New Alpina D3 Bi-Turbo Is A 173mph Diesel Super Saloon With Manners

Alpina has pulled the wraps off its new D3 Bi-Turbo model at the Frankfurt motor show. Yes, it's a diesel you're allowed to get excited about. Here's why...

The car's straight-six twin-turbo 3.0-litre diesel engine - taken from Alpina's 5-series-based D5 model and signaling a move away from the previous D3's four-cylinder diesel lump - produces a heady 345bhp and 516lb ft of torque.

As you can imagine, the D3 features some pretty special performance figures. How does 0-62mph in 4.6sec and a top speed of 173mph grab you? Consider that you'll also see a claimed economy figure of 53mpg (and just 139g/km C02) and you've got yourself the perfect all-rounder. Better still, the Alpina D3 is available in Touring guise, which is arguably the more desirable of the two to opt for.

Power is sent through the rear wheels - buyers on the continent also get the option of four-wheel drive - through a tweaked version of BMW's silky-smooth eight-speed automatic 'box. A limited-slip diff is also something buyers can tick on the options list.

Design features of the Alpina D3 include sexy 19-inch Alpina alloys and an understated body kit. Inside, you get sports seats, Alpina badging and Alpina dials.

Prices are yet to be confirmed, but an educated guess would price the Alpina at around £45k when it hits our shelves at the beginning of 2014.

The perfect car?