Alpina B5 2018 review

The BMW Alpina B5 Bi-Turbo is not really a BMW. At least according to the German Federal Motor Transport Authority.

No, the modifications applied by Alpina to the 5 Series are considered so significant that if you open the hood and look inside the engine compartment, you will see the BMW VIN double-crossed and Alpina's car number embossed underneath. This. 

The B5 is also not the first model to receive such recognition; the German government has recognized Alpina as a separate car manufacturer since 1983.

B5 has other "B" siblings as well. There is the B3 S Bi-Turbo, which is based on the BMW 3 Series, the B4 S Bi-Turbo (the BMW 4 Series), and the B7 Bi-Turbo (I don't have to tell you what it's based on, right?), which I also looked.

So what has Alpina done with this unsuspecting BMW 5 Series? Is it really worth the extra money? How is B5 different from M5? Could it really be better? And did they really remove the speed limiter to allow him to hit 300 km/h?

BMW Alpina B5 2020: Bi Turbo
Safety Rating
engine's type	4.4 L turbo
fuel type	Premium unleaded gasoline
Fuel efficiency	10.9l / 100km
Landing	5 Places
Price from	$164,400

Is there anything interesting about its design? 8/10

“Interesting” is the right word for this, because while it may be doubtful that Alpina’s changes to the exterior are aesthetically pleasing, they certainly intrigue those unfamiliar with the brand.

First, these are wheels with 20 spokes. Alpinas have always worn this style of wheels and they have become the most famous outward sign that this is not just another BMW. So under no circumstances remove them and do not replace them with something else. The Alpine mafia would kick you out of town.

• The B5 comes with all the classic Alpina extras: badged steering wheel, wallpaper, stripes and of course 20 spoke wheels.
• The B5 comes with all the classic Alpina extras: badged steering wheel, wallpaper, stripes and of course 20 spoke wheels.
• The B5 comes with all the classic Alpina extras: badged steering wheel, wallpaper, stripes and of course 20 spoke wheels.
• The B5 comes with all the classic Alpina extras: badged steering wheel, wallpaper, stripes and of course 20 spoke wheels.
• The B5 comes with all the classic Alpina extras: badged steering wheel, wallpaper, stripes and of course 20 spoke wheels.

Yes, they are harder to clean than a cheese grater (trust me, I know. And if you look closely at these images, you will see the dirty bits that I missed), but if you really don't like them, then maybe this is a sign, that this car is not for you.

And here is the spoiler on the trunk lid. It's boxy and looks like it's from the 1980s, it also looks like it was bought online and installed by a teenager, but again, it's another Alpina tradition and fits the character of the car perfectly.

Okay, those stripes; these are known as the Deco-Set and are reminiscent of the Alpina racing cars of the 1970s and 80s. Again, don't take them off, your Alpina will drop in value through the center of the earth. It is also an integral part of owning one of these vehicles. I'm not a big fan of them.

But I love this floating Alpina lettering front spoiler, which you can choose from in silver, glossy black or gold.

There are fewer Alpina add-ons inside, but nonetheless not to be missed. Steering wheel with Alpina logo, new virtual instrument cluster, embossed head restraints and illuminated door sills.

There is also a small plate on the center console with a number that confirms its authenticity, we had the number 49. Of how many? I do not know. But I know that Alpina only makes about 1700 cars worldwide a year. Rolls Royce produces about 4000 copies. So you can be sure that your B5 is exclusive.

At almost 5m long, 1.9m wide and 1.5m high, the B5 is a large sedan, but after a recent review of the Alpina B7, it seems small in comparison. How does he ride? We're getting close.

With a length of almost 5 m, a width of 1.9 m and a height of 1.5 m, the B5 is a large sedan.

What are the main characteristics of the engine and transmission? 9/10

The Alpina B5 uses the same 4.4-liter V8 engine as the BMW M5 (as well as the B7). But, and this is a big but, the M5 develops 441 kW and 750 Nm, while the B5 surpasses it with 447 kW and 800 Nm. Admittedly, the B5's torque hits the 3000 rpm mark, while the M5 starts at 1800 rpm.

How does B5 beat him? Alpina installed its custom-designed twin turbochargers and intercoolers, a high-performance cooling system, a reconfigured air intake and a different exhaust system.

However, the B5 is a tenth of a second slower to 100 km/h compared to the M5 with a time of 3.5 seconds, but it hits a top speed of 330 km/h while the M5 is limited to 250 km/h. regular form and 305 km/h with optional M Driver's package.

Both use the same eight-speed ZF automatic transmission with the same gear ratios, and both are all-wheel drive.

What is it like to drive? 8/10

Okay, stay here with me. For this next step, you'll need a fresh egg, a sun lounger, and it might be a good idea to have a few plastic bags and carpet cleaner on hand.

First, spread the plastic bag in front of the chair and place the egg on it. Then sit on a chair and very gently place the balls of your feet on the egg with as little pressure as possible.

That's how much force you need to apply to the B5's accelerator pedal to accelerate from standstill to 60 km/h in about five seconds.

If anything characterizes the driving experience of the B5, it's the feeling of lightness.

Step on the accelerator and you'll hit 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds without a hint of loss of traction thanks to the all-wheel drive system.

