Alpina XD3 Biturbo vs Porsche Macan S Diesel

If you want an upmarket SUV, do you go for something bespoke, or opt for a car from a premium brand that’s a cut above the likes of even Audi and Mercedes? 

• Best SUVs on the market

To find out what’s best, we’ve lined up candidates from each possible avenue, and fighting in the bespoke SUV corner is Alpina’s new XD3 Biturbo. 

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This luxurious yet sporty 4x4 is a leftfield choice and offers something a little different to the norm: exclusivity. At £56,450, the XD3 looks pricey next to its rival here, the popular £44,636 Porsche Macan S Diesel, but it’s not such a common sight on the road.

• Best fast family cars

The question is, are the extra design and tuning touches enough to elevate the BMW X3 on which the Alpina is based into a super-premium 4x4?

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With buyers choosing SUVs over refined saloons for their combination of image, high-up driving experience and usability, we pitched our upmarket, mid-size crossover champion, the Macan, against the Alpina to find out which offers a better blend of performance, practicality, refinement and quality.

Can the XD3 spoil the Porsche’s impressive road test record?

• Alpina XD3 Biturbo review

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• Porsche Macan review

Click the links above to read individual reviews, and scroll down to see which fast SUV comes out on top...

Head-to-head

Equipment

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Reversing cameras are optional on both cars, but it’s the Porsche that needs upgrading to match the Alpina’s spec, wiping out its price advantage. You’ll have to fork out for relatively conventional features like Bluetooth and heated seats, but you can save money by not specifying extras, such as the £728 Sport Chrono Package.

Style

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Buying this type of SUV makes a statement, so you want your car to have the looks to back it up. Both the XD3 and Macan turn heads, but it’s the Alpina’s big bodykit, bright colour, contrasting wheels and graphics pack that grab the most attention. You can tone it down if it’s too much.

Versatility

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Both cars have big boots, but there’s more to practicality than that. Don’t expect much off-road ability, yet towing limits of 2,400kg add usability. However, you’ll need an electronically deployable tow ball, at £765 on the XD3 and £825 on the Macan.

Verdict

1st place: Porsche Macan S Diesel

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Yet again, the Porsche Macan takes victory. It’s by a slim margin, but this S Diesel model’s mix of ability, performance, panache and – in this company – price is enough to see it edge ahead of the Alpina. The Macan looks great, feels special and is usable every day, but it’s the way it drives that impresses most. It’s not a sports car, but it’s as close as a diesel-engined SUV gets.

2nd place: Alpina XD3 Biturbo

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Many people might be put off by the XD3’s ‘modified’ nature, but they really shouldn’t be. It’s a blisteringly quick car that blends pace with practicality. While the looks won’t suite all tastes, there’s no denying the Alpina’s exclusivity and kerbside impact. The real drawback here is that you have to pay nearly £12,000 more than you do for the Porsche for the privilege.

Other options in this category

Audi SQ5

Price: £44,760 Engine: 3.0-litre V6, 309bhp

The Porsche Macan is based on the Audi Q5, and this hot diesel SQ5 version shares the same basic engine – yet the Audi has 54bhp more for just £124 extra. It’s still beautifully made and very fast, but a stiff ride and lifeless controls limit driver fun.

BMW X3 xDrive35d M Sport

Price: £46,960 Engine: 3.0-litre 6cyl, 308bhp

If the idea of the Alpina XD3 is too much in terms of looks, you could always opt for the car it’s based on. The 308bhp BMW X3 xDrive35d M Sport races from 0-60mph in just 5.3 seconds, while four-wheel drive and a luxurious interior stack up well next to the Macan.

Key specs: