2017 Alpina XD3 Bi-Turbo Review - BMW SUV - Joe Achilles

[@paulwoffenden1642]

I have owned No 215 since Sept 2014 - quite simply the best car I have owned (and I have owned many serious performance cars over the last 30 years). Joe's review is spot on!

[@JoeAchilles1]

Amazing! Whenever I see one (about once a year!), I have so much respect for the owner, its a genuinely awesome bit of kit! Cheers man

[@TheMBCreative]

Awesome review again Joe! Very honest, very calm but at the same time your excitement is very noticeable . You're truly developing to one of my favorite car youtubers out there! Cheers from Germany, Martin

[@JoeAchilles1]

Haha Cheers man I really appreciate your VERY kind words :-) Merry Christmas!

[@rustystuff]

Dude you are a legend. How far your videos have come in this past year is unreal. Looking forward to what's coming in 2017. Awesome!! 😎👍 P.S love the wife 😄😛

[@JoeAchilles1]

Russ Clark Cheers buddy! hopefully see more of you in 2017 🍻👊

[@chrish8419]

Great vid again Joe. Alpina must be loving you right now! Very jealous!

[@JoeAchilles1]

Haha Cheers Chris! I'm desperate to go check out their factory in Germany, do a video on what goes into turning a BMW into an Alpine basically... Oh and try a B7!

[@chrish8419]

Joe Achilles that sounds like a perfect trip to me! I'm sure Alpina are listening - the fans want what the fans want!

[@cnh1184]

Chris H AGREED!! Would love to see Joe in a B7 but would need to be in Germany including some mountains and bahn storming. Alpine marketing person reading this, make it so!

[@zikzaki7253]

If you were lucky to have or if you are "old guy" like me (40), or some of us, then you should know that if you go under the first series of X5, exactly the X5 4.8is, one can read under the engine block the words "ALPINA". They have been behind many great inventions and ahead of time for some time. Also look for D10 biturbo and the real reason behind the diesel engines today. Not to mention switch-tronic and metallic cat... They have invented and done so many spectaluar things in motorsport and car industry. Alpina deserves much more praise and much better review. To all, please note that Bmw Alpina is not a tuner! Bmw Alpina is a car manufacturer. Simply the best.

[@JoeAchilles1]

Well I'm almost as old as you (unfortunately haha), Yeah I know a fair amount about Alpina's history, but I didnt know about the D10, amazing! I had mentioned about Alpina being a totally separate manufacturer on my last B4 cab video. Cheers Joe

[@zikzaki7253]

Joe Achilles Thank You for Your prompt reply. I didn't watch that video about Alpina B4 Biturbo. Anyhow, thanks for the videos and keep it up. I wish You all great holidays.

[@JoeAchilles1]

Cheers man, same to you my friend!

[@moleBRUV]

Brilliant video as always Joe! Apologies I've only just watched this but I've been in Scotland with little data access 😩 To anyone watching this, I am the 'good driver' (cheers for the compliment haha!) in the M135i and can confirm at no point whatsoever could I keep up with the Alpina's truly rapid acceleration in the damp! That thing is an almighty weapon 👌🏻

[@JoeAchilles1]

Hahaha Sorry buddy just seen this! Yeah thanks to your following skills haha

[@resnonverba137]

Your reviews are getting better. Am almost sold on this car.

[@JoeAchilles1]

Cheers man :-)

[@hottuberrol968]

Joe Achilles interested in tour thoughts on the future of diesel cars. i am oh-so-close to buying a diesel Alpina and now i am reading the press about cities around Europe, including London, considering banning diesel cars !

[@OnlineHousehusband]

Great video Joe. Just shows the testament to how great / powerful / economical modern diesel engines are. Look forward to your next video in a line of great reviews 👍🏼 Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 🎄

[@JoeAchilles1]

+OnlineHousehusband Cheers buddy! Sure does, something you know very well! Definately meet you in 2017, Merry Christmas 👊

[@rodthompson3244]

Great video Joe - it was a nice Christmas treat to see your review. Production quality has improved massively over the year (it was good to begin with anyway). I have always admired Alpina's but I didn't realise they drove so well - very interesting / desirable brand, and your videos have certainly put them on my car 'radar'. I don't know why they don't do a 2 series model to rival the M2 - I think they would get lots of orders (I've got an M2), so it would be a nice comparison. Look forward to hopefully many more reviews in 2017 - Cheers !

