2011 BMW Alpina B5 Bi-Turbo Review

The balance between sharp athletic, comfort and everyday luxury that defined Alpina cars for decades when a new dimension in the BMW Alpina B5 Bi-Turbo.

Five generations of five series based Alpina cars have evolved over the past 35 years, exposing those who know how to live a unique driving experience and exclusive. The sixth generation is based on the best raw materials provided by previous generations to create a palette of attractions to the most demanding of drivers in the segment of luxury sedans and high performance.


2011 BMW Alpina B5 Bi-Turbo
2011 BMW Alpina B5 Bi-Turbo

The power train - first class performance and economy

Introduced in the BMW Alpina B7 Bi-turbo, all-aluminum V8 power source to acquire a new Bi-Turbo B5 dramatic pace. It achieves 507 hp (373 kW) at a moderate 5500 rpm and maximum torque of 700 Nm from 3000 rpm 4750. "Bi-Turbo" designation refers to the turbocharger comfortably Vana two V-shaped cylinder block 8. They work in parallel, each feeding the cylinder banks. Specially developed in collaboration Alpine Honeywell Garrett, custom exhaust gas turbines are generously sized. Compared to its predecessor, the super-charged, this engine produces more torque, a wider range of improved speed and throttle at low revs.

To fully exploit the potential of the engine, Alpina has optimized between the indirect cooling system (air to water / water-air) with large short supply and increased flow inter-cooler. The package of high performance cooling efficiency of its thermodynamic temperature using large volumes of low inter-cooler and two water-air inter-cooler placed near the engine. The pistons are a high performance variant developed in collaboration with Mahle to handle extreme temperatures and pressures associated with the load up to 1.0 bar and a 9.2:1 compression ratio engine rated. In total, the result is an impressive 115.3 hp specific (85kW) per liter, and a total average compression of 20.1 bar.

Direct injection and double VANOS contribute to the BMW Alpina Bi-Turbo B5-leading performance in terms of emissions and economy in the super-sedan segment: (. 26.2 mpg imp) 10.8 l/100 km and 252g/km of CO2 (combined according to the ECE standard).

2011 BMW Alpina B5 Bi-Turbo
2011 BMW Alpina B5 Bi-Turbo

RELEASE - The eight speed Fully versatile

Adapted and tested in collaboration with ZF, the tip SWITCH-TRONIC automatic 8-speed sport sets a new benchmark. With the philosophy guiding the creed Alpina, our engineers have spent thousands of hours of development and testing to ensure that no automatic transmission performance of other approaches to provide this level of comfort and sportiness.

The mixture of eight speeds and high torque makes changes faster than ever at home without any noticeable interruption in the delivery of energy - just the accompaniment sound and dynamic counter to provide information to the transmission work. The 700 nm torque means BMW Alpina B5 Bi-Turbo stands along the slide at low speed in a gear with minimal returns, benefiting both fuel consumption and comfort.

In Sport mode a completely different character emerges: the transfer is crisp and clear immediately. The innovative step down the cylinder (EZA), especially developed for the Alpina B5 Bi-Turbo can put super-fast movements in a split second, despite the high torque. According to the load on the transmission, fuel injection in a given cylinder is interrupted for a split second, the creation of the necessary reduction in the torque-speed automatic equipment needs. The advantage over the typical changes are delayed synchronization much faster and better thermodynamic efficiency due to lower exhaust temperatures and fuel consumption. The downstream cylinder (EZA) is accompanied by great sound nothing short because every change has a deep sound pressure against the murmur.

The manual mode gives the driver full control over all shifts. SWITCH TRONIC aesthetic and ergonomic buttons are located on the back of the wheel, and can be used by the driver as he or she wants, depending on traffic and road by hand. The system also allows simultaneous downshift multiple fractions of a second, says the transmission will skip various speeds depending on load and becomes a butterfly. Thus the sport of 8-speed transmission with SWITCH-TRONIC Alpina seem multifaceted and capable of changing the characteristics appropriate for all situations.

Link intelligent state-of-the-art engine and transmission technologies allow BMW Alpina B5 Bi-Turbo strong performance figures: just 4.7 seconds to 62 mph (100 kmh) is needed on the way up the top speed of 191 mph (307 kph).

Even if the driver is rarely so busy: a characteristic mass ventilated brake in the form of high-performance brakes (front: 374mm/14.7in; behind 370mm/14.6in) to ensure the best braking pure-bred sports cars.

