The updated Alpina XD3, the tuning firm’s fettled BMW X3, will pack more power and superior efficiency when it arrives early next year.
As revealed by CarExpert earlier this year, its twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six diesel gains 48V mild-hybrid technology, with outputs up by 16kW and 30Nm to 261kW of power and 730Nm of torque.
It uses BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive system and an eight-speed torque-converter automatic transmission. A computer-controlled rear limited-slip differential is also standard, as is Alpina’s unique suspension tune. Despite the extra grunt, the 0-100km/h time is unchanged at 4.9 seconds.
Alpina has also added a panoramic sunroof, previously a $2690 option. Otherwise, the XD3’s features list remains unchanged.
The upgrades result in a slightly higher price than the current model – $114,990 before on-road costs, or $5090 more than before.
That puts it a few thousand dollars above the BMW X3 M40i, which offers quite a different package. The sporty X3 packs a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six like the XD3, but it runs on petrol.
The X3 M40i has slightly more power at 285kW but considerably less torque at 500Nm, though it manages an almost identical 0-100km/h time of 4.8 seconds. It drinks more fuel, though, with an ADR combined cycle result of 8.7L/100km.
Pricing
- 2020 Alpina XD3: $114,900
Price excludes on-road costs.
Engines
As mentioned, the 2020 Alpina XD3 is powered by a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged diesel inline six with 48V mild-hybrid technology, all-wheel drive and an eight-speed torque-converter automatic transmission. It produces 261kW of power and 730Nm of torque.
Fuel Economy
Alpina claims the XD3 consumes 6.5L/100km on the combined cycle.
Dimensions
The 2020 Alpina XD3 measures 4732mm long, 1665mm tall and 1897mm wide (2138mm including the mirrors).
Luggage space measures 550L, expanding to 1600L with the rear seats folded.
Safety
ANCAP and Euro NCAP haven’t specifically tested the Alpina XD3. The Australian safety body recorded a rating of five stars for the related BMW X4, which itself was based on Euro NCAP testing of the BMW X3 conducted in 2017.
That rating was based on an adult occupant protection score of 93 per cent, child occupant protection score of 84 per cent, pedestrian protection score of 70 per cent, and a safety assist score of 58 per cent.
The XD3 comes standard with autonomous emergency braking with forward-collision warning, as well as blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, rear cross-traffic alert and front, side and curtain airbags.
Standard Equipment
The 2021 XD3 comes standard with the following features:
- 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, DAB+ digital radio and satellite navigation
- Adaptive suspension
- Adaptive cruise control
- LED headlights with adaptive high beam
- Head-up display
- Heated, power-adjustable front sport seats
- 16-speaker Harman Kardon surround sound system
- 20-inch alloy wheels
- Semi-autonomous parking assist
- Dual-zone climate control
- Ambient lighting
- Proximity entry with push-button start
- Panoramic sunroof
- Wireless phone charging
- Automatic headlights
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Reversing camera with front and rear parking sensors
Options include:
- 22-inch alloy wheels
- Gesture Control
- TV functionality
- Heated rear seats
- Ventilated front seats
Servicing
Like the wider BMW and Alpina range, the XD3 is covered by a three-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty with complimentary roadside assistance for this period.
