BMW just this week revealed its updated (LCI in BMW parlance) X3, and now it’s the Alpina tuning arm’s turn to reveal its revised XD3 version.
The 2022 BMW Alpina XD3 brings some important revisions to what has become the company’s top-selling model, is now available for pre-order, and is slated to arrive in the tuning arm’s six Australian showrooms just before 2021 ends.
What’s new
The 2022 changes include a revised steering calibration said to be more precise and sensitive than before, higher-performing brake pads, and a Performance Control individual-wheel-braking system designed to mitigate understeer.
It also sports a slightly different kidney grille, new-look headlights and tail lights, plus bumper and diffuser redesigns.
While Alpina hasn’t offered details, expect the BMW X3’s cabin changes to also carry over, led by two 12.3-inch displays running the latest BMW OS7.0 infotainment system and a standard head-up display.
Alongside power and torque, the new BMW sport displays can now also show boost pressure, oil temperature, and the G-forces in a dynamic diagram.
What’s familiar
As before, the XD3 is a Bavarian diesel sports SUV alternative to BMW’s M40i xDrive petrol offering, and as such lines up nicely against the newly updated Audi SQ5 which returned to the diesel drivetrain that always suited it so well.
The familiar 3.0-litre bi-turbo diesel straight-six puts out 261kW of power and a mighty 730Nm of torque from just 1750rpm. It meets all the harshest Euro 6d emissions standards, necessitating a particulate filter, SCR catalysts, and AdBlue.
The two turbos operate at lower and higher pressures respectively, recirculate exhaust waste gases, and use an Alpina-tuned bespoke cooling system.
A 48V starter-generator smooths out the stop/start, and its 8kW power output both lends poke to sharpen throttle response and allows the diesel engine is operate in an optimised load range more often, further improving efficiency.
The XD3 can dash from zero to 100km/h in 4.9 seconds on the way to a 254km/h top speed. Fuel consumption is a claimed 7.8 litres per 100km on the WLTP cycle or 6.8L/100km on the friendlier NEDC/ADR measure.
The engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission supplied by ZF and uses Alpina aluminium paddle shifters. Drive is sent to the road via an on-demand and rear-biased all-wheel drive system with rear limited-slip diff.
For a little extra context the BMW M40i xDrive’s 3.0-litre petrol turbo-six makes 265kW and 500Nm, while its X3 xDrive30d’s diesel donk offers 195kW/620Nm. Audi’s rejigged SQ5 has a 251kW/700Nm V6 and 5.1sec 0-100km/h claim.
Underneath the XD3’s restyled body are adaptive dampers that’ve been given specific Alpina treatment, as well as stiffer and shorter springs. The classic 20-inch wheels wear Pirelli P Zero Ultra-High Performance tyres (255/45 front and 285/40 rear) developed with help from Alpina’s engineering team.
You can option 22-inch rims with 255/35 front and 295/30 rear rubber.
Another performance option are the high-performance brakes including lightweight drilled composite discs measuring 395mm at the front and 398mm at the rear, said to offer greater direct pedal feedback and less fade.
Inside, Alpina’s saddlery “provides an almost unlimited range of interior features for the XD3: piping, stitching, embroidery, punching and embossing, made to customer specifications, add a personal touch to each BMW ALPINA automobile”.
Alpina calls the optional, untreated ‘LAVALINA’ leather upholstery “the most exquisite natural material used in the automotive industry”.
Australia
Alpina Australia is yet to disclose pricing, though the pre-facelift model sold for $114,900 before on-road costs, $10,000 more than the 2021 Audi SQ5.
“Full pricing and specification details will be provided closer to the Australian market launch,” the company’s local team added.
The BMW Alpina XD3 is covered by a three-year and unlimited-kilometre warranty. Complimentary roadside assistance is also provided for this time period.
All vehicles sold by Alpina Automobiles Australia can be serviced via an official BMW dealership. BMW’s Service Inclusive program is also available, and follows the requirements of the BMW X3 M40i.
In operation since 2016, Alpina Automobiles Australia distributes the exclusive range through a “select list” of BMW dealerships, including: Doncaster BMW, Melbourne BMW, BMW Sydney, Gold Coast BMW, Adelaide BMW, and Auto Classic BMW (Perth).
“Since launch the BMW Alpina XD3 has been Alpina’s most popular vehicle in Australia,” said sales manager Phil Jeffery.
“As a premium medium-sized SUV, the… XD3 is perfectly sized for this market, while its combination of six-cylinder bi-turbo diesel power and 48-volt mild hybrid system ensures instant response, strong acceleration and incredible fuel economy.”
