What's the news?
Those who have just placed an order for a BMW M3 are advised to look away now, as Alpina introduces the D3 Bi-Turbo - the fastest production diesel car on sale today. Available as both a saloon and a Touring estate the D3 Bi-Turbo not only trumps the M3 on speed, but also on fuel economy and price.
Exterior
In true Alpina style, the 3 Series on which it is based has received some aerodynamic flourishes to differentiate it from a run-of-the-mill model. The most obvious and classic additions are Alpina's multi-spoke, lightweight, 19-inch alloys that have remained in the same style for many years. Up front you'll also notice a small lip spoiler with a similarly subtle item on the boot lid, too. Less subtle are the four large exhaust outlets protruding out the back that are each fitted with an 'intelligent' acoustic valve - presumably to crank up the noise when it's deemed appropriate. The D3 can be had in Alpina's signature Blue or Green paint finishes complete with trademark decals down each side.
Interior
Don't think that Alpina's pursuit of power has ruined the interior though; as the company claims to have spent just as much time looking at comfort as it has at speed. Therefore, the cabin features leather upholstery, luxury carpets, electrically adjusted heated seats and hand-finished wood trim. The D3 Bi-Turbo also comes with branded kick-plates, a unique plaque on the centre console displaying the build number of each car, and blue-backed dials as standard. For those wanting more, the options list is enormous; as buyers can choose from BMW's entire additional equipment list as well as a majority of those found on the BMW Individual specification, too.
Mechanicals
So, to the engine. Under the bonnet is a 3.0-litre straight-six diesel unit that has been fitted with, in case you hadn't guessed, two turbochargers. The result is 350hp and a colossal 700Nm of torque, firing the D3 Bi-Turbo from 0-62mph in 4.6 seconds and on to a top speed of 173mph. The fact that this is achievable in a diesel-powered luxury saloon is special enough, but when you discover that the car will also do 53.2mpg while emitting just 139g/km of CO¬2 you come to realise why this car took two years of developing before it came to market.
In addition to the impressive performance statistics, the D3 Bi-Turbo is also fitted with Adaptive M Sport Suspension with Alpina springs, a 'bespoke' eight-speed automatic gearbox, Brembo brakes and non-run-flat Michelin Pilot Super Sports tyres.
Anything else?
With a price tag of £46,950 for the saloon and £49,950 for the Touring, the D3 Bi-Turbo represents a saving of more than £10,000 over the outgoing M3. Furthermore, thanks to the rarity of the brand, residual values are likely to be high, too. The D3 Bi-Turbo is on sale now.
James Giddings - 11 Oct 2013