Currently reading: 2016 Alpina D3 Biturbo revealed ahead of Frankfurt motor show

Rapid diesel saloon and estate get a facelift to bring them into line with the latest BMW 3 Series

This is the new Alpina D3 Biturbo, shown in saloon and Touring form ahead of a public debut at the Frankfurt motor show.

The D3 is Alpina’s best-selling model, and the family-run firm from Bavaria has wasted little time in following the updates in the regular BMW 3 Series with its own facelift. The D3 saloon and Touring get the 3 Series’ latest sharper headlight design - including a switch to LED illumination - and the revamped double-kidney front grille. Alpina has also reprofiled the cars’ front and rear bumpers.

The cabin gets similar tweaks to the 3 Series, although some of the BMW’s recent upgrades in materials came in areas that Alpina had changed anyway. The standard equipment list now includes cruise control and parking sensors.

The D3’s key mechanicals remain unchanged; it’s still powered by a 3.0-litre twin-turbo diesel engine producing 345bhp and 516lb ft between 1500rpm and 3000rpm, and the gearbox remains a retuned version of the ZF eight-speed automatic. Both the saloon and estate crack 0-62mph in just 4.6 seconds, but emit 139g/km and 142g/km of CO2 respectively.

The revised D3 is available to order now. The saloon costs £46,950; the D3 Touring carries a £3000 premium over the four-door.

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