Alpina, the long-standing tuner of BMWs, has announced it will be bringing along a facelifted and updated D3 Bi-Turbo to this year's Frankfurt Motor Show. It gets the same updates as the 2015 BMW 3 Series range, including tweaked styling and a revised cabin.
Like the 3 Series it's based on, the D3's facelift is very subtle. New LED lights front and rear are the biggest changes, with subtly restyled front and rear bumpers and new exhaust tips rounding off the exterior updates. The familiar muscular Alpina styling revisions and multi-spoke alloys also feature.
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Inside, perceived quality has taken a leap forward, with improved plastics and trim quality. The standard sat-nav system has also received sofware updates, while Alpina's unique wheel badging, colour schemes and seat upholstery help to differenciate it.
Of course the D3's biggest appeal has always been under the bonnet, and that storming diesel powertrain remains unchanged. The 3.0-litre twin turbo straight six diesel still develops 345bhp and 690Nm of torque, with the saloon hitting 0-62mph in 4.6 seconds and going on to a derestricted 170mph top speed. Fuel economy remains at 53.3mpg for the saloon and 52.3mpg for the estate.
Now read our review of the new 2015 BMW 3 Series.