Alpina refreshed XD3 revealed

The new BMW Alpina XD3 is set to arrive in Australia later this year after under-going an update in line with the BMW X3 it's based on.

Taking the solid platform of the updated X3, the Alpina XD3's biggest selling point is the introduction of 48-volt mild-hybrid assistance, providing up to 8kW of power, something which Australian buyers of the BMW model will miss out on.

Hybrid assistance boosts power from the 3.0-litre straight-six bi-turbo diesel up to 261kW, with 730Nm of torque available between 1750-2750rpm – an increase of 66kW and 110Nm over the X3 xDrive30d, though this comes at a cost as fuel economy has risen to 7.8L/100km from 6.0L/100km.

The jump in power means the XD3 can achieve a 0-100km/h time of 4.9 seconds thanks to its eight-speed automatic gearbox and rear-biased all-wheel-drive system, adding a limited slip differential on the rear axle as standard with Alpina's Performance Control software helping to distribute power and grip.

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The XD3 utilises the revised BMW X3 as a donor but adds some aggressive styling details

Helping control the 2155kg of SUV is Alpina's tuned sport suspension, making use of calibrated adaptive dampers and stiffer, shorter springs than the X3 to keep the wheels in contact with the road as much as possible.

The 20-inch Alpina Classic alloys have been wrapped in Pirelli P Zero tyres, designed specifically for the XD3, with 255/45s on the front and 285/40s on the rear. Optional 22-inch forged wheels are available, bumping the tyre sizes to 255/35 and 295/30 respectively.

Brake calipers are retained from the previous XD3 but are now fitted with a newer brake pad, aimed at delivering better performance. Buyers can also option a high-performance brake package which adds 395mm discs at the front and 398mm units at the back, all made of composite materials.

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No images have been released of the XD3's interior but the X3 cabin upon which it's based scored a refresh in the recent update

Alpina hasn't shared images or details of the interior equipment in the XD3 but it's likely the cabin will be a re-trimmed version of what's in the X3, scoring a redesigned centre console and giving customers the ability to have the leather trim personalised through choices of piping, stitching, embroidery and embossing.

If the idea of being able to choose whatever combination of trims wasn't enough, Alpina has also included the option of adding Lavalina leather to the XD3, a material it claims is one of the highest quality leathers available.

Exterior design is more aggressive than the X3, the iconic wheels being paired up with a tweaked front fascia and revised rear bumper which includes a diffuser - available to be fitted with an optional tow hook.

Alpina states the XD3 is currently available for order ahead of its December 2021 arrival but hasn't released pricing, instead urging prospective buyers to contact their local dealer to access more precise details.

The previous generation XD3 set buyers back $109,000 - a $26,000 premium over the X3 30d.