2020 BMW Alpina D3 S diesel, 538 lb-ft.

The new D3 S sedan and wagon from BMW's semi-official tuner, Alpina, combines efficiency and performance, plus a little extra luxury.

Based on BMW's latest 3 Series, the D3 S is a diesel-powered version of the gasoline-powered B3 that Alpina unveiled late last year, which delivers 350 horsepower and 538 pounds of torque. These figures allow the D3 S to reach 62 mph in 4.6 seconds (4.8 seconds for the wagon) and a top speed of 170 mph (168 mph for the wagon).

This propulsion is made possible by Alpina's specially tuned BMW 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline 6-cylinder. This engine is also equipped with a mild hybrid system, making it Alpina's first electrically powered model. The mild hybrid system consists of a belt-driven motor-generator that can boost power by 11 hp during hard driving. Drive is provided to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic. Alpina worked with ZF, the manufacturer of the 3 Series' 8-speed automatic, to enable the D3 S to deliver faster response and quicker shift times.

According to Alpina, the D3 S gets about 36 miles per gallon in mixed driving. As a comparison, the regular 3 Series with the gas-powered 3.0-liter turbocharged inline 6-cylinder is rated by the EPA at 23 mpg combined.

A sport-tuned suspension, high-performance brakes, and Alpina's signature multi-spoke wheels complete the list of performance modifications. There is also an aero kit that improves cooling performance while adding downforce front and rear.

Unfortunately, Alpina does not sell the B3 and D3 S models in the United States. The only Alpina available to us now is the 7 Series-based B7, but an Alpina-enhanced version of the X7 is in the planning stages and will join the B7 in local showrooms in the not-too-distant future.