German BMW tuning specialist Alpina has unwrapped its tuned take on the new 3 Series estate at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show. Like the old model, this new Alpina B3 Touring features a subtle design rethink, a tuned engine and a range of chassis revisions. Sales start in early next year, with first deliveries expected by summer 2020.

Styling changes over the standard BMW 3 Series Touring includes a fresh set of 19-inch alloy wheels, subtle body kit, a larger-diameter quad-exit exhaust system and a reprofiled tailgate with a new roof spoiler. Buyers can also specify Alpina’s trademark 20-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels as an optional extra.

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The Alpina B3 Touring is powered by a tuned version of BMW’s twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-six petrol engine. This features an uprated cooling system, a revised exhaust, a pair of re-engineered turbochargers and a remapped ECU for a maximum output of 457bhp and 700Nm of torque. Alpina claims a top speed of “over 300km/h” (186mph).

The engine sends its power to all four wheels via a new eight-speed automatic gearbox, developed collaboratively with the German transmission manufacturer ZF. The B3’s rear axle also features an electronically controlled limited-slip differential, which Alpina says offers improved cornering ability and traction.

Like the old B3 saloon, the new Alpina B3 Touring features a range of chassis revisions. Upgrades include a wider track, a longer wheelbase, Pirelli P Zero tyres, stiffer Eibach springs, adaptive dampers, larger-diameter disc brakes and four-piston calipers. Alpina also offers a set of lightweight, drilled and vented high-performance brakes as an optional extra.

Inside, the Alpina B3 features a pair of unique leather-trimmed sports seats, a hand-stitched heated leather steering wheel, “Alpina” branded treadplates and unique floor mats with metal Alpina emblems. Like the standard 3 Series Touring, buyers also get a 12.3-inch digital instrument binnacle and BMW’s iDrive infotainment system.

Further performance specifications for the Alpina B3 Touring, such as an accurate top speed figure and a 0–62mph time, will likely be announced once the dust settles from this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show. UK sales are expected to commence in 2020, with prices starting at around £60,000.

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