Thursday 26th March 2015

Alpina launches 'Edition 50' B5 and B6 Bi-Turbo

Alpina marks its half century in the best way possible - a 600hp limited edition

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For 50 years now, Alpina has been providing a tempting alternative to the equivalent BMW, whether M cars or before. A little less overt, a bit more relaxing and even rarer, there's something deeply alluring about an Alpina.

Why have 540hp when you could have 600hp?

To mark this significant birthday, Alpina has produced its most powerful models yet - the B5 and B6 Bi-Turbo Edition 50. There will just 100, split evenly between B5 and B6. And yes, a B5 Touring is available.

There are some significant cosmetic changes to mark out the 50 Edition but we'll come to those; the engine is more important. The standard B5 Bi-Turbo makes 540hp and 538lb ft, but the new car is rated at 600hp and 590lb ft. Which is a lot. The gains come through new pistons, tweaks to the induction system, three (!) intercoolers and 'other unique upgrades'.

Alpina claims 62mph arrives in 4.2 seconds and, with the Edition 50s unencumbered by a limiter, a top speed of 204mph. There are also some frankly unbelievable efficiency stats of 29.7mpg combined and 221g/km. Oh, and an Akrapovic exhaust, improving throttle response and hopefully noise while also saving 17kg.

Spotted the big change outside? Yep, the Alpina Classic wheels have changed. Sob. However, the new 20-inch rims (see the side cuts in each spoke) are forged aluminium and save a total of 15.6kg over the old cast aluminium items. Note also Edition 50 logos on the wheel.

Quilted green is an option - phew

Alpinas are typically quite subtle cars and that's no different with the Edition 50. They will be offered in Alpina Green, Alpina Blue or a new 'Edition 50 Sepia' finish. Traditional Alpina decal sets can be applied if desired with Edition 50 details. For those feeling brave, the interior can be specified with seats quilted in Forest Green 'complemented by yellow and black stitching'. Wow. Even without those, an Edition 50 can be identified by '1965-2015' logos, a centre console production plaque and company founder Burkard Bovensiepen's signature above the glovebox.

It all comes together to create another intensely desirable Alpina product. A Touring in green with gold decals would be perfect. And fear not, there is a limited-slip diff as standard for when family and business duties have been dealt with. Alpina says 'very small numbers' will be available in the UK, with prices from £86,850. Grab 'em while you can!

 

[philmots]

B5 Torung for me please.