Alpina XD3 - A Mighty Quick Fine-Driver

Ever felt that the X3 lacked an edge? Alpina did…

Visually, it’s not my cup of tea. A toothpaste-advert-white bodykitted SUV on 21-inch wheels with linguine tyres and pinstriping down the flanks? Thank you, but no. I prefer my Alpinas subtle. Of course, it’s also available in dark blue, and you’d save yourself $1,728 if you limited yourself to the entry-level 20-inchers, so that’s what I’m going to imagine in my mind’s eye, because then I’d have a car which looks how it feels.

The XD3 feels genuinely, deeply rapid, delivering the kind of pulverizing onward force that’ll get a shiny white off-roader… noticed

More on the way it drives shortly, for first we must discuss the engine, which isn’t exactly short on torque. It’s the familiar 3.0-litre twin-turbo diesel, which Alpina has opened up to get more air in, through and out. It has 516lb ft of torque. This is more than a Ferrari F12. OK, so I bet the X3 is a bit heavier than you were thinking (I’d also bet it’s bigger than you expect), but still, a sub-five to 62mph? That’s not shabby, is it? The XD3 feels genuinely, deeply rapid, delivering the kind of pulverizing onward force that’ll get a shiny white off-roader… noticed.

The XD3 is very costly

Of course, BMW already offers this engine in the X3, but here you have an extra 36bhp and 52lb ft, and Alpina only charges you an extra $19,280 for the… oh, hang on.

Yes, the XD3 is very costly. We had exactly this issue with the Alpina B3 Bi-Turbo we tested recently, but we haven’t got to the best bit yet – the justification. It doesn’t lie with the exterior adornments, nor can it be found in the cabin, despite the presence of a plaque and a centre console clad, somewhat oddly, in Alcantara. What sets the Alpina apart isn’t the extra turbo whistle, a 38 per cent bigger intercooler or a new manifold able to cope with 50-degree hotter exhaust temperatures. No, what really sets the Alpina apart are its road manners.

What really sets the Alpina apart are its road manners

How does Alpina manage to give its XD3 such an extraordinary ride when the might of BMW produces a car that clangs? Non-run-flat tyres are part of the answer; the rest, we must assume, is where the money goes. It’s an off-roader, so there’s a bit of pitch and roll to it, but with its direct steering and sheer enthusiasm and pull, this thing could hold its head high alongside a Porsche Cayenne. Given the price, that must be what Alpina is hoping.

Verdict

Who’s willing to spend $88,000 on an X3? Not many? That means the XD3 will remain rare, as well as a mighty quick fine-driver.