[@JoeAchilles1]

+Rod Thompson Cheers Rob glad you appreciate my videos man, thanks for being a long term viewer 👌 Yeah I don't understand why a) Alpina aren't on the map a bit more, most people don't even know or concider them as a brand b) Build a smaller model like a 2 series, I think it comes down to engineering costs etc, but when a M2 is 45-50k they could make an alternative for that cost. Cheers man and have a great Christmas!

[@user-zt7xd8oc6t]

Alpinas have a waiting list up to one year as well, it depends on the dealer. Great review!

[@ThePhonecat]

Been a follower since early. Still love how you reply to most comments. Excellent video as usual Joe. Wish you all the best for 2017!

[@JoeAchilles1]

Haha Cheers buddy! I try replying to everyone, issue is as I grow so do the number of comments haha. Thanks for your long term support! Happy New Year!

[@jimlondon6253]

I want to buy an XD3 now!

[@stephenboyce8100]

Why don't you have more subs? all your reviews are spot on imo, from someone who knows how to drive and from a technical/driving dynamics point of view too.

[@JoeAchilles1]

Thanks man, I would love more subs, but also like having to work my arse off to watch them slowly build up... Great getting comments from proper drivers like yourself :-) Cheers and have a rad Christmas!

[@Winkmeister]

Need more Alpina options stateside. This one should be at the top of the list!

[@wadebeaumont5264]

I'm looking forward to seeing a few Alpina vehicles on the road in Aus they seem like a quality product. Great review again!

[@IceFish.]

i love these xd3 beasts

[@tommcfarlane1172]

seen pictures from this on instagram and was waiting for the video, intresting car great all round suv. Great review again joe defo best car reviewer going around be on the tv next -.^

[@JoeAchilles1]

Cheers Adam appreciate it man! Ha would love to be on TV one day ;-) Have a nice Christmas

[@tommcfarlane1172]

Joe Achilles you too mate :)

[@davetowse4071]

Happy to help out with the 135/M2 video if you need a lift. Lovely alpine. Cheers mate

[@JoeAchilles1]

+Dave Towse haha Cheers buddy! Merry Christmas to you and the family mate, see you in 2017 x

[@MRDJC-sb8hl]

Good one as always bud, Merry christmas and happy holidays Joe , all the best in the new year to you and yours.

[@JoeAchilles1]

+Darryl Cusson Cheers buddy! Merry Christmas to you and yours too man 👊

[@dbnpoldermans4120]

not a fan of suv's, this is no exception. But the acceleration is incredible. I was laughing in excitement. The suspension also seems to be extremely well adjusted, judging from the video. Please do more Alpina's.

[@Adam-M1]

Great video as always Joe. Have a great festive period.

[@JoeAchilles1]

Thanks buddy, you too!

[@PBUCKY1969]

Great review Joe thanks - I have the M40d which I love for the same reasons but wondered what you thought about the NEW Alpina XD3` - have you had a chance to drive one? Good to see a review!

[@oceanadex]

Merry Christmas and a happy new year you too! Nice video!

[@highendharry4923]

Hi Joe, love your Alpina reviews. I ordered a "BMW Alpina D3 Touring AWD" one year ago and I'm looking forward to the delivery in Feb 2017. I'm married and have 2 little children, also I'm a lot on the road. As you said the Diesel Alpinas are absolutely unrivalled. The personal contact in Germany is very good. You can for example talk directly to the people who set up the car and you have a plenty of configuration options in addition to the BMW options. The insurance is cheaper than my VW Passat 2.0 TDI :-), which I actually use as family car. One of the best things is in my opinion that the Alpinas are very rare and perfect understated. I own a BMW M3 V8 sedan as well, but this is not the car to drive in front of a customer. Greetings from Bavaria and best wishes for the coming year, Harry

[@JoeAchilles1]

Hey Harry thanks for this message! Yeah the D3 Touring is just unbelievable, nobody can prepare themselves for how rapid that is for a diesel! As you say, I also love how rare and underrated they are, sooo cool! I will hopefully get a factory tour early this year, I cant wait to see what goes into making their cars... Happy New Year!

