Alpina slashes bahn-storming B5's price by $29,900

BEFORE it even sets tyre on Australian shores, BMW tuning specialist Alpina has dramatically reduced the cost of the B5 luxury-sports sedan due in March by $29,900, to $210,000 before on-road costs.

This significant price cut repositions the Alpina B5 closer to its sixth-generation BMW M5 cousin that will cost $199,900 when it arrives early in the second quarter this year.

Furthermore, there is now more distance between the B5 and the $239,611 Mercedes-AMG E63 S, although the entry-level E63 is not far off the mark, at $209,611.

According to Alpina Automobiles Australia sales manager Phil Jeffery, the rationale behind slashing the B5's sticker price was purely customer-focused.

“The new B5 is arriving into Australia and entering a market that is fiercely competitive and demands the very best from the manufacturer,” he said.

“Our price reposition shows we are focused to deliver to the customer not only the greatest drive experience and the highest level of premium quality, but a vehicle that represents excellent value for money and allows more consumers to experience this truly bespoke brand.

“The close manufacturing relationship in place between Alpina and BMW is no doubt why both brands can develop exceptional vehicles, yet produce a totally different drive experience.”Despite the fact that both models are based on the 5 Series large sedan, the M5 focuses on outright performance, while the B5 combines this factor with a more luxurious touch – such is the Alpina mantra.

Both super sedans employ a 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine, with the B5 producing 447kW of power from 5750 to 6250rpm and 800Nm of torque between 3000 and 5000rpm, which is enough to outmuscle the M5 by 6kW and 50Nm.

While the B5 has an output advantage, it is 0.1 seconds slower than the M5 in the sprint from zero to 100km/h, managing a 3.5s mark.

However, the B5 wrestles back bragging rights with its 330km/h top speed, compared to the 305km/h the M5 can must when the M Driver's package is optioned.

Comparatively, the E63 and E63 S develop 420kW/750Nm and 450kW/850Nm respectively from their 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8s, with the latter quickest to triple digits, at an M5-matching 3.4s, while on the way to its 300km/h top speed.

The B5 and M5 both employ an eight-speed ZF torque-convertor automatic transmission that sends drive to each corner via a trick xDrive all-wheel-drive system.

Claimed fuel consumption on the combined cycle test is 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres for the B5, which also had its carbon dioxide emissions tested at 239 grams per km.

The M5 is slightly less efficient and more pollutant, offering 10.5L/100km and 241g/km.

Signature Alpina elements such as a snow-plough front bumper and large 20-spoke alloy wheels differentiate the B5 externally from regular 5 Series variants and the M5 flagship.

Alpina has also released pricing for the B5's extensive options list, with notable items including Lavalina leather upholstery ($12,253 to $22,244), a limited-slip differential ($5923), an electric towbar ($2262), ventilated front seats ($1454), massaging front seats ($1866), television function ($2065), Apple CarPlay support ($566) and a Bowers & Wilkins sound system ($8766).