Alpina D3: Which Version Should You Buy?
The Alpina D3 catalogue data points to two distinct choices. The first-generation Coupe, produced from 2005 to 2013, offers 2.0-litre diesel versions with 200 or 214 hp, a 6-speed Manual or Automatic gearbox, and RWD.
The Alpina D3 catalogue data points to two distinct choices. The first-generation Coupe, produced from 2005 to 2013, offers 2.0-litre diesel versions with 200 or 214 hp, a 6-speed Manual or Automatic gearbox, and RWD. The second-generation Sedan, produced from 2013 to 2017 and restyled from 2017 to 2019, moves to a 3.0 AT specification with 350 hp, 700 Nm, an 8-speed Automatic, and either RWD or AWD. For maximum acceleration, choose the second-generation 3.0 AT with AWD; for the lowest listed combined fuel consumption, choose a 3.0 AT with RWD and a 5.3 l/100 km figure. Among the first-generation cars, the 214 hp 2.0 MT combines the higher output with a Manual gearbox and 5.4 l/100 km combined consumption.
Alpina D3 generations and buying differences
The first-generation Alpina D3 ran from 2005 to 2013 as a Coupe and contains five catalogue entries. All are turbocharged Diesel 2.0-litre versions with an Inline 4-cylinder layout and RWD. Output is either 200 hp and 410 Nm or 214 hp and 450 Nm. Buyers can choose between 6-speed Manual and 6-speed Automatic transmissions.
The second-generation Alpina D3 ran from 2013 to 2017 as a Sedan and has three catalogue entries. Every 3.0 AT uses a 2,993 cc turbocharged Diesel Inline 6-cylinder engine producing 350 hp and 700 Nm, paired with an 8-speed Automatic. Two entries use RWD and one uses AWD. The listed kerb weights distinguish the otherwise identically named versions: 1,585 kg and 1,655 kg for the RWD cars, and 1,720 kg for the AWD car.
The second-generation restyling ran from 2017 to 2019, remained a Sedan, and again contains three versions named 3.0 AT. The engine, power, torque, transmission, and choice of RWD or AWD remain numerically unchanged in the supplied specifications. Kerb weights rise to 1,660 kg and 1,730 kg for the two RWD entries and 1,800 kg for the AWD entry. Compared with their corresponding earlier specifications, that is an increase of 75 kg, 75 kg, and 80 kg respectively.
Alpina D3 engine and version specs
| Generation and version | Power | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders and layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005–2013 2.0 MT | 214 hp | 450 Nm | 1,995 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | RWD |
| 2005–2013 2.0 AT | 214 hp | 450 Nm | 1,995 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 2005–2013 2.0 MT | 200 hp | 410 Nm | 1,995 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | RWD |
| 2005–2013 2.0 AT | 214 hp | 450 Nm | 1,995 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 2005–2013 2.0 MT | 214 hp | 450 Nm | 1,995 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | RWD |
| 2013–2017 3.0 AT, 1,585 kg | 350 hp | 700 Nm | 2,993 cc | Diesel | 6, Inline | Turbo | 8-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 2013–2017 3.0 AT, 1,655 kg | 350 hp | 700 Nm | 2,993 cc | Diesel | 6, Inline | Turbo | 8-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 2013–2017 3.0 AT, 1,720 kg | 350 hp | 700 Nm | 2,993 cc | Diesel | 6, Inline | Turbo | 8-speed Automatic | AWD |
| 2017–2019 3.0 AT, 1,660 kg | 350 hp | 700 Nm | 2,993 cc | Diesel | 6, Inline | Turbo | 8-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 2017–2019 3.0 AT, 1,730 kg | 350 hp | 700 Nm | 2,993 cc | Diesel | 6, Inline | Turbo | 8-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 2017–2019 3.0 AT, 1,800 kg | 350 hp | 700 Nm | 2,993 cc | Diesel | 6, Inline | Turbo | 8-speed Automatic | AWD |
The 214 hp 2.0-litre engine produces approximately 107.3 hp per litre, while the 200 hp specification produces approximately 100.3 hp per litre. The 350 hp 2,993 cc engine produces approximately 116.9 hp per litre. Moving from the 214 hp specification to the 350 hp specification adds 136 hp and 250 Nm; moving from the 200 hp version adds 150 hp and 290 Nm.
