What is it?
In simple terms this is the more spacious, slightly more chilled Touring version of the new Alpina B5 that we wrote about – and mostly liked – three weeks ago. In reality, though, given that there will be no estate model offered by the factory with the new M5, this particular Alpina should provide the B5 with its USP. Or at least that’s what its makers hope will happen, even though this car costs a whopping £75,850 before you’ve added so much as a single option to its admittedly lavish standard specification.
The test car we tried was fitted with a further £11,075 of options, including £1560 worth of highly recommended limited slip diff. But the headline news is still dominated by the engine – a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 that produces 500bhp and 516lb ft – an eight-speed semi automatic gearbox, plus the fitment of a bespoke set of 20in Michelin Pilot Supersport tyres that are resolutely NOT of run flat design.
What’s it like?
To understand the B5 Touring you need to put yourself in the mindset of someone who is a) extremely wealthy, b) likes driving fast, preferably down quiet, derestricted autobahns in order to avoid having to fly, and c) also wants a quantifiably comfortable car to drive. People who buy Alpinas are not people who can’t afford a factory M car. They are people who don’t want such a manic driving experience as that offered by an M machine, but who want the same kind of straight line performance.
Join the debate
DKW
Re: Alpina B5 Biturbo Touring
I disagree that this is a car for someone with several other cars. Quite the opposite, it seems to me to be a good one car solution for the family man with a pulse.
Will86
Re: Alpina B5 Biturbo Touring
Am I reading this right, Autocar got 25mpg from a 2 tonne 500bhp estate car? If my eyes don't deceive me, thats impressive (for the car and for Autocar).
ACB
Re: Alpina B5 Biturbo Touring
Is there going to be a four-wheel drive version as the Alpina 7 series is so available? Then it does seem to be a car for all seasons and needs. I feel a replacement for my Range Rover and my M3 coming on!
TegTypeR
Re: Alpina B5 Biturbo Touring
The big question has to be, how does it compare the only other competitor currently for sale - The E63AMG Estate?
It's all about the twisties........
julianphillips
Re: Alpina B5 Biturbo Touring
Well, on the plus side, unlike the Merc it doesn't look like a 2008 Hyundai Sonata!
julianphillips
Re: Alpina B5 Biturbo Touring
Sonata: http://www.distrocars.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/2008-Hyundai-Sonata... E-class: http://www.cardata.com/images/2010/Mercedes/E-Class_rear.jpg
matsoc
Re: Alpina B5 Biturbo Touring
[quote DKW]I disagree that this is a car for someone with several other cars. Quite the opposite, it seems to me to be a good one car solution for the family man with a pulse[/quote]
I think that you are both right, it depends from the needs of the owner...in the market of new very expensive cars is often plausible that the potential customers can afford more than one car...so if they really have the "pulse" of driving, maybe alone on a country road, he will probably have a proper sports car in addition. But if the potential customers have the "pulse" of fast driving but only when there is an opportunity and without sacrificing too much comfort that's the perfect first and only car!
il sole
Re: Alpina B5 Biturbo Touring
please can i have one??
ordinary bloke
Re: Alpina B5 Biturbo Touring
[quote DKW]it seems to me to be a good one car solution for the family man with a pulse.[/quote] I agree - however, if you have any sort of family you probably can't afford that £78,000 list price............
Enjoying a Fabia VRs - affordable performance
julianlee
Re: Alpina B5 Biturbo Touring
in many ways this is the best car in the world
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