Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Cars
  3. News

Alpina’s new B5 sedan plays in the snow before its Geneva Motor Show debut

Miles Branman
By

Alpina B5 teaser
Image used with permission by copyright holder
The next generation Alpina B5 will make its debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month. Before we see what BMW’s go-to tuner has come up with, we’re treated to a snowy video teaser.

Recommended Videos

The B5 has always been a hyper-lux version of the M5. With similar power but less aggressive suspension tuning, the B5 is a premium boulevard bomber. The next generation will use a tweaked version of BMW’s 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8; over 600 horsepower will be sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. If the previous generation B5 Edition 50 is a good indicator of performance, then 0 to 60 mph should take just over 4.0 seconds and top speed should hover around 200 mph.

Apart from the powertrain modifications, Alpina will give the 5 Series a unique ground effects body kit to distinguish it both from the 550 and M5, plus multispoke wheels and quad exhaust ports.

European buyers can look forward to both B5 sedan and B5 touring (wagon) bodystyles, but Americans will have to settle for the four-door. Soon after the conclusion of the Geneva Motor Show, Alpina will open its ordering books. Interested parties should prepare about $100,000 in exchange for the super-powered, super-posh sedan.

As for how the B5 will stack up against the next generation M5, we have a pretty good idea about how that comparison will play out. Notably, the new M550 xDrive will make 456hp and sprints to 60 mph in 4.0 seconds flat. That means the new M5 will likely target a 0 to 60 mph run in the mid 3.0-second range, significantly quicker than the outgoing B5 Edition 50. With the addition of bigger brakes, a lowered suspension, and slippery aerodynamics, the new M5 (due sometime next year) will clearly distinguish itself from the B5.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Miles Branman
Miles Branman
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Miles Branman doesn't need sustenance; he needs cars. While the gearhead gene wasn't strong in his own family, Miles…
Mercedes-Benz EQG: range, price, release date, and more
Concept image of the larger electric G-Wagon

The G-Class is going electric. We already knew that Mercedes-Benz was working on an electric, small-size G-Wagon, but it looks like the company is also working on a larger G-Class SUV, in the form of the EQG. In fact, Mercedes has gone as far as to show off a concept version of the off-roader.

While there's much we don't know about what will become the production model of the EQG, Mercedes has also shared a lot about it. Curious about whether the Mercedes-Benz EQG could be the EV for you? Here's everything we know so far.
Design
Fear not -- the EQG will retain many of the design aspects of the G-Class that you already know and love but with a modern face-lift. The EQG will keep the boxy design that gives the G-Class a classic look but with some additional modern styling, at least if the concept version is anything to go by.

Read more
Rivian R2 vs. Kia EV9: battle of affordable electric SUVs
Kia EV9 GT-Line Three Quarters

The long-awaited Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it's an excellent option for those who want an electric SUV that doesn't completely break the bank. Sure, the R2 isn't cheap -- but it's a whole lot cheaper than most other EVs out there, especially when it comes to SUVs. But Rivian isn't the only company trying to tackle the problem of the budget electric SUV. The Kia EV9 is finally available, and it too offers a modern design and a range of helpful features.

Given the fact that the Rivian R2 and Kia EV9 are two electric SUVs in a similar price range, you might be wondering which is better for your needs. That's why we put the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 head-to-head.
Design
Both the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 are actual SUVs -- not crossovers pretending to be SUVs, like plenty of other EVs out there. The two vehicles offer big, boxy designs and plenty of interior space, making them excellent options for families or those who need that extra storage.

Read more
Rivian R2 vs R1S: How will Rivian’s cheaper SUV compare?
The front three-quarter view of a 2022 Rivian against a rocky backdrop.

Rivian has finally unveiled the R2, its long-awaited attempt at a more affordable electric SUV. The new vehicle may not be available just yet, but fans of Rivian's design aesthetics and feature set are already looking forward to being able to order the new car. The R2 is targeted at being a more affordable take on the electric SUV and will sit alongside the flagship-tier R1S.

Let's get this out of the way right now: The R1S is most likely going to be a better vehicle than the R2. Rivian isn't replacing the R1S with the R2 — it's releasing the R2 as a more affordable alternative, and there will be some compromises when buying the R2 over the R1S.

Read more