Diesel doesn’t have to be slow, at least when Alpina BMWs are concerned

By Stephen Edelstein October 11, 2013

No one said green cars had to be slow.

Legendary BMW tuner Alpina has come up with what it claims is the world’s fastest diesel production car.

Say hello to the D3 Bi-Turbo.

Like all of Alpina’s cars, the D3 starts life as a stock BMW, in this case a (European-market) 330d with a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel inline-six.

However, while the stock 330d produces a healthy 258 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, the D3 chucks out 350 hp and 516 lb-ft.

That’s enough to get this diesel luxury sedan to 62 mph in 4.6 seconds, and on to a top speed of 173 mph. Alpina says that makes its creation the fastest diesel production car…in the world.

It at least beats Alpina’s own XD3 Bi-Turbo, which does 0-62 mph in 4.9 seconds and tops out at 157 mph. That vehicle uses a similar engine to the D3, but is based on the BMW X3 crossover.

In addition to accomplishing space-time-continuum-warping feats of acceleration, the D3 will also get 53.2 mpg on the European combined cycle, Alpina says.

Like other Alpinas, the D3 isn’t a stripped-out track special; all of the BMW luxuries remain in place; it even has an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Exterior modifications are limited to a few subtle body tweaks, including the signature 19-inch Alpina wheels. Overall, the D3 is a very different type of performance car.

Alpina prefers subtlety in its cars, and isn’t afraid to build cars that are laid back and easier to live with. A diesel model fits that mission perfectly. The D3 won’t be the best track-day weapon, but who wouldn’t enjoy cruising along on a wave of low-end torque?

The D3 will be available as a sedan or wagon for about $74, 993 and $79,785, respectively, at current exchange rates. Alpina has not said whether it will bring the D3 to the United States.

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Stephen Edelstein

Contributing Editor

Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…

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