2016
Alpina D3
Alpina,
the long-standing tuner of BMWs, has announced it will be bringing along a
facelifted and updated D3 Bi-Turbo to this year's Frankfurt Motor Show. It gets
the same updates as the 2015 BMW 3 Series range, including tweaked styling and
a revised cabin.
Like
the 3 Series it's based on, the D3's facelift is very subtle. New LED lights
front and rear are the biggest changes, with subtly restyled front and rear
bumpers and new exhaust tips rounding off the exterior updates. The familiar
muscular Alpina styling revisions and multi-spoke alloys also feature.
Inside,
perceived quality has taken a leap forward, with improved plastics and trim
quality. The standard sat-nav system has also received sofware updates, while
Alpina's unique wheel badging, colour schemes and seat upholstery help to
differenciate it.
Of
course the D3's biggest appeal has always been under the bonnet, and that
storming diesel powertrain remains unchanged. The 3.0-litre twin turbo straight
six diesel still develops 345 bhp and 690 Nm of torque, with the saloon hitting
0-62 mph in 4.6 seconds and going on to a derestricted 170mph top speed. Fuel
economy remains at 53.3 mpg for the saloon and 52.3 mpg for the estate.