[@highendharry4923]

Looking forward to get some impressions from the factory tour with a video of yours :-)

[@nab5018]

6 years later , how's been your experience with your D3?

[@TheAggressiveLemon]

Another great video Joe. Particularly enjoyed this one as I have an X3 30d, which goes well enough, would love a go in one of these!

[@JoeAchilles1]

Cheers man, the 30d is a brilliant car/SUV for the money! But yeah this thing turns up the volume a bit...

[@claudiushempstead9893]

Very nice Review Joe. I love all Alpina`s one of the truly great small German vehicle engineering companies. How about reviewing one of Birds BMW demonstrators. You will not regret it!

[@supercar_spottershampshire9493]

I love your videos joe great job have you got anymore reviews of cars coming

[@JoeAchilles1]

Thanks man! Yeah I have a couple of others to edit over the next week or so... Cheers

[@sp3c14l1st]

great review Joe, not that many reviews of this aplina online

[@JoeAchilles1]

thanks man, yeah not many at all! Hopefully the mighty B7 next!

[@smilepermile888]

Great video Joe. I wish Alpina got their hands on a M240i so that they could make their own B2 BiTurbo coupe to rival the M2... but I guess Alpina can't use donor cars from the ///M division

[@NS416]

smilepermile why would you want alpina to touch a sports coupe lol

[@AbidAli-co1bu]

loving the content Joe! I'm a massive bmw fan like yourself and I'm glad iv discovered your channel from the beginning.can you please do a video and in depth review on a 335D x drive? haven't seen a decent review of one on KZbin.

[@JoeAchilles1]

Cheers buddy! Yeah a few people have asked me to review the 335D x, I need to convince BMW UK to start lending me some press cars for 2017, I clearly have a massive passion for their brand and it wont do them any harm. Cheers

[@jamie__simon]

I would love one after watching this ! 👍

[@craigpilgrim5793]

great car & review.hi from brisbane,australia.i have an e28 alpina b10,& an e28 m535i.

[@KMKM2002]

Is there a lot of difference in the 2016 xd3 vs say 2017s or layer ones?

[@ISO-IC]

What's the size comparison between this and an X5? Reason I ask is, I am six foot four and wondered how comfortable it is for me, and the passenger sitting behind me. Thanks!

[@estrenuo]

Nice review! I'm looking for a second hand one from 2015 so this was very helpful. 👍🏻

[@JoeAchilles1]

Cheers Sander, hope you find one, you wont be disappointed :-)

[@estrenuo]

Joe Achilles Hi Joe, one question. I've seen a video that you also drove the pre facelift version of the XD3. Any difference in driving experience? Thanks for the answer and a happy new year already (I'm too late for X mas)

[@craigscope276]

Joe, if you had a choice between this Alpina and an M2, which would you choose? I understand they are totally different cars but have I the opportunity of both for the same money. Thanks!

[@bobmarley6161]

Stunning car...

[@vadikvadik753]

so beautiful car, I so one a few days ago looks lovely

[@antonoat]

Just subscribed, great review, quality viewing. If money were no object I think we'd all have one of these in the garage too. cheers

[@JoeAchilles1]

antonoat thanks man appreciate it!

[@user-it5qh2gi8b]

I know the four-wheel drive version of the D3 touring isn't available in the UK, but here in main land Europe it is. Would you still prefer the XD3 if you could have an xdrive D3?

[@JoeAchilles1]

I'm a sucker for Touring's, especially of the Alpina Variant, I would buy a Touring every time, but this XD3 did make me stop and think for a while...

[@ziyaahmed7850]

Joe love your videos !!!!

[@billdejong4148]

Alpina XD3 or Alpina D5 - which is best?

[@carrototop15]

I know all these roads like the back of my hand its interesting to see them in your vids I want to see an M140i and a Fiesta ST drive around these twistys, any way you could sort that out....