Alpina D3 performance and mpg
| Generation and version | 0–100 km/h | Top speed | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005–2013 2.0 MT, 214 hp | 6.9 s | 244 km/h | 6.7 l/100 km | 4.6 l/100 km | 5.4 l/100 km |
| 2005–2013 2.0 AT, 214 hp, 63-litre tank | 6.9 s | 244 km/h | 7.5 l/100 km | 4.5 l/100 km | 5.6 l/100 km |
| 2005–2013 2.0 MT, 200 hp | 7.4 s | not measured | 7.9 l/100 km | 4.7 l/100 km | 5.9 l/100 km |
| 2005–2013 2.0 AT, 214 hp, 60-litre tank | 6.9 s | 244 km/h | 6.7 l/100 km | 4.6 l/100 km | 5.4 l/100 km |
| 2005–2013 2.0 MT, 214 hp, 60-litre tank | 6.9 s | 244 km/h | 6.7 l/100 km | 4.6 l/100 km | 5.4 l/100 km |
| 2013–2017 3.0 AT, RWD, 1,585 kg | 4.6 s | 278 km/h | 6.0 l/100 km | 4.9 l/100 km | 5.3 l/100 km |
| 2013–2017 3.0 AT, RWD, 1,655 kg | 4.6 s | 276 km/h | 6.1 l/100 km | 5.0 l/100 km | 5.4 l/100 km |
| 2013–2017 3.0 AT, AWD | 4.5 s | 274 km/h | 6.3 l/100 km | 5.2 l/100 km | 5.6 l/100 km |
| 2017–2019 3.0 AT, RWD, 1,660 kg | 4.6 s | 276 km/h | 6.0 l/100 km | 4.9 l/100 km | 5.3 l/100 km |
| 2017–2019 3.0 AT, RWD, 1,730 kg | 4.6 s | 274 km/h | 6.1 l/100 km | 5.0 l/100 km | 5.4 l/100 km |
| 2017–2019 3.0 AT, AWD | 4.5 s | 270 km/h | 6.3 l/100 km | 5.2 l/100 km | 5.6 l/100 km |
The AWD 3.0 AT is the acceleration choice: its 4.5-second result is 0.1 second quicker than either RWD 3.0 AT and 2.4 seconds quicker than a 214 hp 2.0 MT or 2.0 AT. Its trade-off is a 5.6 l/100 km combined figure, 0.3 l/100 km above the most economical RWD 3.0 AT.
For top speed, the 2013–2017 3.0 AT with RWD and a 1,585 kg kerb weight leads the supplied data at 278 km/h. The comparable restyled RWD specification reaches 276 km/h. The AWD figure falls from 274 km/h before restyling to 270 km/h after restyling, although both retain the same 4.5-second acceleration result.
Among the first-generation versions, the 214 hp 2.0 MT with a 63-litre tank uses 0.2 l/100 km less combined fuel than the corresponding 2.0 AT. The later listed 214 hp 2.0 AT matches the Manual version at 5.4 l/100 km. The 200 hp 2.0 MT has the slowest measured acceleration and the highest listed combined consumption.
Alpina D3 dimensions, weight, tank and wheels
Exterior dimensions are not measured in the supplied data. First-generation kerb and gross weight are also not measured for the 214 hp 2.0 MT and the 214 hp 2.0 AT with 63-litre tanks. Their ground clearance is 128 mm, while wheel sizes are not measured.
The 200 hp 2.0 MT weighs 1,460 kg kerb and 1,980 kg gross, giving it approximately 7.3 kg per hp. Ground clearance is not measured, its tank holds 60 litres, and its listed wheel sizes are 245/40 R18 and 265/40 R18. The other 60-litre first-generation 2.0 MT has the same wheel sizes, but its kerb weight, gross weight, and ground clearance are not measured.
The first-generation 2.0 AT with a 60-litre tank weighs 1,555 kg kerb and 2,000 kg gross. That equals approximately 7.3 kg per hp. Its ground clearance is 130 mm, while wheel sizes are not measured.
The 2013–2017 3.0 AT versions weigh 1,585–1,720 kg kerb and 2,135–2,270 kg gross. Their power-to-weight figures range from approximately 4.5 kg per hp for the lightest RWD car to 4.9 kg per hp for the AWD car. Each has 110 mm of ground clearance and a 57-litre tank; wheel sizes are not measured.
The restyled 2017–2019 3.0 AT versions weigh 1,660–1,800 kg kerb and 2,135–2,275 kg gross. Their power-to-weight figures range from approximately 4.7 to 5.1 kg per hp. Ground clearance is not measured, and every version has a 57-litre tank. The RWD cars use 245/35 R19 and 265/35 R19 wheels, while the AWD car uses 245/30 R20 and 265/30 R20.
Which Alpina D3 version should you choose?
Choose the 2013–2017 3.0 AT with RWD and a 1,585 kg kerb weight if the priorities are the highest listed top speed, the lowest second-generation weight, and the lowest listed combined consumption. It reaches 278 km/h, records 5.3 l/100 km combined, and carries 135 kg less kerb weight than the AWD version from the same period.
Choose the 3.0 AT with AWD if acceleration matters most. Both second-generation AWD entries reach 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds. Against the corresponding lightest RWD entry, AWD saves 0.1 second but adds 135 kg before restyling or 140 kg after restyling, raises combined consumption by 0.3 l/100 km, and reduces top speed by 4 km/h before restyling or 6 km/h after restyling.
Choose a first-generation 214 hp 2.0 MT if you specifically want the Coupe body, a 6-speed Manual, and the stronger of the two 2.0-litre outputs. Compared with the 200 hp 2.0 MT, it adds 14 hp and 40 Nm, shortens acceleration by 0.5 second, and lowers combined consumption by 0.5 l/100 km.
The data does not provide prices, cars for sale, production totals, reliability findings, problem reports, or engine codes. Those points therefore cannot separate the versions here. On the measured specifications alone, the lightest 2013–2017 RWD 3.0 AT is the strongest all-round choice, the AWD 3.0 AT is the acceleration choice, and the 214 hp 2.0 MT is the first-generation Manual choice.