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.

    Derek Fung

    Derek Fung would love to tell you about his multiple degrees, but he's too busy writing up some news right now. In his spare time Derek loves chasing automotive rabbits down the hole. Based in New York, New York, Derek loves to travel and is very much a window not an aisle person.

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