Photo: Alpina
It was back in 1965 when Alpina started working closely with BMW to create bespoke cars. If initially the cars they built had improved specs and aimed at more performance, over the years things changed. Alpina started off as a tuner and today it has its own VIN numbers, being accredited as a proper manufacturer.
To celebrate half a century of car-making, the Germans announced that they will be releasing 100 special cars dubbed Edition 50. They will be split evenly between the B5 Biturbo and B6 Coupe Biturbo variants. As you might already know, these cars just received a facelift that makes them the most powerful models ever created by Alpina.
Under the bonnet, they use the same powerplant, the 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 known internally at BMW as N63B44O1. You might also know it as the engine that makes 450 HP and 650 Nm (480 lb-ft) of torque in any 50i application.
In the Alpina guise, however, it tramples even over the M5 or M6 in terms of power and even acceleration. Thanks to some bigger turbos, a new intake, new exhaust and revised ECU the output went up to 600 HP and 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) of torque, incredible figures all on their own.
On top of that, you can have them with xDrive, unlike the M models. I guess I don’t have to tell you what that means for straight up acceleration, right? Even in RWD guise, the B5 and B6 Biturbo will do 100 km/h (62 mph) from standstill in just 4.2 seconds, then going up to a top speed of 204 mph (330 km/h).
Getting back to the ‘special’ character of these limited edition models, we should point out that they will include hand-crafted Edition 50 body and trim features and the aforementioned engine.
“Edition 50 is the ultimate expression of the ALPINA values. It combines very high levels of long-term comfort with superb performance that is available from low engine speeds, making it effortlessly fast. Add the deep base soundtrack and the feeling of bespoke luxury, and you have a highly engaging car that offers a unique set of attributes for the discerning enthusiast,” explained ALPINA GB brand manager Matthew Stripling.
The cabin can be fitted with unique, hand-crafted sports seats in new Forest Green quilting on the squab and backrest center sections. Piano black trims go all around with EDITION 50 plaques and the signature of Burkard Bovensiepen, the founder of the company, sits in front of the passenger.
Furthermore, a special ‘1965-2015’ logo appears on certain key areas like metal emblems on the seat backs, carpets or even the key ring. Each car’s limited edition number will be displayed on a production plaque on the center console and on the reverse of the keyring. All of this is standard on every model.
However, there are only three choices when it comes to the exterior paint: ALPINA Green, Blue or a special EDITION 50 Sepia color put together by BMW’s Individual people. If you want to, Edition 50 lettering can also be painted on the sides and the front spoiler of the car. Prices in the UK will start at £86,850. In Germany the B5 Biturbo Edition 50 starts at €114,200 while the Touring will be at least €117,500. The B6 Coupe is €133,800 while the Cabrio will set you back at least €142,400. No word on US availability yet.
Under the bonnet, they use the same powerplant, the 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 known internally at BMW as N63B44O1. You might also know it as the engine that makes 450 HP and 650 Nm (480 lb-ft) of torque in any 50i application.
In the Alpina guise, however, it tramples even over the M5 or M6 in terms of power and even acceleration. Thanks to some bigger turbos, a new intake, new exhaust and revised ECU the output went up to 600 HP and 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) of torque, incredible figures all on their own.
On top of that, you can have them with xDrive, unlike the M models. I guess I don’t have to tell you what that means for straight up acceleration, right? Even in RWD guise, the B5 and B6 Biturbo will do 100 km/h (62 mph) from standstill in just 4.2 seconds, then going up to a top speed of 204 mph (330 km/h).
Getting back to the ‘special’ character of these limited edition models, we should point out that they will include hand-crafted Edition 50 body and trim features and the aforementioned engine.
“Edition 50 is the ultimate expression of the ALPINA values. It combines very high levels of long-term comfort with superb performance that is available from low engine speeds, making it effortlessly fast. Add the deep base soundtrack and the feeling of bespoke luxury, and you have a highly engaging car that offers a unique set of attributes for the discerning enthusiast,” explained ALPINA GB brand manager Matthew Stripling.
The Devil's in the details
The wheels are also modified, featuring the same turbine design but with a twist. Each spoke has a side cut that helps cut weight. In total, the new 20” rims weigh 15.6 kg (34.4 lbs) less than the previous version while also being wider at 9” up front and 10” round the back.The cabin can be fitted with unique, hand-crafted sports seats in new Forest Green quilting on the squab and backrest center sections. Piano black trims go all around with EDITION 50 plaques and the signature of Burkard Bovensiepen, the founder of the company, sits in front of the passenger.
Furthermore, a special ‘1965-2015’ logo appears on certain key areas like metal emblems on the seat backs, carpets or even the key ring. Each car’s limited edition number will be displayed on a production plaque on the center console and on the reverse of the keyring. All of this is standard on every model.
However, there are only three choices when it comes to the exterior paint: ALPINA Green, Blue or a special EDITION 50 Sepia color put together by BMW’s Individual people. If you want to, Edition 50 lettering can also be painted on the sides and the front spoiler of the car. Prices in the UK will start at £86,850. In Germany the B5 Biturbo Edition 50 starts at €114,200 while the Touring will be at least €117,500. The B6 Coupe is €133,800 while the Cabrio will set you back at least €142,400. No word on US availability yet.
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