The same engine was used in the very limited Alpina Edition 50 model that was released earlier this year, but the new B5 Biturbo model isn’t volume limited. The firm had stopped selling the B5 in the United Kingdom before the Edition 50 – but it easily sold its allocation of just two examples of the limited model and says it has had solid enquiries for the 2016 B5. While the standard BMW M5 makes 575 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque from a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8, the Alpina dials that up to 600 hp and 591 lb-ft of twist. The refreshed B5 Bi-Turbo is now capable of jumping from a zero speed to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) in just 4.2 seconds and can top out at a more commanding Autobahn speed of 328 km/h – a measurable upgrade from the regular 5 Series top speed of “just” 250 km/h.
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For those who desire even more performance, the B5 Biturbo’s performance can be enhanced even further with an optional Akrapovic titanium exhaust that shaves an impressive 17kg off the kerbweight and boosts power and torque by an undisclosed amount.
To help keep its potent engine in check, the B5 is fitted with a sports suspension including electronically adjustable dampers and active roll stabilization. There is also a leather-covered instrument panel and Alpina piano-black interior trim. The all-new BMW 5 Series is due in late 2016 and Alpina is likely to wheel out its own version of the next generation soon after – perhaps at the firm’s most important European show, Geneva, in March 2017. Alpina offers the B5 in saloon and touring guises.
The updated Alpina B5 is available to buy now at prices starting from 108,600 Euro (£76,000), although United Kingdom prices will probably be higher.
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If introduced, Alpinas – that are already part-built on BMW’s production line before handing over for completion, could be launched as a sub-brand sold through official BMW dealers.
