason why the new B3 Touring z Downhill exit of T4 ` T2 beguiles is that, contrary to what you T4 with plenty of This is an astonishingly quick might think, the harder you drive this z Flick-flack up into T6 is prompts the chassis T3 generously proportioned car, by and excellent for exposing cars into neat oversteer. large the better it gets. with poor body control, but 3 Series in the real world The Hill Route at Millbrook duly the B3 does as it’s told. underscores how well conceived this z T2 hairpin is the only chassis set-up is. The B3’s balance T6 corner of the circuit a and body control allow it to generate that exposes any jowl-tugging grip, but when that is T1 meaningful understeer, exceeded, what comes next is only and even that arrives very gentle understeer followed, if later than expected. you’re generous enough with the throttle, by oversteer. It’s the kind of behaviour that feels ideal in a road car aimed at serious drivers who’d like a blend of predictability and reward. Only the removal of the front T7 driveshafts would make this car more T5 enjoyable, but even as it stands, the driveline clearly favours the rear axle, even when traction is ebbing away. The engine’s broad torque output FINISH is sensational, compressing the Hill START Route like few cars can.

Δ have to upgrade into the realm of autobahn empty enough to make an escalate the numbers displayed rather than buttons for the first time at a canter, with its naturally paced point pace, and in the context of an with the road through the steering BUYING AND OWNING the Audi RS6, Mercedes-AMG E63 attempt, is a conservative 186mph. on its digital speedo, it’s that the is convenient, because the truth and neatly weighted steering, there’s estate car destined for family life, the and seats but rarely allows this or B5 Bi-Turbo Touring. And as you’ll Rather, to fully understand the delivery remains somewhat boosty, is that you’re more likely to find another layer to its handling that new car has its priorities just right. to overspill into brittleness and AAAAB now discover, the same very much car’s torque – 516lb ft available with the surge of torque faithfully yourself in the mood to take ‘manual’ bubbles through as you up the ante, COMFORT AND ISOLATION reactivity. Layered above this feeling In case you were wondering, Alpina’s applies for performance. between 3000rpm and 4250rpm, but but very quickly building between control of this car than you were its and it reveals a car that really does AAAAB of crisp control, the suspension cars can be serviced at BMW dealers PERFORMANCE with a healthy 440lb ft lingering even 2400rpm and 3000rpm. However, predecessor. The steering isn’t quite reward commitment. then permits surprisingly supple and are backed by a full warranty at 5500rpm – you need to interrogate the general effect is nothing if not as vivid as it was, but the direction Despite four-wheel drive, rarely if One avoidable penalty that’s easy vertical body movements in the B3’s from the BMW UK mothership. AAAAA the telemetry data. The 1.7sec the B3 exciting, and we’re happy to chalk it changes it elicits are also crisper and ever does the B3 feel prone to undue to incur with any Alpina product Alpina-unique Comfort Plus mode. In everyday terms, the B3 is also The core appeal of any modern Touring takes to dispatch 40-60mph up as character, because even when better controlled and show the car’s understeer, so its nose is keen, and concerns tyre pressure. The factory This setting dramatically relaxes unlikely to cause undue expense. Alpina stems not just from the in third gear makes it quicker by everything this 3.0-litre M-division superbly f luent roll rates. there’s a distinct element of throttle pressures for the B3 Touring are the damper rates and is only really Our touring runs returned economy torque-fattened accessibility of its this metric than the 911 motor can give is fully undammed, The result is that while the B3 adjustability that’s as surprising as an eye-watering 3.4bar all round, suitable for motorways and gentle in the region of 37mpg, which is a performance but also in the sheer Carrera S. The 2.1sec taken to devour traction and stability are total, on Touring has put on weight for this it is enjoyable when you discover it. which is to ensure safety in the event A-roads, but it does work especially slight improvement on the old B3 scale of that performance relative to 50-70mph in fourth beats the RS6. damp and dry roads alike. new generation (some 100kg), you’d Then, on damp roads, the poise with of travelling with four passengers well in such environments. saloon tested in 2013, is considerably the comically