Alpina has unveiled the D3 S, its latest model based on the current BMW 3 Series sedan and wagon – but Australia will miss out.
While the existing B3 uses a turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-six petrol engine rated at 340kW and 700Nm, the D3 S uses a modified version of BMW’s B57 3.0-litre straight-six turbo-diesel.
Thanks to Alpina’s revised engine computer, larger intercoolers, and other cooling upgrades, the D3 S has 261kW of power and 730Nm of torque, an improvement of 11kW and 30Nm over the M340d.
The D3 S also includes a 48V mild hybrid system, which improves around-town fuel economy and can add a burst of up to 8kW.
The uprated engine is hooked up to a reinforced ZF eight-speed automatic transmission, and an all-wheel drive system with a new limited-slip differential on the rear axle.
Despite the extra power and torque, the D3 S and the M340d have identical 0-100km/h times, with the sedan requiring 4.6 seconds and the wagon needing 4.8 seconds.
Top speed has been upped, however, to 273km/h in the sedan and 270km/h for the wagon. Using the WLTP methodology, the D3 S drinks at a rate of 7.6L/100km.
By way of comparison, the petrol-powered B3 needs just 3.8 seconds to complete the 0-100km/h standard. It is significantly thirstier, though, at 11.0L/100km.
The D3 S rides on either 19-inch alloy wheels with 255/35 front tyres and 265/35 rear tyres, or 20-spoke, 20-inch rims with 255/30 rubber at the front and 265/30 at the rear.
Stopping ability comes from 395mm disc brakes up front with four-piston calipers, and 345mm discs at the rear. Drilled composite brakes are an optional extra.
Externally the D3 S features revised air intakes, prominent Alpina lettering, and tweaked aerodynamics at the rear to improve high-speed stability.
On the inside the D3 S is available with sports seats trimmed in faux suede, a build number plaque, and Alpina-branded backrests and sills.
Europeans can order the D3 S now, but deliveries aren’t slated to begin until November 2020.
