The BMW 3 Series diesel used to be a company car list staple, but now the quintessential compact exec has gone petrol-only. Well, sort of: if you’ve got a decent bonus or some salary to burn, Alpina will still sell you a compression-ignition version of the baby Bimmer saloon.
Based on the now defunct M340d xDrive and available in saloon and Touring estate bodystyles, the D3 S features a lightly tuned 3.0-litre straight six that delivers 350bhp and a thumping 538lb ft of torque. Smooth and surprisingly sonorous, this mighty motor serves up devastating real-world pace and can return 40mpg under a gentle right foot.
It’s matched to a sublime chassis that uses Alpina-specific springs, dampers and geometry to driver-pleasing effect. Not only does the D3 S provide engaging adjustable handling, it does so while delivering a ride that strikes just the right balance of suppleness and support.
There is, of course, the thorny issue of money. At 182g/km, the saloon’s CO2 output isn’t catastrophic, but combined with a near £70,000 price tag it means a higher rate BiK bill of around £9000.
Still, for that you will get one of the finest fast diesels ever made, featuring a hand-crafted interior that lifts it above the usual premium suspects.
It’s all change at Alpina, though, so cars like the DS 3 won’t be around for long. Get one while you can.
