The new BMW 5-Series has only recently been unveiled. It seems likely that we will be made to wait quite some time for a BMW M5. To tide us over until then, BMW is likely to sanction the release of the Alpina B5. These spy shots all but confirm this!
Rumoured to produce approximately 600 hp in its most potent form, we’re expecting to see the Alpina B5 at the Geneva Motor Show 2016. It seems likely that Alpina will equip the B5 with a choice of the 3.0 litre inline six bi-turbo diesel engine producing 350 hp. The petrol variant is likely to feature the 4.4 litre V8 petrol unit with 600 hp.
These photos were taken a while back when the Alpina development mules hit the Nordschliefe during on of the final manufacturer industry days of the year. The photos reveal both a standard saloon and a touring variant with modified front and rear bumpers, a lower ride height and the iconic Alpina wheels.
The petrol B5 will undoubtedly use the BMW M550i as its base. In stock form, the B5 produces 462 hp and 650 Nm of torque with a 0 to 100 km/h time of just 4.0 seconds. Expect the B5 to outperform this with a 0 to 100 km/h time closer to 3.5 seconds. The diesel B5 will likely be built upon the BMW 530d which features 270 hp and 620 Nm of torque.
