Alpina’s latest iteration of the high-performance XD3 Biturbo SUV is now on sale, with the first customer cars expected to arrive in the first quarter of 2019.
More from the Alpina skunkworks:
Based on the recently updated BMW X3, the Alpina uses a tuned version of BMW’s 3-litre straight-six diesel engine. With a 329 bhp output, it’s capable of taking the XD3 from 0-62 mph in 4.9 seconds and on to a top speed of 158 mph.
Despite this sports car performance, the XD3 looks much like the X3, but Alpina’s trademark 20-inch (or 22-inch, if you tick that option box) multi-spoke alloy wheels, beefed-up bumpers and quad tailpipes give the game away.
Inside, Alpina’s craftsmen have made merry with the standard BMW interior, swapping the steering wheel for one of Alpina’s own design and adding an Alpina production plaque. Even the digital instrument display has been tweaked, with the traditional blue background added.
And customers can modify their car even further, with Alpina’s usual mix of customisation options. Those who can afford the super-SUV will have the choice of myriad upholsteries, trim pieces and interior colours, with the company boasting that there are “virtually no limits” to its personalisation program.
The mechanical modifications have been equally comprehensive, with the suspension upgraded to help the handling live up to the straight-line performance. Adjustable dampers have been used to ensure that the selectable driving modes provide very different characteristics, and the company has tuned the steering to make it more precise.
Alpina has fiddled with the brakes, too, offering customers a sports braking system with drilled brake discs, and the four-wheel-drive system has been changed to modify the power distribution between the front and rear axles. This, Alpina claims, works in tandem with the electronic limited-slip differential to improve traction.
The XD3 is on sale now, with prices starting at £57,900.
Gallery: Alpina XD3 AWD RHD