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Autozeitung Reviews The Alpina B5 Biturbo

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While others are speculating what to expect from the new BMW M5 coming later this year, the German Autozeitung didn't waste its time guessing about the future but rather attended to the hottest F10 5er to date, the Alpina B5 Biturbo. Ingredients? To name just a few, 4.4L V8 Biturbo rated at 507hp and 700NM, 8-speed automatic, and limited slip differential (optional).

The outcome? As Autozeitung puts it, the Alpina B5 is the "best and most powerful F10 5er to date." They praise the "felicitous combination of powerful, yet refined, engine, top notch quality and good comfort."

As usual with Alpina models, exterior changes over any regular F10 5-series model are limited. An exclusive Alpina blue paint (€ 2.870) and 20 inch Alpina Classic wheels are to most noticeable differences. The interior though is a whole different story with the Alpina trademark instument cluster (red needles on blue dials) and high quality leather options and many color options.

Autozeitung refers to engine and transmission as a perfect match. 507hp and 700 NM (between 3,000 rpm and 4,750 rpm) coupled with a state-of-the-art 8 speed automatic transmission showed that the B5 Biturbo is first and foremost meant to be a powerful 'business sedan', rather than a pure racer. Yet, 0-100kph only takes 4.6 seconds which is pretty quick for a car weighing more than 4,200 lbs. Unlike other BMW models the B5 Biturbo isn't held back by any sort of speed limiter, so you can travel as fast as 307 kph.

The engine is based on the well-known N63 V8 engine, yet Alpina lowers the compression by using different pistons, adapts the ECU, and modifies the intercoolers. The 8-speed automatic transmission has also been modified. Alpina realises a so-called 'Single-Cylinder Fade-Out' to improve gear changes. It allows to cut the fuel supply to up to five cylinders during a gear-change. Compared to the usual method of a timing retardation, his makes for quicker shift times and a lower fuel consumption. Alpina first used this feature in the Alpina B6 GT3 race car.

It's not yet known if the Alpina B5 BiTurbo will make it to the US. Visit Autozeitung.de for more pictures and the whole review in German.

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[IshouldBEworking...]

Impressive Specs. I love the classic alpina paint color, but does anyone else think they over do it with their badging? Does it need to be on the front bumber and the seats?

[LACSTER]

Non sport steering wheel?

[northernmonkey]

that instrument cluster is interesting. much more black panel than on the current dashboard clusters. is that now standard or something specific for alpina?

[johnbmw6]

Very expensive and RV suffers on these cars.

[wilstave]

Originally Posted by LACSTER

Non sport steering wheel?

agreed, very weak

[BenTrovato]

I think it looks awesome. That steering wheel is a major weak point though - I don't get why they would do that.

[Diver]

Originally Posted by BenTrovato

I think it looks awesome. That steering wheel is a major weak point though - I don't get why they would do that.

Maybe the trasmission shifts telepathically

[Prissy]

love the rear

[RichReg]

Originally Posted by IshouldBEworking...

Impressive Specs. I love the classic alpina paint color, but does anyone else think they over do it with their badging? Does it need to be on the front bumber and the seats?

Alpina is the actual official manufacturer of this car...
it only starts out as a BMW.
I also seem to remember Alpina using their own badges on the hood and trunk (instead of the Roundel)? I guess they quit that...

[Yogijet]

Originally Posted by IshouldBEworking...

Impressive Specs. I love the classic alpina paint color, but does anyone else think they over do it with their badging? Does it need to be on the front bumber and the seats?

I don't mind the badging on the seats but agree it's a bit much on the front bumper. Apart from that I think it is a spectacular effort.

[bwfryguy]

Does anyone know if you can get the b5 in the states? if not what is the reasoning? thanks

[positiveions]

one thing I would do "if" I would to get a 550i: install dual dual exhaust tips; instead of that fugly stock exhaust.

[mm347]

I like everything about it except for ungainly badges and steering wheel. It would be nice if Alpina could come up with a new wheel design, though...they've been using those multi-spokes for ages.

[gatoman39]

Aside from too much badging, I like this car. But really, this is just a tease.
M5 I wait for thee with bated breath.

[omerthe1st]

Originally Posted by wilstave

agreed, very weak

I can't get over the non-sport steering wheel

[Leo_328i]

I think Alpina should grab this opportunity to take sales from the M5 customers that want a manual gearbox and offer one! Wonder if they will?

[vladberca]

Alpina steering wheels don t look good either on 5 or 7 series! But what they are doing with the engines it is just amazing! The B5 S will follow after M5 will be released

[Lastcombo]

Nice very nice car love it

[rich1068]

So for cool points alone, what does everyone think? Alpina or M5?

I think I'd be tempted by the Alpina.

[Yogijet]

Originally Posted by rich1068

So for cool points alone, what does everyone think? Alpina or M5?

I think I'd be tempted by the Alpina.

Tempting true (especially with the exhaust sound effect on upshifts that the cylinder deactivation produces) but I think the M5 will have the edge on cool points.