When it comes to performance BMWs, Alpina is right there at the top being the most prestigious and acknowledged company in this field outside of the German automaker itself. In fact, Alpina isn't considered a tuner but an auto manufacturer with BMW often selling its cars through its own dealerships.
This week, Alpina came out with two fresh videos showcasing the 2014 editions of its 5-Series sedans and estates based on the facelifted models, the diesel-powered D5 BITURBO and the gasoline-fueled B5 BITURBO, both featuring a number of subtle improvements.
The D5 BITURBO sports a 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six diesel unit capable of delivering 345hp (350PS) at 4,000 rpm and peak torque of 700Nm (516.2 lb-ft) from 1,500 to 3,000 rpm, paired to an 8-speed automatic.
It can complete the 0-100km/h (62mph) sprint in 5.1 seconds and tops out at 275km/h (171mph) [Estate: 5.3 seconds – 273km/h]. According to Alpina, it returns a combined fuel consumption of 5.9 l/100km (39.9mpg US or 47.9 mpg UK). Pre-tax prices start from €59,622 (US$80,440) in Germany.
The 2014 edition of the B5 BITURBO gets a newer 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8, good for 533hp (540PS) from 5,200 rpm to 6,250 rpm, and 730Nm (538.4 lb-ft) from 2,800 rpm to 5,000 rpm, connected to an 8-speed automatic turning the rear wheels.
Alpina quotes a 0-100km/h (62mph) sprint time of 4.5 seconds (Touring: 4.6 seconds), a top speed of 319km/h or 198mph (Touring: 316 km/h), and a combined fuel economy of 9.5l/100km (24.8mpg US or 29.8mpg UK), with pre-tax pricing starting from €83,361 (US$112,470).
With all that knowledge in hand and taking into consideration the price difference, which one would you have?