[@JoeAchilles1]

Haha yeah they're my local roads too... I'm sure you will see a Sid and a Joe on them in the new year ;-)

[@carrototop15]

+Joe Achilles me and my friend have a fiesta st and an m140I respectively, maybe one day you guys can teach is how to drive them properly ;)

[@JoeAchilles1]

Ohh I see! Yeah would love that man :-)

[@jamiequeen8557]

Do you think you will get to review some of the bigger v8 Alpinas at all? I've got an E63 model B6, it would be great to see your opinions on the newer versions of the car! Great review thanks btw!

[@jamiequeen8557]

Oh... for some reason when I posted the comment some of your replies about wanting to drive a B7 didn't seem to load! Looking forward to watching if you do get the chance...

[@JIMMYHIBBS1]

Really interesting review 👍 have you driven a stock X3 ?

[@JoeAchilles1]

Cheers James. Yeah Ive driven a X3 20D and 30D, both great SUV's for the money but the 30D is much quicker and worth the extra cash in my opinion. Cheers

[@razzy530]

is this thing still built in south Carolina?

[@ehsaanullahzahid6383]

Joe, why doesnt Alpina do the X5 diesel?

[@ryanallison8591]

Super vid again joe. Love your honest reviews. What's your thoughts on a 530d M sport gran turismo, my dad has got one and I love it!

[@JoeAchilles1]

Cheers man! The 530d GT is a brilliant car, a very practical 5 series basically, I think it would have sold better if BMW weren't so bald with its rear styling! Cheers

[@zarkar3169]

Joe what do you think about the Alpina B3-Touring? Greetings from Switzerland . Nice videos!!

[@JoeAchilles1]

Thats basically my realistic dream everyday car, it needs the LSD though :-)

[@bo55ola]

Joe Achilles please can you review the comp m3? I'm being cheeky but it's possibly my next car 😋

[@GumpPower]

well you can order an LSD with an Alpina :)

[@GumpPower]

ants161984 LSD is short for limited slip differential, it helps distribute power to the rear wheels more equally and that helps with traction on roads with bad surfaces and makes the car feel more predictable and easy to drive faster :) if you are a layed back, calm driver there is no need for an LSD

[@iLectricband]

Might be saving for one my friend. I've got a 330D Estate (drummer and family) my wife has a X3 2.0d. So this seems a great next car? I've had a Alpina D3 Estate (last car) and was looking for 335d Estate then D3 new model which I think would be awesome, but then there's this...!!!!!!!!! What do you think Joe? Many thanks, Damian. Big, big fan of all your work (Even though I live a few miles from Mr C Harris) 👍🏻

[@spazda_mx5]

Another great video, thanks! Why don't you just pick these up from Sytners in Sunningdale rather than go all the way to Nottingham?

[@JoeAchilles1]

+agentbob100 Cheers man! I don't know anyone at Sunningdale, I know the guys at head office (Nottingham) really well. Have a nice Christmas

[@spazda_mx5]

Ah that makes sense. Have a great Christmas yourself!

[@jordanl8292]

Another top video Joe! Are there any plans for a v8 version or D5?

[@JoeAchilles1]

Yeah I'm definitely getting my hands on the new 5 Alpina next year :-) Cheers man

[@748m]

Wonder what Smee would say to your comment that you thought the g43 wouldn't be a nicer ride as he's just done a review on it

[@JoeAchilles1]

Yeah good point, I will ask him tomorrow. Cheers

[@lskhabitat9514]

please....let s try the new xd4 ASAP

[@Ade2bee]

I remember when the lack of engine noise was the major niggle of the previous old 8 series

[@richards4456]

Nice video! Been a day or two since I drove the courtesy F30 330d (cracking car), from memory the interior engine sound doesn't sound much different than this? Have you got a video coming with you and Sid in your M135i? I seen your instagram clip!

