Introduction
Alpina is a brand that doesn’t create its own unique vehicles, but instead takes BMW’s models and gives them its own twist.
Here is its latest creation, the B5, which is based on latest 5 Series and although Alpina tries to stay away from rivalling BMW models, this model is a close competitor to the new M5 super saloon.
Coming with a 4.4-litre turbocharged V8 engine and four-wheel drive, the B5 is equipped to be fast and also comes with design tweaks to make it easily distinguishable from the standard BMW model.
But can this saloon be a great alternative to the more dominant options on the market from Audi, BMW and Mercedes?
Performance
As mentioned before, the Alpina B5 comes with a 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine that is paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission that comes with automatic, sport and manual modes. The petrol unit produces 599bhp and 800Nm of torque, meaning the B5 can reach 60mph from standstill in just 3.3 seconds.
The car can breeze past 200mph to reach a pinnacle of 205mph – a significant mark for a sports saloon. One thing with the B5 though is that you shouldn’t expect good efficiency returns even when you drive at normal speeds.
Ride & Handling
Even if this car is set up to be fast and focused on performance, Alpina has worked its magic to make it feel perfectly comfortable wherever you go with the help of adaptive damping and selectable riding modes. Customers can also choose to spec a limited slip differential – a £2,500 option – which only lends to improved and impressive handling. This car also comes with paddle shifters to enhance the sporty feel.
The car also comes with integral active steering that is tuned to the tyres and suspension to give excellent steering feel and accurate placement on the road. Just a light press of the throttle can launch you forwards, which can be difficult to judge at slower speeds but you get used to the savagery the B5 has to offer. This car really is a joy to drive, as the relentless power is addictive when you get going and you want to hear more of the muscle car-like warble from the stainless steel sports exhaust.
Interior & Equipment
Much like the car it is based on, the B5’s interior is a nice place to be, as you’re surrounded by quality materials, such as nappa leather and aluminium. The instrument cluster is fully digital and uses LED technology to make it as clear as possible, and as you find in the standard 5 Series, the B5 comes with the iDrive infotainment system.
Passenger space is excellent, with the B5 offering good amounts of head and legroom for people in the back, while the boot offers a lot of storage room – making this super saloon one of the most practical sports cars on sale.
The B5 is incredibly well-equipped, with standard kit including adaptive LED headlights, automatic four-zone air conditioning, comfort heated seats with electric adjustment, cruise control with brake function, Bluetooth with wireless charging, satellite navigation, park assist, park distance control with front and rear sensors, a leather sports steering wheel and an automatic tailgate.
Cost
What is quite surprising is that you can get all of this equipment and performance from £89,000. That sounds like a lot, but considering the BMW M5 starts from £705 more, the B5 is well-priced compared to one of its major rivals. The model we drove breached the £100,000 mark thanks to the paintwork, high-performance brakes and limited slip differential, but as you won’t see many of these on the road, the price is worth paying for exclusivity.
As previously stated, running the B5 isn’t cheap as you shouldn’t expect to achieve anything better than 25.4mpg and emit 254g/km CO2.
Verdict
By balancing savage performance and day-to-day practicality, the Alpina B5 is arguably one of the best road cars you can buy right now. Although the M5 is arguably a better spectacle, the B5 is a better car overall as the exclusivity of the Alpina badge makes it feel that bit more special and the truly wonderful interior – not to mention the wonderful drive. Yes, it comes at a high price, but if you can afford it, there is almost nothing that can match the B5.
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