Alpina B5 Touring (E61) 4.4 V8 (500 Hp) Switch-Tronic


Overall Rating

8.5 / 10
Safety 4.0 / 5
Engine 4.8 / 5
Value 3.8 / 5
Performance 4.9 / 5
Comfort 4.5 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Alpina B5:

The Alpina B5 and D5 are a series of high performance executive cars manufactured by German Automobile manufacturer Alpina. Introduced at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show, the car is the third generation of the B5 and succeeds the Alpina B5. Based on the BMW 5 Series , the car is available in both saloon and wagon bodystyles.
Based on the 540i X-Drive, but the B5 uses a modified 4. 4-litre N63 twin-turbocharged V8 called the N63TU2. Modifications include a re-designed air intake, cooling system, higher compression Mahle pistons, twin-scroll Garrett turbos, a larger intercooler, new NGK spark plugs and revised ECU map. A lighter exhaust system also reduces back pressure. This allows a higher power output of 447 kW and 800 N⋅m of torque. Due to the higher torque output, the 8-speed automatic transmission, manufactured by ZF, uses stronger internals. Alpina TCU mapping allows quicker shift times and launch control. The transmission allows 100 launches before disabling the feature to preserve reliability....(Read more on Wikipedia)

Touring (E61) Overview:

Alpina B5 (Touring (E61)). With 700 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1810 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is excellent (0–100 km/h in 4.8 s). The top speed reaches 310 km/h. A car with an extended rear cargo area, combining passenger comfort with increased storage. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

4.4 V8 (500 Hp) Switch-Tronic Verdict:

Rating 5 stars

Performance Verdict

A phenomenal engine offering immense power and rapid acceleration, only marginally less extreme than the 'S' variant. It provides a truly exhilarating and refined driving experience.

Fuel Economy

Similar to its more powerful sibling, this 500 Hp V8 prioritizes performance over fuel efficiency, with a combined consumption of 12.4 l/100 km.

Best Use Case: Luxury Performance Touring

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Supercar-level performance in a practical estate body.
  • • Exceptional high-speed stability and touring comfort.
  • • Exclusive and rare, offering a unique driving experience.
  • • High-quality interior and Alpina-specific refinements.
  • • Powerful supercharged V8 engines.

Cons:

  • • High fuel consumption and running costs.
  • • Complex engine and electronics can lead to expensive maintenance.
  • • Stealthy looks might not appeal to all seeking overt sportiness.
  • • Limited availability and specialist parts.
  • • Heavy vehicle, impacting agility in tight corners.

Specifications:

General:
Brand:Alpina
Model:B5
Generation:Touring (E61)
Modification (Engine):4.4 V8 (500 Hp) Switch-Tronic
Start of production:2005
End of production:2008
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Station wagon (estate)
Seats:5
Doors:5
Engine:
Power:500 Hp @ 5500 rpm.
Power per litre:113.7 Hp/l
Torque:700 Nm @ 4250 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:H1
Engine displacement:4398
Number of cylinders:8
Engine configuration:V-engine
Number of valves per cylinder:4
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Supercharger, Intercooler
Valvetrain:DOHC
Engine layout:Front, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:92 mm
Piston Stroke:82.7 mm
Compression ratio:9:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:18.7 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:8.8 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:12.4 l/100 km
Emission standard:Euro 4
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:4.8 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:4.8 sec
Maximum speed:310 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:3.6 kg/Hp, 276.2 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:2.6 kg/Nm, 386.7 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:4.6 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1810
Max. weight:2350
Max load:540
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:1650 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:500 l
Fuel tank capacity:70 l
Size:
Length:4843 mm
Width:1846 mm
Height:1491 mm
Wheelbase:2886 mm
Front track:1562 mm
Rear (Back) track:1573 mm
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelRear wheel drive
Number of gears6
Transmission typeAutomatic
Front brakesVentilated discs
Rear brakesVentilated discs
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires sizeFront wheel tires: 245/40 R19
Front suspensionSpring Strut, Transverse stabilizer
Rear suspensionIndependent multi-link suspension, Transverse stabilizer

Show off your Alpina B5 knowledge – drop a review below!