Long-term test review: Alpina D3 Biturbo - pictures

We've got an Alpina D3 Biturbo on long-term test, and we're finding it an intirguing car to run, day-in, day-out. 

"Nothing can prepare you for what the Alpina D3 feels like to drive"

Interior retains basic 3 Series architecture but gets neat, bespoke Alpina touches. 

Being based on the 3 Series, the Alpina still has plenty of room in the cabin. 

Massive performance meets huge practicality in the Alpina. Its 480-litre boot swallows plenty. 

Total on-the-road cost of the standard car is £46,950, but our car comes to £54,440. 

Lights are lifted straight from the standard 3 Series with LED daytime running lights. 

Alpina badges give clues to performance on offer. 

Multi-spoke alloys are gorgeous, but the low-profile tyres make it too easy to graze a kerb when parking. Alloy Gators are a cheap solution to protect rims at £180 including fitting. 

Subtle Alpina badges on the quad exhausts are a subtle reminder of the D3 Biturbo's performance. 

Even on half throttle, the Alpina has enough performance to deal with most other cars on the road. 

You can drive the car hard and adjust its cornering line using the throttle. 

Turbodiesel engine delivers simply incredible performance, but mixes this with fuel economy of close to 45mpg. 

Adjustable dampers give Jekyll and Hyde appeal. The D3 is rampant in Sport mode, but in Comfort the soft suspension means it's a great cruiser, too. 

Eight-speed auto is smooth and sublime. 

Blue dials are another reminder of the Alpina's abilities.