Added grunt

Updated Alpina XD3 now features mild-hybrid tech

Two months after confirming it for the market, Alpina Australia has revealed pricing of its updated XD3 performance SUV, which will check into showrooms later this year from $119,900 plus on-road costs.

That starting price places the new luxurious high-rider $4000 upstream of the semi-skim BMW X3 M40i on which it is based, but still $41,000 more affordable than the manic X3 M Competition.

Unlike the flagship X3, Alpina’s mid-sized offering is powered by a 3.0-litre straight-six twin-turbo diesel engine developing 261kw-730nm, marking a 16kw-30nm improvement over the old model.

With drive sent to all four wheels via a tweaked eight-speed ZF automatic transmission, the XD3 will launch from 0-100kmh in a claimed 4.9 seconds and push on to a top speed of 254kmh.

Alpina says that despite the rapid performance, the XD3 will sip 6.8 litres of fuel per 100km on the combined cycle, thanks in part to the new 48V mild hybrid system that can also contribute up to 8kw of power when needed. Other changes of note include refreshed styling of the radiator grille, headlights, body kit and rear diffuser, revised variable sports steering, upgraded brake pads and a recalibrated dynamic stability control system.

In classic Alpina style, the XD3 is packed full of more standard equipment than you could poke a stick at, highlights of which include Comfort+ driving mode, 12.3-inch digital driver’s display, Vernasca leather upholstery, bespoke Lavalina leather steering wheel, redesigned centre console, ambient lighting, panoramic glass sunroof and a 16-speaker Harmankardon sound system.

More than just a straight-line hero, the XD3 also comes with reworked adaptive sports suspension, sport front seats, sport rear differential, rear-bias for the AWD system, bespoke stainless-steel exhaust system and new sport displays like a virtual boost gauge, g-meter and oil temperature readout.

It all rides on a bespoke 20-inch alloy wheel and Pirelli P-zero ‘ALP’ tyre combination.

Standard safety gear matches that of the X3 M40i donor car and is headlined by the driving assistant professional suite incorporating adaptive cruise control with stop and go function, front and rear cross-traffic warning, steering and lane-control assistant as well as lane-keep assist with side collision warning, crossroads warning and evasion aid.

Parking assistant plus is also standard, featuring rear active park distance control, surround view, panorama view and 3D view cameras.