2023 Alpina B3 facelift revealed, priced for Australia

A mid-life update for the 2023 Alpina B3 has been revealed just days after BMW unveiled its revised 2023 3 Series range.

The new Alpina B3 sedan and B3 Touring wagon feature many of the changes introduced to BMW’s 2023 3 Series, such as tweaked exterior styling and new interior technology. This means an update to the brand’s new iDrive 8 software, and an enlarged twin-screen display atop the dash.

Both the B3 sedan and B3 Touring will come to Australia with prices set to start from $152,900 before on-road costs, according to Alpina’s Australian configurator.

This represents a $10,000 increase on the outgoing Alpina B3. Drive has approached Alpina Australia representatives to confirm pricing; this story will be updated with a response.

The 2023 B3 will also receive a tweaked twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine, which now produces 364kW/730Nm.

These outputs represent a 24kW/30Nm boost on the outgoing B3, thanks to a new exhaust system and engine tune. As before, drive will be sent to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission.

A new front fascia incorporates the updated headlights and kidney grille signature of its 3 Series counterpart, but the look is stepped up to match Alpina’s sporting intent. The car receives a low Alpina-emblazoned front splitter, accentuated rear bumper, and a set of Alpina’s iconic 20-spoke alloy wheels, which measure 20 inches in size.

Revealed alongside the Alpina B3 is its D3 diesel-powered range-mate, though this version has never been offered in Australia.

As with the outgoing Alpina B3, the cabin will feature a range of hand-applied touches to the interior. These include a sports steering wheel upholstered in Lavalina leather with optional anodised aluminium paddle shifters, a detailed production number plaque on the centre console, and gratuitous Alpina badging.

Dominating the new interior space is a 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Highlights of the system include wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, augmented-reality navigation, and BMW’s 'personal assistant' voice control function.  

In terms of performance, the B3 sedan is said to complete a zero to 100km/h run in 3.6 seconds, while the Touring wagon takes a fractionally-longer 3.7 seconds. They run on to 305km/h and 302km/h top speeds respectively.

In addition to traditional Alpina colour finishes of blue and green, there are standard and BMW Individual finishes available including Melbourne Red, Brooklyn Grey, and Skyscraper Grey. These colour schemes can be accented by the traditional Alpina striping package which runs along the side of the car.

BMW acquired the rights to the Alpina tuning brand earlier this year, which could mean the eventual closure of the existing Buchloe factory. However, the takeover won’t come into effect until late 2025.