We proceed our journey down reminiscence lane with ALPINA by highlighting one of the vital fascinating household vehicles ever manufactured by the specialists based mostly in Buchloe. Having seen the E12 and E28 sedans earlier this week, it’s time for a extra sensible automobile by admiring a mint-condition B5 Touring from the E61 period. Positive, it doesn’t have the mighty V10 of the naturally aspirated M5 nevertheless it’s no slouch both.
This ALPINA B5 was based mostly on the 550i model with the 4.4-liter V8 dialed to a mighty 500 hp (368 kW) and 700 Nm (515 lb-ft) of torque within the early vehicles manufactured from February 2005 till September 2007. From that time on, the V8 was dialed to 530 hp (390 kW) and a monstrous 725 Nm (535 lb-ft) till manufacturing led to Could 2010. The later vehicles packed much more punch than the S85-powered M5 bought by BMW with the 5.0-liter engine.
It’s not simply the loopy energy that makes this automobile so fascinating. We also needs to issue within the additional practicality introduced by the wagon format and simply how sublimely understated the ALPINA B5 E61 appears. If it weren’t for these two enlarged exhaust suggestions, the untrained eye would suppose it’s a secular 520d. That is something however that for the reason that efficiency delivered stays robust even by 2023 requirements.
The stronger model took simply 4.6 seconds to 62 mph (100 km/h) and topped out at a decent 197 mph (317 km/h). Right now’s equal must be the already sold-out B5 GT Touring, an excellent wagon with 625 hp and 850 Nm (627 lb-ft). It’s a full second faster within the dash than the B5 E61 Touring and has a barely larger prime velocity of 200 mph (322 km/h).
At this level, we don’t know whether or not the forthcoming 5 Sequence Touring G61 will obtain the ALPINA therapy. Nevertheless, BMW has confirmed it’s bringing again the M5 Touring (G99) in 2024, so wagon lovers higher begin saving. It’ll have a yet-to-be-confirmed output of over 700 hp from a plug-in hybrid V8 setup tailored from the XM. Not like the M3 Touring (G81), we’re listening to its larger brother is coming to the US.
Photographs: ALPINA