Suspension - an exciting sport, comfortable relaxed

The days when the "real stiff" suspensions was considered a positive feature of management are long gone. It remains a fact that truly neutral in place, even at the border, offering the best technical compromise. This is achieved by partly because of shorter springs, but very progressive suspension arm special combination that results in more camber on the track before.

Together with 20 "wheels and tires, Alpina has been achieved in a balanced and straight-up, casting a pure sports-oriented approach to a suspension for agile steering precision. The new lightweight 20" Alpina Classic is shod with the most advanced technology, high-performance tires available today. On their debut in the BMW Alpina B5 Bi-Turbo, the new Michelin Pilot Super Sport, measuring 255/35ZR20 front and 285/30ZR20 rear, giving maximum stability at high speeds. In addition to improving the characteristics of versatility, these are not run-flat tires have more grip on wet surfaces, providing a better hydro-planing and behavior of mobile comfort.

To meet the highest requirements in terms of comfort, everyday use, and precision driving in asking, B5 Bi-Turbo is equipped with a electronicallyadjustable suspension (shock variable). Using a control switch mounted on the gear lever to the left, the driver can choose between Normal, Comfort, Sport and Sport +. This system is a carefully calibrated to Alpine, and is linked to other system parameters to control the management of aid, and the damping torque of the SDC. B5 Bi-Turbo transitions easily grown luxury of a thoroughbred sports performance. Light control, suspension very comfortable and quite moving transmission BMW Alpina B5 Bi-Turbo perfect partner for a stop-and-go traffic, where long distances or when it encounters less than perfect road surfaces. Yet the touch of a button, the Bi-Turbo B5 follow with difficult corners and exciting itineraries, with the agility and light-footedness than anything else in its class.

When the 8-speed sport automatic transmission with manual mode, the book combines the choice of Sport or Sport + mode, the driver benefits a new feature: no compulsory up-shift. When you press through the very twisty sections of road or a few hairpins, an experienced driver can remain in the selected gear and can not be interrupted by up-shift.

The Dynamic Drive option reduces body roll during cornering, the distribution of BMW Alpina B5 Bi-Turbo even more agility.

When placed in the sport + mode by the driver, systems Bi-Turbo B5 control to deliver a dynamic increase in calls DSC Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), which allows more rear-wheel slippage and delays when the traction control system takes over.

DESIGN & INTERIOR - Craft Classic meets modern technology

The new Alpina B5 Alpina Bi-Turbo has features typical of the virtues of design and fashion new and compelling, fresh and dynamic look.

Confident and powerful front end to capture the attention much more lines of sports-orientated and air strikes. It 'been a great harmony, clearly communicates the BMW Alpina B5 Bi-Turbo family heritage. Alpine, two exhaust pipes heads are cleverly integrated into the rear valance, rear diffuser finished discreet silhouette. The speaker can be removed from the necessity, if the customer wants an option to tow a trailer. Together with the rear spoiler, Bi-Turbo B5 whole aero package to produce the maximum safety and stability, especially at high speeds. Decrease in lift, speed, can achieve significant - 60% front - 30% behind.

The interior reveals subtle details that suggest under BMW Alpina B5 Bi-Turbo Exclusive pedigree. The level of standard equipment is comprehensive: leather interior, versatile and adjustable comfort seats, navigation system with an excellent preparation Bluetooth, xenon headlights and all drivers to ensure passenger comfort. The hand-stitched leather steering wheel LAVA Lina SWITCH-TRONIC can be positioned exactly as required to see the gauges Alpina blue with black panel LCD technology, with the electrically adjustable steering column. The Alpina classic Myrtle burl wood gives a warm atmosphere - only available in the Pacific Coast US she moved to bay dedicated groves grown solely for that purpose.

THE BMW Alpina B5 Bi-Turbo - High performance balanced Radiant

Overall harmony and implemented so that the BMW Alpina B5 Bi-Turbo The latest fine calibrations have reached a common factor, and as always do, Alpine flair, our signature. Sovereign performance and opulent torque for optimum performance, this, together with an economy "best in class" fuel economy and CO2 emissions. Neutral turn-in and drive, agile and versatile, the air suspension system meets the highest demands in terms of comfort and sporty nature. Warm atmosphere of the interior and modern therapies to promote wellness. For those who are just a bonus for him, something unique, exclusive, and volumes of philosophy, hand crafts Alpine offer a variety of almost unlimited customization.