We all know the BMW M5; for many, it’s the default super saloon and the latest generation offers no less than 600 of the finest Bavarian horses, channeled -for the first time in an M5- to all four wheels.
Alpina has been making its own high-performance 5-Series sedan for quite some time now, in the form of the B5 Biturbo. The Buchloe-based brand uses a regular 5-Series as the base, but the end result is equally as impressive as that that comes out of M Division.
The Alpina B5 is powered by a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 that makes 600hp and 590lb-ft of peak torque. An eight-speed transmission is responsible for transferring this power to all four wheels, enabling the B5 to hit 62mph (100km/h) from a standstill in 3.5 seconds and 124mph (200km/h) in 11.4 seconds, while flat out it’ll do 205 mph (330 km/h).
The numbers accompanying the M5 are pretty similar; the V8 also produces 600hp and slightly less torque, at 553lb-ft. 0-62mph comes in 3.4 seconds, and top speed with the M Driver’s Package is set at 190mph (305 km/h).
While the two models traditionally have been separated by their different characters, with the Alpina being the more relaxed and luxurious between the two, the latest B5 has been praised by many for its dynamic abilities as well.
Does this mean that it might be a better performer on public roads than the BMW M5? Autocar investigates in the video that follows.