If anything characterizes the driving experience of the B5, it's the feeling of lightness.

The ride should have been terrible on 20-inch wheels shod in low-profile rubber (Pirelli P Zero 255/35 front and 295/30 rear), but the Alpina-tuned air suspension is close to magic in how it dampens and censors potholes on the worst roads. Sydney. Yes, it can be a bit smooth, especially at Comfort Plus settings, but that's the benchmark for a comfortable ride.

Don't expect this beast to roar. Unlike the M5, the B5 gets the job done without stunning those around you. Sure, the V5 B8 sounds amazing when you press it, but it's not cocky, loud, or raucous. Buy an M5 or a Mercedes-AMG E63 if you want to be heard half a block away, but you won't get that with the B5 and its exhaust system.

B5 is also well managed, but I must say that the engagement rate is low. I rode it effortlessly through the twists and turns of my country test track and roads that usually make me smile like a driving maniac, and I felt a bit out of touch with the B5. Air suspension, tight steering and pedals make it difficult to “feel” the road.

Unlike the M5, the B5 gets the job done without stunning those around you.

This is the highway where the B5 is king, but even at 110 km/h there is a feeling that this car is still fast asleep and will not get out of bed at speeds below 150 km/h - which makes it ideal for Germany's autobahns, but perhaps , not here in Australia.

Does it represent good value for money? What functions does it have? 8/10

The BMW Alpina B5 sells for $210,000, just $10k more than the BMW 5K, which has nearly identical specs except for Alpina's engine and chassis development.

Standard equipment includes leather upholstery, four-zone climate control, navigation, Alpina embossed headrests, 10.25-inch display, digital radio, Alpina door sills, sunroof, proximity key, power front seats, 12-speaker Harman Kardon stereo system, head dressing. display, Alpina virtual instrument cluster, heated front and rear seats, and 20-inch Alpina wheels.

The B5 comes standard with leather upholstery and Alpina embossed headrests.

The test car I drove was equipped with a limited slip differential ($5923), heated steering wheel ($449); soft-closing doors ($1150); sun blinds ($1059); TV feature ($2065), ambient air package ($575), and front seat ventilation ($1454).

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How much fuel does it consume? 7/10

Alpina B5 needs petrol. By that I mean that you need quite a lot of it if you want to enjoy it properly. What is his mileage? Officially, it should use 11.1 l/100 km after a combination of urban and open roads, while the M5 is set to 10.5 l/100 km.

It makes sense, the B5 produces more power and torque, and is 85kg heavier than the M5 at 2015kg.

Our test car's trip computer reported 13.2L/100km after low-altitude flying over back roads and slow city piloting. The more time was spent in urban combat, that is, in daily trips during peak hours, the more this figure crept and fluctuated around the 15 l / 100 km mark.

How practical is the interior space? 7/10

Practicality isn't BMW's forte, no matter which model you choose. You see, BMW basically makes the automotive equivalent of super-steeled and form-fitting sportswear that looks good and performs brilliantly, but sometimes you just need pockets and a bit of room for your…um…small things.

So despite having two cup holders in the front and two in the back, the door bottle holders are small, the center console bin is on the small side, there is a hidden opening in front of the shifter, the glove box is just a glovebox, and there are no other great storage options. in the cabin.

Legroom in the back is good, but not great either - I'm 191 cm tall, and the distance between my knees and the back of the seat in the driving position is about 30 mm. Passengers in the middle seat will also have to straddle a drive shaft ledge in the floor. There's little headroom in the back either (you can blame the sunroof) and my hair barely touches the ceiling (I have long hair).

Beneath this power tailgate, the B5's boot capacity is 530 litres, 15 liters more than its big sister B7. On both sides of the luggage compartment there are two plastic compartments for storing wet things. While there is one USB port on the front, there is none on the back.

Warranty and safety rating

Basic Warranty

3 years / unlimited mileage


guarantee

ANCAP Safety Rating

What safety equipment is installed? What is the safety rating? 9/10

The Alpina B5 is based on the BMW 5 Series, which received a five-star ANCAP rating in 2017.

Along with a full range of airbags, traction and stability control, there is an impressive range of advanced safety equipment. Standard equipment includes AEB (front and rear), evasive steering, front and rear cross traffic alert, blind spot warning, and lane keeping assist. The Alpina B5 also comes with the BMW emergency call feature.

For child seats, you'll find two ISOFIX anchorages and three top cable points on the back row.

Along with a full range of airbags, traction and stability control, there is an impressive range of advanced safety equipment.

If you're unlucky enough to get a flat tire, there's a puncture repair kit in the trunk that works, as long as the hole isn't gigantic, as I've had experience with these systems in the past.

How much does it cost to own? What kind of guarantee is provided? 7/10

The Alpina B5 is covered by a three-year BMW unlimited mileage warranty. Service is recommended every 12 months or 15,000 km.

Verdict

The Alpina B5 is a special car, more special than most people will ever appreciate if you own one. Those who know what Alpina is will let you know; people will cross dangerously busy streets to talk to you about your car. Insanely fast, almost incomprehensibly comfortable and easy to handle.

Does Alpina B5 make BMW even better? Or do you think M5? Tell us what you think in the comments below.