The 5 Series-based B5 uses the same 4.4 litre V8 as the mainstream BMW 550i, but retuned turbochargers and a revised inlet set-up mean power is increased by 98 bhp (73 kW / 100 PS) to 500 bhp (372 kW / 507 PS), while maximum torque jumps by 100 Nm to a substantial 700 Nm.
Also like the 550i, and typically Alpina, the B5 has an eight-speed automatic transmission. 0-62 mph (100 km/h) acceleration takes 4.7 seconds, which is 0.3 seconds quicker than the BMW. Unlike the 550i though, the Alpina dispenses with an electronic speed limiter, allowing it to go up to 191 mph (307 km/h).
Combined fuel consumption for the B5 is 26.2 mpg (10.7 l/100km), while CO2 emissions are 252 g/km. By comparison, that’s not too different to the BMW 550i, which manages 27.2 mpg (10.4 l/100km) and 243 g/km.
Another Alpina trait is that ride comfort isn’t totally sacrificed in pursuit of better handling. To help achieve this, the B5’s 20” alloy wheels do without the standard car’s run-flat tyres, and the adjustable electronic dampers have also been specially reconfigured.
Whereas the previous generation BMW M5 had a bespoke V10 engine, it’s said that the next M5 will also use an adapted version of the 4.4 litre V8. That’s going to lead to some very direct comparisons between the BMW and Alpina. It can be assumed that the M5 will be more hardcore in terms of chassis set-up and choice of transmission but, until that car arrives, the B5 is the quickest 5 Series available which retains a full BMW warranty.
No word on price yet, but expect the Alpina B5 Bi-Turbo to cost around £70,000 in the UK. To put that into perspective BMW’s current 5 Series range-topper, the 550i M Sport, is £53,615.
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