2015 BMW M3 Reviewed Against a Diesel Alpina D3

The guys from Autocar actually had a great idea, pitting the new M3 against the Alpina D3 Biturbo which is roughly the German tuner’s 3 Series model with a twist. The two won’t ever be direct rivals because they simply appeal to different demographics but they do see eye to eye in the pricing department.

The M3 is using the brand new S55 3-liter twin-turbo engine that makes 431 HP and 550 Nm (406 lb-ft) of torque at the wheels. However, that’s not the only thing that sets it apart from a regular 3er. It’s also light, nimble and fun, being fitted with a loud exhaust, new steering rack, a lot of CFRP and a 7-speed DCT gearbox if you want.

On the other hand, the Alpina is based on the 335d model, using the same 3-liter diesel inline 6-cylinder plant under the bonnet but seriously upgraded to 350 HP and 700 Nm (516 lb-ft) of torque. It’s the same unit used on the first ever SUV made by the German tuner, the XD3 Biturbo.

So, the diesel has more torque but weighs more and uses an 8-speed automatic gearbox. On paper, the performance difference between them is also quite big, the D3 being 0.5 seconds slower to 100 km/h (62 mph) and, even though this test doesn’t show it clearly due to the testing scenario used, we’re sure it is so in real life as well.

All in all, Steve does have a point. The Alpina is more comfortable, quieter, and more economic while giving up little on the performance front but what he doesn’t say is that these two are simply destined for different buyers altogether.

While the D3 is aiming at people looking for style and comfort, with plenty of performance to go with it, the M3 will be the pick of those looking for the ultimate track experience, a loud and mad car that will get your blood boiling in no time. Because of these different demographics, a matter of choosing between them will never show up. Now, if it was the B3 Biturbo, things might’ve been different...