demure exterior. So just And from 60mph to 80mph in fifth, Elsewhere, ZF’s transmission barely know it without first perusing which the car will take on modest aboard, plus luggage, and at the car’s Elsewhere, in the past, Alpina’s better than the V8 C63 and just beats how quick is this new B3 Touring? its time of 2.8sec is an exact match feels ideally suited to a car like this, the technical data. Set the dampers angles while surging forward official top speed. Of course, in the penchant for enormous wheels has the V6-engined RS4 Avant. However, Despite the fact that this figure for the current BMW M5. So if you’re being flawlessly quick in its shifts but to Sport and what follows is the under the power of both axles feels UK, there’s no need for such high on occasion proved its Achilles’ heel, owners with lead in their boots may would have sufficed for many a wondering why the ZF gearbox can every bit as smooth as you’d expect realisation that no other red-hot nothing short of thoroughbred. The pressures, but unless you reduce both in terms of noise and low-speed wish Alpina had enlarged the 59-litre bona fide supercar not so long ago, feel a little reluctant to downshift in normal driving. Perhaps it’s no estate at any price point is quite so B3 is a car that flatters its driver them to the recommended 2.7bar ride quality. The G20 generation BMW fuel tank, even if more than the 3.8sec it takes the car to reach in the car’s default Comfort driving surprise that M has chosen to deploy intuitive and easy to drive fast on the with a combination of accuracy and for sub-155mph driving, ride quality marks an improvement in this 460 miles on one fill-up is possible 60mph is largely irrelevant. As is mode, the reason is because it the same technology in the new public road. It makes you wonder composure, which together allow you will inevitably suffer. respect, and the B3 Touring proved on the motorway. the 8.7sec it takes for the B3 Touring simply doesn’t need to. This is an M3, jettisoning the dual-clutcher how the M3 Touring is going to find to safely chase the throttle even in With the correct pressures, the only fractionally louder than the As for residuals, Alpina is best to burst into triple figures, which, astonishingly quick 3 Series in the preferred for the outgoing model. some air space of its own, because poor conditions and on tricky roads. B3 Touring is often sublimely laid- unusually refined RS4 at a cruise judged by perusing the classifieds, incidentally, is less than a second shy real world and one that requires less HANDLING AND STABILITY one certainly doesn’t need anything What the G20-generation B3 won’t back for a car with its performance and quieter than BMW’s M5. rather than relying on any official of what we recently achieved with commitment to fully unleash than more capable than this Alpina. do is the same level of lunacy you got potential. The chassis achieves this Meanwhile, the low-speed ride forecasting-agency efforts. Simply, the new twin-turbo V8-engined RS6 the M3 will surely demand. AAAAA But more entertaining, perhaps? with old, rear-driven F80. That car not by isolating you from the road remains alert but not outright these are expensive cars but also cars Avant – all 591bhp of it. The top speed If we have one reservation about Alpina’s decision to offer the new Not necessarily. Although the B3 is so would slide forever, which this one surface entirely. Instead, it offers reactive and more than acceptable, that hold their value unusually well. of the B3 Touring, should you find an the B3 Touring’s ability to rapidly B3 with proper gearshift paddles very satisfying to f low down B-roads won’t. However, in terms of point-to- a reassuring sense of connection given the B3 Touring’s ultimate pace. Expect the B3 to be no different. ◊

ACCELERATION Alpina B3 Touring (24deg C, dry) Standing quarter mile 12.1sec at 117.9mph, standing km 22.0sec at 150.1mph, 30-70mph 3.2sec, 30-70mph in fourth 5.3sec 30mph 40 50 60 70mph 80mph 90mph 100mph 110mph 120mph 130mph 140mph 150mph 1.6s 2.22.9s 3.8s 4.8s 5.9s 7.2s 8.7s 10.5s 12.6s 15.1s 18.2s 22.0s 0 10s 20s Audi RS4 Avant (2018, 10deg C, damp) Standing quarter mile 12.4sec at 113.7mph, standing km 22.7sec at 144.1mph, 30-70mph 3.5sec, 30-70mph in fourth 4.6sec 30mph 40 50 60 70mph 80mph 90mph 100mph 110mph 120mph 130mph 140mph 150mph 1.6s 2.23.1s 4.0s 5.1s 6.3s 7.8s 9.6s 11.6s 14.0s 17.0s 20.6s 25.0s 0 10s 20s

