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Alpina B5 E60 4.4 V8 (500 Hp) Switch-Tronic
Overall Rating
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)
E60 Overview:
Alpina B5 (E60). With 700 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1720 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is excellent (0–100 km/h in 4.7 s). The top speed reaches 314 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
Based on the BMW 5 Series (E60), the Alpina B5 benefits from a strong 5-star Euro NCAP rating for adult occupant protection, offering excellent safety for its era.
4.4 V8 (500 Hp) Switch-Tronic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
A slightly less potent but still incredibly powerful variant, delivering exhilarating performance with Alpina's signature refinement, perfect for discerning drivers.
Fuel Economy
Similar to its more powerful sibling, this V8 demands fuel, but offers a compelling balance of power and luxury for its class.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Exclusivity and rarity
- • Immense supercharged V8 power
- • Luxurious and bespoke interior
- • Comfortable yet capable ride quality
- • Effortless high-speed cruising ability
- • Unique styling cues
Cons:
- • High running costs (fuel, maintenance)
- • Complex engine and electronics (E60 era)
- • Limited availability and parts sourcing
- • Significant depreciation from new
Specifications:
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Alpina |
| Model: | B5 |
| Generation: | E60 |
| Modification (Engine): | 4.4 V8 (500 Hp) Switch-Tronic |
| Start of production: | 2005 |
| End of production: | 2008 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| 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: | 18.6 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 8.7 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 12.3 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | Euro 4 |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 4.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 4.7 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 314 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 3.4 kg/Hp, 290.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 2.5 kg/Nm, 407 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 4.5 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1720 |
| Max. weight: | 2260 |
| Max load: | 540 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 520 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 70 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4841 mm |
| Width: | 1846 mm |
| Height: | 1468 mm |
| Wheelbase: | 2888 mm |
| Front track: | 1566 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1574 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | Front wheel tires: 245/35 R20 |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension, Transverse stabilizer |
Your first impression of the Alpina B5 in one word? Go!