The Alpina version of the G30 BMW 5 Series has yet to arrive, but eager buyers will be delighted to learn that the Australian version has been confirmed to be reduced in price by $29,000 upon its local debut in April.
Prior to this, Alpina’s interpretation of a new high performance (but highly comfortable) 5er was expected to drop for $239,000. The B5 BiTurbo will, as a result, be priced more closely to the BMW M5 that it’s expected to have a bit of a tug with.
Alpina being an independent manufacturer that specialises in specially developed BMW with the consent and indeed support from the Munich automaker, does still have some ways to go in terms of awareness with Australian buyers, and perhaps a product with a near $40,000 price hike over the flagship M version could make life a little more difficult.
The Alpina B5 uses a 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine that manages to extract 447kW and 800Nm. Remarkably, that’s some margin of increase over the M5. Since it’s more closely related to the M550i, BMW’s xDrive system is retained for all-wheel traction. The century sprint takes a mere 3.5-seconds (claimed) and the top speed is an unrestricted 330km/h.
The signature 20-inch Alpina Classic alloys are, naturally, included as standard, so is a rear-wheel steer system, and a special stainless steel exhaust system. Inside, there’s Nappa leather upholstery, a customised Digital Driver’s Display, quad-zone climate control, and Comfort Seats.
A myriad of options are available for the B5 as well, letting each customer tailor their car to their own tastes. These can range from varying levels of very plush Lavalina leather, massaging front seats, a rear seat entertainment system, a premium Bowers & Wilkins stereo, and wireless Apple CarPlay.
