Alpina Introduces Facelifted 2021 B5 And D5 S, Offer Up To 613 HP

BMW pulled the wraps off the facelifted 5-Series last month, and now Alpina is following suit by introducing the updated the B5 and D5 S.

Looking slightly more aggressive than their predecessors, the models feature a new front bumper with larger air intakes. Designers also installed a front splitter, prominent Alpina badging and 20-inch forged alloy wheels.

Elsewhere, there are new lighting units and a four-tailpipe sports exhaust system. The cars can be painted in an assortment of colors including exclusive Alpina Blue and Alpina Green.

Also Read: The Alpina B5 Bi-Turbo Touring Is The Fastest Series-Production Estate In The World

Interior changes are modest, but include an Alpina-branded digital instrument cluster and a hand-stitched sport steering wheel. The models also have an individually numbered production plaque and customers can request “bespoke interior designs down to the smallest detail.”

Under the hood, the B5 has a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 engine that produces 613 hp (457 kW / 621 PS) and 590 lb-ft (800 Nm) of torque. It enables the sedan to rocket from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 3.4 seconds and onto a top speed of 205 mph (330 km/h). The wagon accomplishes the same task in 3.6 seconds, while it tops out at 200 mph (322 km/h).

The D5 S, on the other hand, has a tri-turbo 3.0-liter six-cylinder diesel engine with 402 hp (300 kW / 408 PS) and 590 lb-ft (800 Nm) of torque. It allows the sedan to run from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 4.4 seconds, before hitting a top speed of 178 mph (286 km/h). The wagon is a tad slower as the dash to 62 mph (100 km/h) takes 4.6 seconds and the top speed is 176 mph (283 km/h).

While the engines are complete opposites, both are connected to an eight-speed automatic transmissions which send power to a rear-biased all-wheel drive system. Both models can also be equipped with an optional limited-slip differential.

Sticking with the performance theme, the cars have a beefy braking system with blue calipers which grab onto discs that measure 15.6 inches (395 mm) front and 15.7 inches (398 mm) rear. If that isn’t impressive enough, an optional high-performance braking system adds composite discs and special brake pads for “higher thermodynamic reserves and more direct pedal feedback.”

Other highlights include a sport-tuned suspension with adjustable dampers as well as shorter and stiffer springs. The wagon variants go a step further as they have a rear air suspension to deliver a “neutral ride height and balanced handling characteristics regardless of loads.”

Both models are currently available to order and deliveries are slated to begin in October. In Germany, B5 pricing will start at €117,700 for the sedan and €120,700 for the wagon. The D5 S is significantly cheaper as the sedan begins at €92,500 while the wagon starts at €95,500.