New Alpina B5 saloon and estate launched with 613bhp
BMW tuner Alpina has already worked its magic on the 2020 5-series, creating the B5 in saloon and estate forms
The facelifted 2020 BMW 5-series is still yet to hit our roads, but Alpina has already had its hands on the range-topping M550i, transforming it into the B5. Available in both saloon and estate forms, order books are open now, and prices start from €117,700 (approx. £105,000) for the saloon.
The new 5-series was launched just last month, bringing the V8-powered M550i to the UK for the very first time. Though its 523bhp output will be plenty for some, Alpina’s more opulent B5 takes the N63 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 to 613bhp and 590lb ft of torque – that’s a healthy increase of 90bhp over standard.
> New 2020 BMW 5-series revealed – 523bhp M550i now available in the UK
This power is sent to all four wheels through a now-reinforced eight-speed ZF gearbox, and knocks two-tenths off the M550i’s 0-62mph time – the sprint is over in just 3.4sec for the saloon, and comes two-tenths later for the estate. Top speed also now comes at 205mph for the saloon, and a mere 200mph for the estate.
To raise power levels to above even the 600bhp of the previous B5, the German marque pairs twin-scroll 54mm turbochargers with its uprated cooling system. Three additional external water coolers, an enlarged transmission oil cooler and Alpina-specific intercoolers ensure that temperature is kept under control under any conditions.
As with all of its offerings, Alpina fettled suspension for both improved dynamics and increased comfort, with the estate even retaining its rear-axle air suspension to maintain a neutral ride height when transporting heavy goods. Yes, in a 200mph car…
Aesthetic tweaks are typically subtle, with the front intakes enlarged by 40 per cent for improved cooling and aggression, whilst the tweaked rear bumper encompasses a quad-tipped stainless exhaust system. Behind the new 20-inch, 20-spoke lightweight forged wheels are four-piston, 395mm front brakes and floating calliper, 398mm brakes at the rear – lightweight drilled composite units can also be optioned.
As always, Alpina’s exclusive blue and green shades are on the cards. However, buyers can choose from an array of Individual or standard colours from BMW’s palette should they desire. Wheel options can also be had in either silver, grey or black.
The cabin also receives plenty of attention, with a new hand-stitched Lavalina leather sports steering wheel making an appearance, alongside elements such as a numbered production plaque, CNC-machined aluminium shift paddles and a new Alpina-branded, blue digital instrument display. Though it’ll come at a cost, you can choose to have the interior custom-upholstered in virtually any design you’d like.
The Alpina B5 is available to order now, with pricing starting from €117,700 (approx. £105,000) for the saloon and €120,700 (approx. £108,000) for the estate. First deliveries are expected to commence in October 2020.
