I like it. Before anyone complains about an auto, remember it's a diesel, last couple of diesel cars I drove I'd done three gear changes before getting out of the parking lot thanks to the low torque peak and was wishing for an auto.
The diesel wagon may be just about as niche as niche markets get here in the United States, thanks to their grass-is-greener appeal in a market devoid of oil-burning cars and wagons in general.
Naturally, Europe cars are so much more different than those sold in the United States, partly because the whole continent seemed to not have the terrible experiences we had when it came to diesel engines and long-roof versions of cars—meaning a much greater acceptance and market for such cars.
That is probably why fast diesel wagons like the Alpina D3 S Touring can roam the highways and back roads of Europe, while we are stuck having to settle with crossovers.
At any rate, here are some of the numbers for the Alpina: 355 horsepower and 538 lb.-ft. of torque from a turbodiesel inline-six engine. That stump-pulling amount of power is then sent to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission, granting the D3 S a zero-to-60 time of fewer than five seconds.
Not that it can be purchased on this side of the world, but prices start at around 70,000 Euro (about $83,000). To put that into perspective, the brand-new M3—unique grille and all—will set you back about 62,000 Euro (around $73,000).
Is the Alpina D3 S Touring the sort of car dreams are made of, or is the appeal of the fast diesel wagon finally starting to fade?
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I like it. Before anyone complains about an auto, remember it's a diesel, last couple of diesel cars I drove I'd done three gear changes before getting out of the parking lot thanks to the low torque peak and was wishing for an auto.
Wagon is a plus, diesel is another plus. I like
I would buy that thing in a heartbeat - especially compared to the ghastly new M3/M4.
You had me at wagon.
That is pretty rad! Of course, even if it was sold here it would be well out of my budget, but that seems to be about a perfect DD and roadtrip car if you needed the extra space.
Adrian_Thompson (Forum Supporter) said:I like it. Before anyone complains about an auto, remember it's a diesel, last couple of diesel cars I drove I'd done three gear changes before getting out of the parking lot thanks to the low torque peak and was wishing for an auto.
The auto is hardly its biggest problem. It is attached to a diesel.
The car looks as good as any 2020 BMW can look. I'm just a little sad that the current Alpina interior treatment is nowhere near as 'characteristic' as they were in the 80s or 90s. Still a killer spec!!
Adrian_Thompson (Forum Supporter) said:I like it. Before anyone complains about an auto, remember it's a diesel, last couple of diesel cars I drove I'd done three gear changes before getting out of the parking lot thanks to the low torque peak and was wishing for an auto.
I don't understand your comment. The torque peak is flat from 1750-2750rpm. I don't usually rev above 2750 in a parking lot in any car.
I'd rather an M550d. Not because the engine is better (it's only a few HP more for all the trouble of a third Turbo) but because a bigger wagon can haul more.
Cactus said:I'd rather an M550d. Not because the engine is better (it's only a few HP more for all the trouble of a third Turbo) but because a bigger wagon can haul more.
As the owner of a 3 series diesel wagon ... I would have to agree that for a family with kids the 5 series is the way to go. The 3, even though it has a longer wheel base than the sedan is still tight.
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