BRAKING 60-0mph: 2.73sec Alpina B3 Touring (24deg C, dry) 30mph-0 50mph-0 70mph-0 8.0m 22.0m 43.8m 0 10m 20m 30m 40m Audi RS4 Avant (2018, 10deg C, damp) 30mph-0 50mph-0 70mph-0 9.0m 25.3m 52.1m 0 10m 20m 30m 40m 50m z Its restrained appearance belies its potential to cover big miles very quickly, even in bad weather, while ensuring its driver remains comfortable and relaxed yet engaged. 40 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 4 NOVEMBER 2020 4 NOVEMBER 2020 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 41 ROAD TEST Data log Testers’ ALPINA B3 TOURING On-the-road price £67,950 notes Price as tested £84,625 RICHARD LANE Value after 3yrs/36k miles na I’ve driven this Contract hire pcm na car in Germany Cost per mile na and think any owner should make the TYPICAL PCP QUOTE 59 trip at least once, if for 4 years/32,000 miles, 25% deposit £699 litres no other reason than to A typical offer from Alpina’s sole UK franchise – see what their car can do. Sytner, headquartered in Nottingham – consists Emergency lane changes of a deposit of around £16,500, then 47 monthly at 170mph are part of payments of just under £700. On a basic £67,950 Alpina’s testing regime B3 Touring, the 4.9% APR means you’ll pay and the B3’s stability at £75,450 in total, should you choose to buy high speed is immense. the car outright for what works out at around £26,000 after the four-year PCP term ends. MATT SAUNDERS One thing I EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST really like about Alpina bodykit, including front spoiler this new B3 is Rear Sport limited-slip differential TECHNICAL LAYOUT how mature it Exterior trim, High-Gloss Shadowline Beneath the bodykit, the B3 is based on BMW’s M340i Touring and shares that car’s feels on the move – like Alpina-style Live Cockpit Professional fundamental suspension design and xDrive four-wheel drive system. Interestingly, a B5-lite, minus the LED headlights the BMW’s modest 59-litre tank remains, despite the B3’s potential for sustained enormous body and with Parking Assistant fast driving. Weight distribution was a perfect 50:50 on our scales. much sharper handling. Cruise control with braking function That sense of solidity is Anthracite headlining ENGINE POWER & TORQUE ECONOMY VERDICT one of the things that Alpina exhaust system, stainless steel Installation Front, longitudinal, TEST MPG Track 14.8mpg elevates the package. 700 Electric, heated front seats four-wheel drive 700 Touring 37.4mpg AAAAA Deco Set deletion No cost Type 6 cyls, in line, 2993cc, 516lb ft at Average 28.2mpg 600 3000-4350rpm 600 Special colour: Alpina Green metallic £1740 twin-turbocharged, petrol 456bhp at 5000-7000rpm Working to an old-school recipe, Alpina delivers its magnum opus Spec advice Alpina Classic 20in forged wheels £2080 Made of Aluminium block and head 500 500 CLAIMED Low 16.6mpg Merino leather, Ivory White £1900 Bore/ 84.0mm/90.0mm Mid 26.0mpg The Merino leather trim is High-performance brake system £1680 Compression ratio 9.3:1 Torque (lb ft) High 30.4mpg worth the outlay and you 400 400 his magazine usually reserves coveted five-star verdicts for cars that profoundly Panoramic glass sunroof £1400 Valve gear 4 per cyl Extra high 28.4mpg can have the dashboard Harman Kardon sound system £820 Power 456bhp at 5000-7000rpm 300 300 Combined 26.0mpg T change their particular game. There is little revolutionary about this new Alpina swathed in addition to the Acoustic glazing £190 Torque 516lb ft at 3000-4350rpm seats. The overall effect Power output (bhp) Driving Assistant Professional £1870 Redline 7500rpm 200 200 Tank size 59 litres B3, but in Touring guise, the car’s collection of attributes are so compelling is truly opulent. As for Galvanic embellisher for controls £95 Power to weight 245bhp per tonne Test range 363 miles wheel size, we would at Gearshift paddles, milled aluminium £280 Torque to weight 272lb ft per tonne 100 100 and appreciable that they exceed the sum of their parts. The B3 Touring earns five stars least try the 19in options. Options in bold fitted to test car Specific output 152bhp per litre EMISSIONS & TAX They might soften the 0 Engine (rpm) 0 because there is arguably no other car on sale that so successfully slathers its appeal across = Standard na = not available 0 2000 40006000 8000 CO2 emissions 228g/km ride and save you money. Tax at 20/40% pcm £419/£838 the realms of comfort, performance, practicality, engagement and – relative to the cars CHASSIS & BODY TRANSMISSION BRAKES SAFETY against which it competes – value for money. It is one sensationally well-rounded product. Jobs for Construction Aluminium/steel Type 8-spd automatic Front 395mm ventilated, drilled discs ABS, ESC, EBD, DTC, DBC monocoque Ratios/mph per 1000rpm Rear 345mm ventilated, drilled discs Euro NCAP crash rating Not tested Alpina’s success stems from its ability to recognise what