Currently reading: New Alpina D3 Bi-Turbo unveiled
Alpina's D3 to offer 0-62mph in 4.6sec and an average economy of 53.3mpg, thanks to twin-turbo 3.0-litre diesel engine

Alpina is marking its home motor show in Frankfurt with the unveiling of its new Alpina D3 Bi-Turbo saloon and estate.

The BMW 3-series-based D3 Bi-Turbo gets the same twin-turbo 3.0-litre straight-six diesel engine as the Alpina XD3 and D5 models, meaning an output of 345bhp and 516lb ft.

It’s the first time a six-cylinder diesel engine has been used in the D3 by Alpina; the new D3’s predecessor in 2005 used a four-cylinder engine and was Alpina’s best-selling model in its history. In total, more than 2000 were sold.

The EU6-compliant engine is good for combined economy of 53.3mpg and CO2 emissions of 139g/km. The 0-62mph sprint is dispatched in 4.6sec, and the top speed is an impressive claimed 173mph.

Consequently the new diesel saloon will be capable of outpacing the potent BMW M135i, which is capable of 0-62mph in 4.9sec and limited to 155mph.

Alpina is offering the D3 Bi-Turbo in both saloon and estate (Touring) bodystyles, and standard rear-wheel drive for right-hand drive models. Left-hand drive markets get the option of all-wheel drive. A limited-slip differential is on the options list.

The D3 is distinguished by a series of subtle styling changes over the 3-series on which it is based, including a subtle bodykit and the fitting of 19-inch Alpina Classic alloy wheels as standard. Alloys of 20 inches in size are optional.

Alpina's new D3 is set to the reach the UK early next year, although prices have yet to be revealed.

Click here for more Frankfurt motor show news.

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The Alpina D3 is perhaps the most desirable saloon car yet in the 'real world'

Mark Tisshaw

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Title: Editor

Mark is a journalist with more than a decade of top-level experience in the automotive industry. He first joined Autocar in 2009, having previously worked in local newspapers. He has held several roles at Autocar, including news editor, deputy editor, digital editor and his current position of editor, one he has held since 2017.

From this position he oversees all of Autocar’s content across the print magazine, autocar.co.uk website, social media, video, and podcast channels, as well as our recent launch, Autocar Business. Mark regularly interviews the very top global executives in the automotive industry, telling their stories and holding them to account, meeting them at shows and events around the world.

Mark is a Car of the Year juror, a prestigious annual award that Autocar is one of the main sponsors of. He has made media appearances on the likes of the BBC, and contributed to titles including What Car?Move Electric and Pistonheads, and has written a column for The Sun.

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Turismo 7 September 2013

It's getting close to a Volvo

It's getting close to a Volvo 2.0 petrol in terms of output lol.
There is no point in diesel performance cars.

Maxecat 8 September 2013

The market has decided there is a demand for diesel performance

Turismo wrote:

It's getting close to a Volvo 2.0 petrol in terms of output lol.
There is no point in diesel performance cars.

As the market share taken by higher performance diesel cars shows buyers disagree with your view.
It is petrol powered performance cars sales that have declined in Europe. Nowadays it is becoming rare to see prestige branded new cars fitted with a petrol engine except for exotics like Porsche, Ferrari, etc. in the UK.

Demonic Soul 6 September 2013

Amazing figures from a diesel

Amazing figures from a diesel engine, getting close to supercar numbers now. Although I still don't like the headlights and I think those mpg and co2 figures wont be anything like real world numbers.

Peter Cavellini 6 September 2013

Yes! Yes! and yes!!

Just one sticky point though,will it be 10 or 20grand over the price of the donor car?, all the car you'll ever need?, thee ultimate driving machine?,come on!...somebody test it!.

Ray60 6 September 2013

Peter Cavellini wrote: all

Peter Cavellini wrote:

all the car you'll ever need?

This phrase gets tossed about too much. I need something bigger and more comfortable than this, and I'd also like something that looks better too.

Peter Cavellini 8 September 2013

All the car you'll........?

Ray60@

They do a 5 series too you know!

Ray60 8 September 2013

Peter Cavellini

Peter Cavellini wrote:

Ray60@

They do a 5 series too you know!

I'd really rather not, if it's all the same to you!