[@JoeAchilles1]

Cheers man! Yeah the 330d, 530d, 730d etc all sound basically the same as this. Yeah the M135 vid with Sid will be on his channel real soon... Cheers

[@nayernosseir8092]

Nice video Joe, I remember when I first saw a post of yours on Babybmw.net about one of your early videos for the M135i and have followed you since, your videos are getting so much better so bravo, keep'em coming. Any chance of ever doing one on the X6? Swapping my M135i for one (ordered for 1st March) and I know how much you hate SUVs but just curious for unbiased opinion on it..... (don't care what people say about the looks, I love the X6)

[@JoeAchilles1]

+Nayer Nosseir Cheers buddy, thanks for being a long time watcher 😊 I'm really hoping for 2017 I can find someone at BMW who will slowly let me review their entire range... I'm sure the new X6 is very capable for its size and weight, will definitely feel different to the nimble M135. Cheers Joe

[@porkiechops7689]

Gotta love diesels nowadays, great mpg and not even that much slower than petrols tbh.

[@porkiechops7689]

Btw great video mate, really enjoyed this and absolutely love the car!

[@JoeAchilles1]

Cheers man, she's a weapon!

[@porkiechops7689]

Joe Achilles no worries buddy! And I can't believe how fast it is! And merry Christmas and a happy new year to you too buddy👍🏼

[@TheGbizaille]

lovely car, i still don't understand why we can get it here in the US. thanks for the honest review.

[@JoeAchilles1]

Yeah thats odd, thought this model would sell well there! Cheers

[@anthonysnook1098]

Thumbs up Joe. Test drive for me.

[@JVBNorway]

I figure you could get that button tinted

[@Jimmy87268]

keep up the good work!

[@JoeAchilles1]

Cheers man

[@paulbrewster6805]

If you ever want to review a bog standard 2.0d X3 LCI, you can borrow ours anytime! 👍🏼

[@JoeAchilles1]

Ohhh just seen this! Cheers Paul, where (ish) you based? Cheers

[@paulbrewster6805]

+Joe Achilles I'm about 4 miles from J17 of the M4 Joe.

[@JoeAchilles1]

Cool man I will keep that in mind! Thanks for reaching out and happy new year!

[@paulbrewster6805]

+Joe Achilles Cheers Joe and happy new year to you also. Looking forward to some more videos this year! 👍🏼

[@paulrobinson272]

I 'll start by stating I'm a fan of Alpina - the ride is just fantastic . There are, however, 2 major downsides which stopped me getting one after a great test drive. One - lease companies don't like them and this shows in the weighting they apply against similarly priced BMW's. (Residuals ???). Two, the warranty is only 2 years and not 3 as with BMW.

[@MotechPerformance]

Cool car think I want one ha !!

[@JoeAchilles1]

I will buy you one for Christmas! God imagine what you guys could do to this!!! haha

[@robertpawley5715]

Brillant

[@Birmingham_racing]

What do you think of the Audi sq5 that's a diesel with over 300bhp?

[@JoeAchilles1]

+Birmingham racing the SQ5 is really good too, I would have mentioned it but Audi have stopped selling it until the all new one comes out mid next year. The ride and handling aren't quite as good, suffers from understeer (like most Audis), but otherwise very good value especially used! Cheers

[@Birmingham_racing]

Joe Achilles didn't realised they stopped production. I remember fifth gear review on it they didn't like it soo much around the corners. I figured it was the closest rival despite being bigger

[@allymaitland3141]

About the Rangie comment... for the same price you're getting a range rover full stop. an X3 of any denomination can never compare, and unless the SVR is involed, its pointless trying to compare the two. like the Cayenne the RRS is in a completely different league to the x3. That said excellent vid execution and a joy to watch as always ;)

[@JoeAchilles1]

Ally Maitland Strongly disagree, I've spent loads of time in current Range Rovers and they're nothing special. They're massively over priced, have a very cheap fit and finish, like all JLR products they also have poor reliability issues. The SVR is £100k and although much more capable than a standard sport, it wouldn't keep this in sight on a twisty B road. For £60k you would get the most basic 4 cylinder diesel Range Sport, there is zero excitement in that model. You also mentioned the Cayenne which I also love, but the Cayenne is as much VW Touareg as this XD3 is X3. Cheers

[@Gunthazv2]

+Joe Achilles spot on

[@christos673]

why the lights swicht off and on quickly

[@JoeAchilles1]

Something to do with my camera frame rate not keeping up with the headlight, in real life they don't flash. Cheers

[@meekyam37]

1:49 auto subtitles on xd

[@NoWay23548]

"Driven by Joe" - 20% off the price. (After that stint with hitting the limiter) :)

[@JoeAchilles1]

+Kuemmerling Enthusiast haha limiters are there to be hit 💪

[@danieldominick2715]

i guess Im kinda randomly asking but does anybody know a good place to watch newly released movies online ?

