The Significance of a 5% Power Increase

A stylish catalog for the BMW Alpina B5 Biturbo Limousine, an Alpina model based on the BMW 5 Series. A semi-transparent correction sheet was added to its specifications page.

Titled "Super Spec, Further Evolved Performance" in red, it noted that the output of the 4.4-liter V8 turbo in the B5's front end had increased from 382kW (520ps) to 405kW (550ps), and maximum torque from 715Nm (72.9kgm) to 730Nm (74.4kgm).

Does a mere 5% power increase matter? According to the catalog, yes. 0-100km/h acceleration has improved from 4.6 to 4.5 seconds, and top speed from 307km/h to 319km/h. What about fuel economy? It remains 7.5km/l.



Those who were boys dreaming of supercars in the past will understand how important these kinds of numbers are. Remember the excitement of the top speed (numerical) races between the Prancing Horse and the Fighting Bull?

When the second-generation B5 was released in 2010, featuring a switch from supercharger to turbocharging, some car enthusiasts buzzed, "It's higher spec than the M5 with its 5-liter V10!" Of course, comparing naturally aspirated engines to turbos isn't very meaningful, but such number games are fun.

A Distinct Character from the New M5

The BMW Alpina B5 Biturbo Limousine, with its further enhanced engine, is priced at ¥14.95 million, unchanged. Compared to the BMW 550i with its 300kW (407ps) and 600Nm (61.2kgm) specs, this represents a 30% power increase for an additional ¥4.55 million. Or, perhaps more accurately, it's about acquiring a unique super BMW at the same price as the new M5, which boasts 412kW (560ps) and 680Nm (69.3kgm).



It's well known that adding preferred options to this type of car can quickly escalate the price to the point where one could buy a (regular) car. For this B5, choosing the right-hand drive specification alone adds ¥397,000. Alpina's signature body paint (blue or green) costs ¥550,000. Adaptive Drive, which integrates control of suspension stiffness and body roll, is ¥298,000. To avoid damaging this precious car while parking, a rear-view camera adds ¥96,000.

With all these additions, the test car was equipped with optional features totaling ¥1.94 million. While this might seem astonishing to ordinary people, perhaps one isn't worthy of an Alpina if they're unwilling to spend on customizing their beloved car to their liking.

The Appeal of Alpina

The B5, painted in Alpina Blue, sits parked in the rain. A large air dam nearly scrapes the ground. A subtle rear spoiler. The wheel wells are filled with 20-inch wheels wrapped in thin rubber. While adorned with elements hinting at high performance, it still presents an elegant and refined impression to the viewer – that's the beauty of Alpina.

The interior is black leather. The reddish wood paneling, known as Myrte, adds a touch of luxury. The gauges are blue, echoing the red and blue of the Alpina shield.



Grip the leather-wrapped steering wheel and start driving, and you'll find a ride comfort that belies the 35/30 (front/rear) aspect ratio tires. The combination of a sporty appearance, high-performance mechanics, and yet uncompromising comfort is likely the key to satisfying the demands of affluent buyers.

While the new M5 uses a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (a 2-pedal manual), the B5 Biturbo's conventional 8-speed torque converter automatic is also more relaxed and user-friendly for leisurely city driving. However, its length of 4,910mm and width of 1,860mm require some care on narrow roads. The base 5 Series has grown to a size that surpasses the first-generation 7 Series.

50 Nm More Torque Than the New M5

For high-speed cruising on the highway, the "Comfort" setting is a bit too relaxed, so you'll want to select "Normal" or "Sport" using the buttons next to the shifter. The car instantly transforms into a more taut and responsive mode, silently urging you to accelerate.



Although there are 8 gears, reaching around 60km/h in first and already 90km/h in second means you can't get too carried away with the accelerator. 4.5 seconds from the toll booth. Reaching 100km/h is the blissful moment for a B5 Biturbo owner. Is the 30ps increase truly effective? It's hard to say. What about the 15Nm (1.53kgm) increase in maximum torque? That was also hard to discern, but this much is certain.
"The new B5 Biturbo has 50Nm (5.1kgm) more torque than the new M5."

Because numbers matter.

BMW ALPINA B5 BITURBO LIMOUSINE |
BMW Alpina B5 Biturbo Limousine
Body Dimensions | Length 4,910 x Width 1,860 x Height 1,490mm
Wheelbase | 2,970mm
Tread Front/Rear | 1,600mm / 1,600mm
Vehicle Weight | 1,950kg
Engine Type | V8 Twin-Turbo
Displacement | 4,394cc
Max. Output | 405kW (550ps) / 5,200-6,250rpm
Max. Torque | 730Nm (approx. 74.4kgm) / 2,800-5,000rpm
Transmission | 8-speed AT (Switchtronic)
Suspension Front/Rear | Double Wishbone / Multi-Link
Tires Front/Rear | 255/35ZR 20 / 285/30ZR 20
Wheels Front/Rear | 8.5 x 20 / 9.5 x 20
Top Speed | 319km/h
0-100km/h Acceleration | 4.5 seconds
Fuel Economy | 7.3km/l (JC08 mode)
Price | ¥14.95 million