New BMW ALPINA B5 hits regional market

The redesigned BMW ALPINA B5, producing an astonishing 500 horsepower, 700 Nm (516lbs-ft) of torque and a top speed of 314 km/h (195mph), is sure to be a favourite amongst car enthusiasts. The B5 remains the fastest production saloon in the world; with additional developments on the exterior, the interior and the B5's dynamic driving characteristics, it has now become even more desirable.

The BMW ALPINA B5's exterior is redesigned, featuring the unmistakably-ALPINA front spoiler, which provides for an onward-pressing and sporty appearance. The B5's rear end enjoys discreet modifications and new taillights.

The B5's interior is inviting in accustomed fashion with its warm and comfortable materials as well as bold, uncluttered lines and forms, where ALPINA's traditional fine wood communicates a warm ambience, as does the hand-crafted leather interior with its typical ALPINA design.

A 4.4-litre V8 mated to a ZF six-speed automatic transmission allows the B5 to complete the 0-100km/h sprint in only 4.7 seconds, while producing a peak of 500 horsepower at only 5,500 rpm. The B5 also features the ALPINA-developed SWITCH-TRONIC system which allows the driver to change gears using two buttons on the rear side of the steering wheel.

'The previous BMW ALPINA B5 enjoyed immense success in the region due to its powerhouse engine and sporty yet confident handling,' said Kris Odwarka, Sales Operations, Middle East, North America, UK, for ALPINA GmbH + Co KG. 'This new edition of the B5 builds on established engineering, modified engine and handling dynamics and subtle yet effective design changes.'

A new drive-by-wire shift lever replaces the mechanical connection to the automatic transmission and presents itself in an ergonomic joystick design, while the driving dynamics of the BMW ALPINA B5 are noticeably improved by its new suspension set-up and larger wheels.

Developed in co-operation with SACHS Race Engineering, the electronically-controlled adjustable damping, called EDC, makes its debut in the new B5, allowing for a more sporty character augmented without a loss in comfort. Subtle yet responsive dampers ensure safe driving, while manually-selectable firmer damper settings can also be chosen for more sport-oriented driving.

'Through our work with Michelin, we were able to make the B5's handling more responsive and neutral by implementing larger 20' ALPINA CLASSIC wheels,' continued Odwarka. 'Larger wheels and stronger stabilizers allow the vehicle to respond more precisely to driver inputs and reducing body-roll during high-speed cornering without compromising the proverbial ALPINA driving comfort.'

The B5's stopping ability has not been compromised either, going from 200 km/h to a standstill in less than 5.5 seconds. Derived from the ALPINA B7, special emphasis was placed on the brake system's comfort-oriented characteristics, meaning that the discs are not cross-drilled, meaning that, in combination with two-piston TEVES floating callipers, extremely high deceleration values and fade-free stable braking are guaranteed.

These elements combine to make the new B5 a synergy of every-day usability and sports car performance - precise, perfected, cultured.