[@bodietripp8218]

@Daniel Dominick i use FlixZone. You can find it on google :)

[@lincolnyousef6973]

@Bodie Tripp Yup, have been watching on FlixZone for since march myself :D

[@danieldominick2715]

@Bodie Tripp thanks, I went there and it seems like a nice service :D Appreciate it !

[@jnr2k8]

Omg what you doing in Nottingham mate 😂😂😂😂

[@xJG91x]

Those wheels..

[@kylehargy2749]

SQ5 is a really close competitor

[@JoeAchilles1]

+Hargy 16 True but they don't make them any longer

[@kylehargy2749]

True

[@samsara3694]

Really like your reviews Joe, but you don't half sound like Ricky Gervais when you get excited :-)

[@JoeAchilles1]

Hahaha You know I watched this back a couple times last night and thought exactly the same thing! Shame I don't have his bank account or humour haha. Cheers

[@bmwalpina4628]

Another great Alpina review Joe! Thank a lot! Great car indeed, I didn't even expect that weight 2 tones! But I'm still a bit disappointed that Alpina doesn't produce Z4 version Don't you think Joe? That could be an iceing of the cake for Alpina ;)

[@estrenuo]

BMW Alpina The Z4 is no longer produced so how would Alpina do that? ;-)

[@nicholls64]

Nearly bought one of these a few years back, but went for a SQ5, preferred the Audi styling.

[@JoeAchilles1]

Yeah the SQ5 is an awesome bit of kit, I was going to mention that too but Audi don't currently offer it new. Hopefully they will do that model again on the new Q5. Cheers

[@billyblackburn6600]

That actual car is now up for sale on autotrader at £36500 ... I’m 32k short....😥😥😥😥

[@JH-xk2ko]

Love the videos! I have an M140i on order and the wait is killing me! can we see more M135i/M2 videos please? :)

[@JoeAchilles1]

Will definitely do some more in the new year... Cheers man

[@JH-xk2ko]

Joe Achilles Awesome! I hope the thought process about what to do with your cars isn't too painful! Haha.

[@Thorgal320]

“I have a wife, 2kids and a dog” hehe

[@nialahmad]

At 60k, noticeable tyre roar and a dated interior really let this car down. The GLC looks and feels far more premium, both inside and out and having test driven one, that's where my money would go.

[@JoeAchilles1]

Yeah I agree the GLC is more modern to look at and benefits from Mercs very latest high tech interiors, also having driven a basic one the cabin noise is lower. But I cant imagine it would be as focused or fun when pushing hard, maybe on good roads, but here (UK) with our shitty roads the Alpina suspension somehow irons things out like no other car/setup. Did you get behind the wheel of the XD3? Cheers

[@gogutzy]

2:46 - throwing you all over the place. i bet you've bent those pretty 22 inch rims while driving it for this test...

[@JoeAchilles1]

Yep absolutely destroyed them, car was crushed after this test, way too intensive

[@ts6070]

South Bucks roads 😂 yes they are pants 🩲 to be honest dame your local..

[@georgiehunt9074]

I'm a family man with an X4 3.0 M. Had it for a year now and at first loved it. Great in a straight line but it's just so clunky and now, very boring! I'm going to lose loads of money on it but trading it in for a C43. Not sure on the alpina but don't buy a x4/x3 if you enjoy driving! Boring as hell and the soundtrack is terrible

[@JoeAchilles1]

I can imagine the C43 will be a much betters driver car over a X4 diesel, but a petrol 340/440i would have put a smile on your face too. Yeah the XD3 is set up to be driven hard, as I say the soundtrack could be better but you cant have everything.

[@nastyscorp]

WHAT ? THIS IS A DIESEL ARE YOU KIDDING ?