customers want from their cars. the facelift Weight/as tested 1865kg/1880kg 1st 5.00/5.6 2nd 3.20/8.7 3rd 2.14/13.0 Anti-lock Standard, with brake assist z Offer a larger fuel tank; Drag coefficient 0.35 4th 1.72/16.2 5th 1.31/21.2 6th 1.00/27.8 Handbrake type Electronic, switch BMW’s latest 3 Series represents the finest base for an Alpina conversion since at least the 75 litres ought to do it. Wheels 8.5Jx20in (f), 7th 0.82/33.9 8th 0.64/43.4 Handbrake location Centre console z Continue efforts to 9.5Jx20in (r) Final drive ratio 2.81:1 CABIN NOISE E46 generation, if not the E30, but an extraordinarily potent engine and detail chassis smooth out the torque Tyres 255/30 ZR20 92Y (f), STEERING Idle 43dB Max rpm in 4th gear 83dB engineering changes take the package to new heights of maturity and enjoyment. This is delivery at 2700rpm. 365/30 ZR20 94Y (r), SUSPENSION Type Electromechanical, rack and pinion 30mph 59dB 50mph 64dB 70mph 68dB z What happened to the Pirelli P Zero ALP Front MacPherson struts, coil springs, Turns lock to lock 2.2 most obviously demonstrated in the way the new car is sweeter than its excellent predecessor old car’s wonderfully thin Spare Tyre repair kit anti-roll bar Turning circle 12.0m and firm steering rim? Rear Multi-link, coil springs, anti-roll bar not only on B-roads but also on motorways. For those who like to drive their performance z Develop an exhaust system that brings the ACCELERATION ACCELERATION IN GEAR MAX SPEEDS IN GEAR cars seven days a week and in all seasons, the B3 Touring is an especially rare gem. S58 to life. BMW won’t. MPH TIME (sec) mph 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 1 42mph 7500rpm 0-30 1.6 20-40 1.7 3.0 4.3 6.3 – – – ROAD 0-40 2.2 30-50 1.4 2.0 3.1 5.2 8.3 – – 2 65mph 7500rpm 1 2 3 45 0-50 2.9 40-60 1.6 1.7 2.3 3.9 7.2 10.5 – TEST 97mph 7500rpm 0-60 3.8 50-70 – 1.8 2.1 2.9 5.9 9.4 17.3 3 RIVALS 0-70 4.8 60-80 – 2.1 2.2 2.7 4.3 7.6 16.8 4 121mph 7500rpm 0-80 5.9 70-90 – – 2.4 2.8 3.8 5.6 14.8 0-90 7.2 80-100 – – 2.8 2.9 3.9 5.2 10.5 5 159mph 7500rpm 0-100 8.7 90-110 – – 3.3 3.2 4.1 5.4 - 186mph 6692rpm Verdicts ALPINA B3 TOURING MERCEDES-AMG C63 S ESTATE BI-TURBO TOURING AUDI RS6 AVANT AUDI RS4 AVANT 0-110 10.5 100-120 – – - 3.6 4.3 5.7 – 6 Breathtaking in its versatility and Meaty 4.0-litre V8 is the star of B3’s big brother is less capable Colossal performance and a Junior Audi offers more grip 0-120 12.6 110-130 – – – 4.4 4.7 6.0 – 7 186mph 5488rpm on every feels special by dint of not simply the show but AMG proves just on B-roads but is arguably the phenomenal all-rounder but than the B3 but little of its 0-130 15.1 120-140 – – – 5.4 5.3 – – new car, its pace and handling but also its how expressively and accessibly ultimate super-estate in terms of doesn’t engage or charm like compatriot’s feel or flow. 0-140 18.2 130-150 – – – – – – – 8 186mph* 4283rpm relative rarity. Surely the only an estate can handle. Only poor luxury and performance. Superb rivals from Mercedes and Alpina. Compared with RS4s of yore, * claimed p88 0-150 22.0 140-260 – – – – – – – car you would ever need. refinement blots its copybook. and soon to be facelifted, too. Not the most subtle, either. it’s a touch underwhelming. RPM in 8th at 70/80mph = 1612/1842 AAAAA AAAAB AAAAB AAAAC AAAAC

THE SMALL PRINT Power-to-weight and torque-to-weight figures are calculated using manufacturer’s claimed kerb weight. © 2020, Price £67,950 £76,198 £91,000 £100,650 £65,700 Haymarket Media Group Ltd. Test results may not be reproduced without editor’s written permission. For information on the B3 Touring, Power, torque 456bhp, 516lb ft 503bhp, 516lb ft 599bhp, 590lb ft 591bhp, 590lb ft 444bhp, 443lb ft contact Alpina GB, Sytner Nottingham BMW, Nottingham, NG7 2AX (0115 934 1414, sytner.co.uk). Cost-per-mile figures calculated over ROAD TEST No 5498 three years/36,000 miles, including depreciation and maintenance but not insurance; Lex Autolease (0800 389 3690). Insurance quote 0-62mph, top speed 3.9sec, 186mph 4.1sec, 174mph 3.7sec, 201mph 3.6sec, 189mph 4.1sec, 155mph (governed) covers 35-year-old professional male with clean licence and full no-claims bonus living in Swindon; quote from Liverpool Victoria (0800 CO , economy 228g/km, 26.0mpg 251g/km, 25.2-25.7mpg 248g/km, 23.5mpg 263-268g/km, 22.1-22.6mpg 220-223g/km, 28.8-29.1mpg 066 5161, lv.com). Contract hire figure based on a three-year lease/36,000-mile contract including maintenance; Wessex Fleet Solutions 2 (01722 322888). Read all of our road tests autocar.co.uk 42 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 4 NOVEMBER 2020 4 NOVEMBER 2020 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 43