BMW Alpina D3 Bi-Turbo (2013) at Frankfurt motor show

If a collection of numbers dictated how we ranked and rated a car, the new BMW Alpina D3 might just be the best all-rounder in the world. You’re looking at a discreet and comfortable 3-series that’ll return a claimed 53.2mpg, and scorch to 62mph in just 4.6 seconds, quicker than the outgoing BMW M3. Read on to find out how.

It’s a breathed-on 3.0-litre straight-six diesel that’s responsible for the D3’s bipolarity, and the new twin-turbo engine has been tuned up to 345bhp and a massive 516lb ft.

Swapping gears is the work of BMW’s eight-speed ZF automatic transmission, while drive to the rear wheels can be handled by a limited-slip differential if you tick the required option box. Also on the goodies list are classic Alpina 20in turbine alloy wheels – 19s are standard.

As you’ll see in the picture, Alpina is offering the D3 as a saloon or Touring estate – a line-up mirrored by its petrol-powered brother, the B3 Bi-Turbo.

With BMW stubbornly refusing to offer an M3 Touring – and no sign yet of an M Performance diesel 3-series (in the same vein as the M550d), could Alpina’s Touring trump card persuade you to opt away from an M Division Three? Tell us which would get your money in the comments below.

Thanks to its combination of frugality and M3-busting pace, the D3 has become Alpina’s most popular model, selling more than 2000 examples since it debuted in 2005.

The BMW Alpina D3 Bi-Turbo will be officially unveiled tomorrow at the 2013 Frankfurt motor show. Prices are yet to be confirmed, but it’s likely to cost around £45,000 when the order books open later in September 2013. And if you're lucky enough to live in a country where left-hand drive is the norm, you can spec your D3 Bi-Turbo with four-wheel drive too.

By Ollie Kew