BMW

ALPINA B5 AND D5 S: SERIES 5 BECOMES MORE SELVAGEN

Since BMW decided to update the 5 Series a few weeks ago, Alpina took the opportunity to show the public its latest creations. These are the so-called B5 and D5 S, that is, high-performance versions that could be considered as the M5, but developed by this German preparer, available in both sedan and station wagon bodies.
With a slightly more aggressive appearance than their predecessors, the mid-size sedans feature a front bumper with larger air intakes and a splitter on the bottom with the Alpina logo, as well as 20-inch alloy wheels. The headlights are similar to the ones recently released in the 5 Series, while the rear four tailpipes stand out. In addition, both models can be painted in the exclusive Alpina Blue and Alpina Green shades.









Inside, the changes are more modest and the most relevant is a digital instrument board with Alpina-specific menus, as well as a hand-stitched sports steering wheel. The B5 and D5 S also show a numbered production plate and customers can order “specific interior designs down to the smallest detail”.





Under the hood, the B5 has a 4.4-liter V8 biturbo engine that produces 621 hp and a maximum torque of 800 Nm. With these figures the German sedan is able to accelerate from 0 to 100 km / h in 3.4 seconds and its speed maximum speed rises to 330 km / h. For its part, the D5 S has a 6-cylinder, 3.0-liter diesel engine with 408 hp and a torque identical to that of its gasoline-powered brother. Thanks to this it is able to reach 100 km / h in 4.4 seconds, although its top speed drops to 286 km / h. The Touring versions do the same sprint in 3.6 and 4.6 seconds, respectively and their top speed is 322 and 283 km / h.



Although these two thrusters are completely opposite, both are coupled to 8-speed automatic transmissions with a torque converter that sends all the energy to an all-wheel drive system that prioritizes delivery to the rear axle. In addition, both models can be equipped with an optional limited slip differential. It should be noted that these transmissions - developed by ZF - were optimized to easily digest the 800 Nm of maximum torque.



Regarding the chassis, Alpina made modifications to the suspension so that it now has adaptive dampers and firmer springs that have lost a few centimeters in length. The geometry of the front axle has also changed and so does the steering, conveniently adjusted on both models. Regarding the brakes, the D5 and B5 S have discs of 395 mm at the front and 398 mm at the rear, although optional high-performance carboceramics can be chosen.



Alpina already accepts orders for both models and deliveries are scheduled for October. In Germany, the price of the B5 will start at 117,700 euros for the Sedan and 120,700 euros for the Touring. The D5 S is significantly cheaper, since the sedan starts at 92,500 euros, while the station wagon starts at 95,500 euros.

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