GENEVA MOTOR SHOW: Alpina unleashes XD3 SUV

Alpina has revealed an all-new XD3 ahead of the mid-size luxury-performance SUV's official debut at the Geneva motor show next week on March 6.

Pulling the drapes off the hot new version of BMW's X3 late last night, the small-volume German car maker confirmed that its XD3 will come powered by a heavily modified version of BMW's 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel that will be offered in two power outputs, depending on country.

Right-hand drive markets, like Australia, will be offered a twin-turbo version of the diesel that produces 246kW/700Nm and is capable of reaching 100km/h in just 4.9 seconds before topping out at 254km/h.

Frustratingly, if you drive on the right, left-hand XD3's come with both more power and torque.

That's because Alpina was able to package the mightier quad-turbo version of the 3.0-litre under the XD3's bonnet.

Producing a more muscular still 286kW/770Nm, the mid-size XD3 is capable of a swifter still 4.6 second 0-100km/h sprint and a 266km/h top speed.

Whatever side of the road you drive a manual gearbox is not an option. Instead, the XD3 comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission that channels power and torque to the road via a recalibrated version of BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive.

To cope with the extra performance, Alpina has also retuned the XD3's suspension and added adjustable dampers and an active rear limited-slip differential.

Large 20-inch Alpina turbine wheels are standard, although a set of lighter-still 22-inch forged wheels will also be an option.

On sale in Europe shortly after the Geneva show, it's not known when, or if, the XD3 is destined to Australia.

Prices are expected to be announced at the show.

When it's launched, the XD3 will have hot all-new competition, not least from the likes of the Audi SQ5 but BMW itself.

The German car-maker's high-performance M division is well underway to developing an M version of the X3 (likely to be badged the X3 M).

Instead of developing a diesel, M is working on lifting the full-fat petrol powertrain from the M4.

Under the bonnet of the X3 M, expect the same twin-turbo 3.0-litre six-cylinder to pump out around 330kW but with far more torque than the M4, thanks to the use of the more durable eight-speed ZF auto. We'd be surprised if the X3 M torque figure didn't surpass 600Nm.

This should mean that, thanks to its all-wheel drive, the X3 M could come close to an incredible four-second 0-100km/h time.

It's not yet known when or where BMW M will unveil the first X3 M.