Alpina's 350-hp diesel XD3 debuts in refreshed form at Geneva auto show

3.0-LITER BITURBO DIESEL SUV MAKES THE SPRINT TO 62 MPH IN UNDER FIVE SECONDS

BMW tuner Alpina has been doing some impressive things with diesels lately, impressive enough to almost make us forget the Alpina model that BMW offers through their stateside dealerships. The BMW Alpina B6 xDrive Gran Coupe may be a 600-hp rocket capable of 200 mph, but the rest of the range is no less exciting, even if for slightly geekier reasons. Alpina took the opportunity this week to unveil a facelifted version of the XD3 Biturbo at the Geneva motor show -- a tuned diesel version of the BMW X3 35d.

The XD3 has been a part of the Buchloe-based tuning house's lineup for several years now, though the update of the X3 has given Alpina the excuse to facelift its version, as well. The new front and rear fascias are examples of Teutonic design and restraint that we've become accustomed to, but it's what's under the hood of the small SUV that has us drooling: a 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six torque monster that produces 350 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. These figures are enough to propel BMW's midsize SUV from 0-62 mph in just 4.9 seconds. And in keeping with the efficient part of EfficientDynamics, BMW's guiding principle when it comes to mimimizing emissions, the XD3 returns a combined 35.6 mpg in the European cycle.

The new XD3 is pretty low-key as far as vehicles from German tuners go, with uniquely styled front and rear fascias with integrated spoilers, a rear apron, the famous Alpina stripes known as the Deco-Set and a choice of wheels ranging in size from 19 to 21 inches. The interior features a retrimmed steering wheel with contrasting blue/green stitching; a unique instrument panel; and Alpina headrests, door sills and floor mats, in addition to other details. As an option, the interior can be trimmed in Alcantara leather with contrasting stitching, as well.

This version of the X3, sadly, is not available through BMW dealerships in the U.S., as the diesel X3 that serves as the starting point for the XD3 is not sold here. So the stock X3 xDrive28d, equipped with a 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo Diesel inline-four producing 180 hp, is as close as it gets. And that's pretty far.