New 2020 Alpina D3 S saloon and estate launched
Alpina has unveiled a diesel-powered version of its BMW 3 Series, with 350bhp and 730Nm of torque
Alpina has launched a tuned version of the latest BMW 330d xDrive. Called the D3 S, it features the same styling and chassis upgrades as the petrol-powered B3, but it’s powered by a tuned version of BMW’s turbocharged 3.0-litre diesel engine.
It’s available to order now, although first deliveries aren’t expected to arrive until November this year. UK prices are yet to be officially confirmed but, based on Alpina’s European figures, they should start from around £61,000 for the saloon and £62,500 for the estate.
The Alpina D3 S’s powertrain is based on the BMW 330d’s twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-six engine, but features new intercoolers, a reflashed ECU, an uprated cooling system and a freer-flowing exhaust. The result is an output of 350bhp and 730Nm of torque, which is 92bhp and 170Nm more than the standard BMW 330d.
Like the BMW 330d xDrive on which it’s based, the Alpina D3 S sends power to all four wheels, through a reworked version of the standard car’s eight-speed automatic gearbox. Top speed stands at 170mph, while the 0–62mph sprint takes just 4.6 seconds in the saloon – thanks in part to the transmission’s revised shift pattern.
It shares the same chassis and suspension setup as the petrol-powered Alpina B3 – meaning there’s a fresh set of adaptive dampers, uprated Eibach springs, larger diameter disc brakes, new calipers, a reconfigured electronic power steering system and a new electronically controlled limited-slip differential.
The D3’s track width and wheelbase is also increased over the standard 330d, which Alpina says will benefit the car’s handling. Finally, customers can spec a high-performance braking system with lightweight, drilled discs and uprated brake pads as an optional extra.
Cosmetic upgrades have also been carried over from the Alpina B3. There’s a new body kit with a deep front splitter, wider side skirts, flared wheel arches and an aggressive rear diffuser. Fresh 19-inch alloy wheels, wrapped in Pirelli P Zero tyres, are offered as standard, while the brand’s trademark 20-inch multi-spoke alloys are available as an optional extra.
The D3’s interior can be finished to the owner’s preference, with Alpina offering a choice of upholstery, stitching and embossing options for the seats – and a range of trim variants for the centre console and dashboard. Soft furnishing aside, though, the cabin is near-identical to the standard 3 Series, with the same digital gauge cluster and iDrive infotainment system.
What do you make of the new Alpina D3 S? Let us know in the comments section below…
