Following the launch of the B5 Bi-Turbo at the
Goodwood Festival of Speed in July, the latest Alpina has now gone on sale.
Billed as 'the most powerful new shape 5 Series yet', the B5 comes with a 500bhp version of BMW's 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8. Alpina claims 0-62mph in 4.7 seconds and a top speed of 191mph. The B5 also manages 26.2mpg, with official CO
2 emissions of 252g/km.
The new car sits on 20-inch alloys in Alpina's characteristic turbine design. To cope with these wheels and the non-runflat tyres, the electronic damping has been recalibrated.
The B5's status as top dog in the current 5 Series line-up will eventually be challenged by BMW's own M5. However, Alpina has always managed to find customers who want something a little different to the M Division's products.
Deliveries of the B5 Bi-Turbo to UK customers will start later this year.
John Lambert - 6 Aug 2010