Alpina's Distinctive Statement

“BMWThe BMW ALPINA B5 S, launched in 2005, succeeded the BMW ALPINA B10 Bi-Turbo, which was based on the BMW 5 Series. It is based on the current BMW 5 Series sedan (E60) and touring (E61) models.

Beneath the bonnet lies the acclaimed 4.4-liter V8 from the ALPINA B7. This engine features BMW's "Valvetronic" technology combined with a "radial compressor" supercharger. It boasts a formidable 537 ps at 5500 rpm and 725 Nm of torque at 4750 rpm—37 ps and 25 Nm more than the B7—delivering performance that surpasses even the flagship model, with 0-100 km/h in 4.6 seconds (4.7 seconds for the Touring) and 1-1 km in 22.1 seconds (22.4 seconds for the Touring).

Unlocking the full potential of the B5 S is effortless, thanks to the ALPINA SWITCH-TRONIC, co-developed with ZF, which enables sporty yet smooth driving for everyone. In manual mode, the engine's blipping function during downshifts ensures rapid acceleration out of corners.

The chassis also features ALPINA's unique tuning, with electronically controlled dampers co-developed with SACHS and 20-inch wheels, achieving the agile and neutral handling characteristic of ALPINA. Of course, the luxurious interior befitting a premium model is another of ALPINA's charms, offering a finish that conveys a distinct statement different from BMW's.

BMW ALPINA B5 S Limousine/Touring

Body | Length 4855 x Width 1845 x Height 1470 (1490) mm
Engine | 4.4-liter V8
Max Output | 395 kW [537 ps] / 5500 rpm
Max Torque | 725 Nm [74.0 kgm] / 4750 rpm
Drivetrain | FR
Transmission | 6-speed automatic
Price | ¥16,970,000 (Limousine), ¥17,760,000 (Touring)
(As of July 2008)

BRAND HISTORY
ALPINA, a German automobile manufacturer, dramatically enhances the appeal of BMW cars, already highly regarded for their sportiness and premium quality, through its unique technology.

The founder and current CEO, Burkhard Bovensiepen, was born in 1936, the son of Rudolf Bovensiepen, who ran an office equipment company named "Alpina." While his father's company focused on typewriters, Burkhard's passion lay with automobiles. He entered the automotive world in 1961 by tuning the engine of a "BMW 1500," and began to seriously develop his expertise. In 1965, he established Alpina Burkard Bovensiepen GmbH, marking the beginning of the automobile manufacturer ALPINA.

In addition to developing tuning parts, ALPINA also gained recognition in motorsports by participating in touring car races, leveraging its technical prowess. However, the company concluded its racing activities in 1977 to transition into an automobile manufacturer.

The following year, 1978, saw the development of three models bearing its own name. One of these, the "BMW ALPINA B6 2.8," astonished the automotive world by equipping the BMW 3 Series, which at the time only had four-cylinder engines, with a six-cylinder engine, demonstrating overwhelming performance.

Since then, ALPINA has introduced legendary cars such as the "BMW ALPINA B10 Bi-Turbo" and "BMW ALPINA ROADSTER V8." The philosophy of creating cars that offer performance far exceeding the base models and exceptional handling, while maintaining a refined ride and luxurious interior, continues to be passed down to this day.