2021 Alpina D3 S Breaks Cover As Your 350 HP Diesel Autobahn Cruiser

Following the debut of the gasoline-powered B3 late last year, Alpina Automobiles has now unveiled the diesel-powered D3 S.

Available both in Sedan and Touring body styles, the Alpina D3 S should, in theory at least, become the closest thing to a diesel-powered BMW M3. We say that because its 3.0-liter turbocharged straight-six diesel delivers 355 PS (350 HP) at 4,000-4,200 rpm.

That’s 15 PS (15 HP) more than the stock model on which the Alpina D3 S is based, the BMW M340d. When it comes to the peak torque, the D3 S unleashes 730 Nm (538 lb-ft) between 1,750 rpm and 2,750 rpm – 30 Nm (22 lb-ft) more than the M340d.

See Also: Bolder 2020 Alpina B5 Biturbo Touring Coming As The Unofficial M5 Wagon (But Still Not For U.S.)

The D3 S should not disappoint dynamically as Alpina promises excellent throttle response at low rpms as well as a high-revving engine, something modern diesels are not typically known for. For the first time in a BMW Alpina, the D3 S offers mild-hybrid technology which delivers an electrical power boost of up to 8 kW (11 PS / 11 HP) especially in the lower speed range while also maximizing efficiency.

The engine is hooked to an eight-speed Sport-Automatic ZF transmission and an xDrive AWD system that distributes torque as required between the front and rear axle. Alpina has made specific adjustments to the AWD system to ensure the torque distribution is predominantly rear-wheel-biased.

When it comes to performance, the 2021 Alpina D3 S Sedan can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.6 seconds (4.8 seconds for the Touring) and is able to reach a top speed of 273 km/h / 170 mph (270 km/h / 168 mph for the Touring). While the acceleration specs are identical with the stock M340d, the top speed is significantly higher.

As it’s always the case with Alpina vehicles, the D3 S is designed primarily for the road (especially the Autobahn) and not the track. Still, it comes fitted with the Alpina Sport Suspension carried over from the much more powerful BMW Alpina B3. The gasoline-powered B3 also provides the template from a design standpoint.

The new Alpina D3 S Sedan is now available to order in Germany from €70,500 ($76,450), while the Touring starts at €71,900 ($77,950) – both prices include the local 19% VAT. Deliveries will begin in November 2020.