Alpina Debuts Limited B5 & B6 ‘Edition 50’ in Geneva

Celebrating 50 years since the company’s birth, Alpina has unveiled two special versions of its twin-turbo B5 and B6 variants in Geneva.

Featuring a heavily updated BMW bi-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 under the bonnet, the B5 and B6 make 600hp at 6,000rpm and 800Nm-590lb.ft of torque between 3,500 and 4,500rpm. All this power is sent through a ZF 8-speed automatic gearbox to the rear wheels via a Drexler limited slip differential.

The 0-62mph (0-100km/h) sprint comes in 4.2 seconds while top speed reaches 203mph (327km/h) for the B5 saloon and 200mph (322km/h) for the estate. The B6 Coupe and Convertible score the same time for the 0-62mph with the top speed being 205mph (330km/h) and 203mph (327km/h) respectively.

The Edition 50 variants feature also a titanium exhaust system made by Akrapovic that weighs 17kg less than a regular steel one. The lightweight forged 20in alloys with the characteristic Alpina design are also specific for the Edition 50 and reduce weight by 15.6kg.

Inside, nappa leather is covering almost everything with the seats featuring a black-green theme, ceramic coating to all the switchgear and door panels signed by Alpina’s founder Burkard Bovensiepen.

Alpina will build only 50 units of each ‘Edition 50’ variant with prices starting for the UK market at £83,862 ($128,812 in current rates) for the B5 and £98,256 ($150,921) for the B6.

Would you choose one instead of a M5 or M6?