Set to make its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show,
the new Alpina XD3 positions itself as perhaps the sportiest iteration of the
new X3, at least until BMW finishes their work on the upcoming X3 M model.
It’s certainly the most powerful version as it features
a quad-turbo 3.0-liter straight-six diesel engine with common-rail
high-pressure direct injection, producing 388 hp and a humongous 770 Nm of peak torque. Strapped to it is an eight-speed automatic transmission
that’s connected to a reconfigured xDrive all-wheel drive system, featuring
specific torque distribution for the new Alpina XD3.
Alpina claims a 0-100 km/h in 4.6 seconds and
a top speed of 266 km/h which sounds fast enough for an SUV of this
size, especially a diesel-powered one. Right-hand drive examples however will
be driven by a less crazy, twin-turbo 3.0-liter straight-six diesel engine with
333 hp and still a very impressive 700 Nm of peak torque.
The less powerful engine is still paired to an
eight-speed automatic transmission and Alpina’s reconfigured xDrive all-wheel
drive system. Performance remains strong, with the 0-100 km/h requiring
4.9 seconds and top speed set at 254 km/h.
The chassis features Alpina’s sport suspension which
employs electronically adjustable dampers together with an active rear limited
differential to ensure class-leading handling. A set of the trademark 20-inch
Alpina wheels is fitted as standard, with 22-inch lightweight forged items
being an option.
Alpina will open the order books for the 2019 XD3
from the second quarter of 2018, with first deliveries to begin in 2019.
