Alpina confirms XD3, B5 Touring pricing
BY SPENCER LEECH | 11th Feb 2019
ALPINA Automobiles has revealed pricing and specifications for its X3-based XD3 mid-size SUV and 5 Series-based B5 Touring large wagon in Australia, with the former’s sticker price of $109,900 plus on-road costs making it the most affordable model in its line-up.
The XD3 is available to order now, with deliveries starting in the third quarter this year, while the $217,000 B5 Touring is expected to arrive at about the same time.
Opting for the wagon body style commands at $7000 premium over the B5 sedan that was released in May last year.
Specifications for the long-roofed B5 mirror that of the sedan, with power coming from a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 producing 447kW and 800Nm, for a zero to 100km/h sprint time of 3.7 seconds.
That powertrain is matched with an xDrive all-wheel-drive system with a unique torque distribution calibration, an eight-speed automatic transmission and active rear-wheel steering for improved low-speed agility and high-speed handling.
Alpina has also confirmed that a new model based on BMW’s forthcoming X7 seven-seat upper-large SUV is being developed and will be launched sometime in 2020.
Like all Alpina models, the new XD3 builds upon the donor BMW model with bespoke exterior design elements and unique 20- or 22-inch forged alloy wheels.
The German company says the XD3 takes on a minimalist design, with its aesthetic and aerodynamic components integrated “seamlessly into the BMW design language”.
Large openings are featured on the front apron to improve airflow, and an integrated air flap control system is positioned behind the kidney grille to improve cooling and reduce drag.
Two elliptical twin tailpipes distinguish the XD3’s rear-end from the X3 upon which it is based, as well as Alpina and XD3 badging.
Performance is also increased, with the XD3 packing a 245kW/700Nm 3.0-litre twin-turbo straight-six diesel engine to launch it from zero to 100km/h in 4.9 seconds while on the way to its top speed of 255km/h.
Those figures put Alpina well and truly in contention with Mercedes-AMG’s GLC43 and Audi’s SQ5 that develop 270kW/520Nm and 260kW/500Nm respectively, however, the pair is only offered with petrol engines.
While Alpina Automobiles has also detailed a 285kW/770Nm quad-turbo diesel unit for the XD3, GoAuto is awaiting confirmation of Australian availability for the uprated engine.
Fuel economy for the XD3 is rated at 6.4 litre per 100km for carbon dioxide emissions of 173g/km on the Worldwide Harmonized Light-Duty Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP).
Power is translated through an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission with Alpina’s Switch-Tronic system, and the rear-wheel-biased xDrive all-wheel-drive system has an XD3-specific calibration for improved torque distribution.
Alpina’s take on xDrive is interconnected with the Dynamic Stability Control system that monitors the steering and yaw angls, lateral acceleration and speed to optimise grip, and the rear-wheel-drive torque distribution allows for more slip “when driving at the limit”.
The added grunt is also supported by electronically adjustable dampers with an active rear limited-slip differential, and drive modes ranging from Eco to Sport+ modify the vehicle’s dynamics to suit varying driving scenarios.
Shorter and stiffer sport springs lower the vehicle’s centre of gravity for improved handling, and negative camber on the front wheels also works to enhance cornering stability.
Bespoke Pirelli P Zero tyres have been developed for the XD3 measuring 255/45R20 up front, while wider 285/40/R20 hoops are featured at the rear.
Braking is managed by a 395mm discs with four-piston fixed callipers at the front and 370mm discs with floating callipers are used out back.
A higher performance brake system can be optioned for, at a yet-to-be-specified price, which ups the rear disc diameter to 398mm and adds upgraded brake pads.
On the inside, the XD3 benefits from Lavalina leather with blue/green stitching, unique door sills and steering wheel as well as Alpina’s trademark production plaque.
An LED digital instrument panel is also unique from the BMW, however, it carries over the X3’s navigation, communication and entertainment technology.
Sales for the BMW X3 continued to fall in 2018, with 4864 units sold for a 32.5 per cent drop year-to-year.
However, it remained one of the best sellers in the $60,000-plus mid-sizw SUV segment, trailing only the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class (5605 units) and beating key rivals like the Audi Q5 (4086), Volvo XC60 (2827), Lexus NX (3697) and Range Rover Discovery Sport (2890).
2019 BMW Alpina pricing*
| B3 S Sedan (a) | $142,900 |
| B3 S Touring (a) | $149,900 |
| B4 S Coupe (a) | $149,900 |
| B4 S Convertible (a) | $159,900 |
| XD3 (a) | $109,900 |
| B5 Sedan (a) | $210,000 |
| B5 Touring (a) | $217,000 |
| B7 Sedan (a) | $369,720 |
*Excludes on-road costs
