About this Collectable

One of the most luxurious and exclusive Tourings currently available, from a historic car brand that takes BMW to the next level in every way. Condition: virtually factory new.

Unlike BMW M models, ALPINAs are more focused on long comfortable Autobahn blasting at high speeds, rather than driving on the Nordschleife. This manifests itself in engines with more torque at the low end and more smoothly tuned handling than the high-revving and harder-suspended M models. Make no mistake: ALPINAs are (at least) as fast in a straight line as their M equivalents. On top of that, the interior is of a much higher standard, with opulent wooden trim instead of carbon fibre and, instead of hard sports seats, leather seats that would not be out of place in top British brands, but with German build quality. Nor are these mass-produced but largely hand-built luxury vehicles. A totally different character.

But first, back in time. In 1962, German Burkard Bovensiepen developed a double Weber carburettor for the BMW 1500. This was so well received that from 1964 BMW maintained the factory warranty for models fitted with this carburettor. From then on, ALPINA got involved in developing various racing parts for BMWs only, specialising in carburettors and fast camshafts, which to this day are depicted in the ALPINA logo.

The brand was very successful in racing until it withdrew from the various competitions in 1988 to focus entirely on producing passenger cars. Since 1983, the brand has been recognised as an independent manufacturer by the German Ministry of Transport, after which all cars produced were registered as ALPINA.

This betrays how far ALPINA goes in customising BMWs: BMW engines are shipped to Buchloe, manually modified, returned to BMW's production line to be fitted into a completed chassis, and the entire vehicle then goes back to Buchloe to be finished and fitted with more luxurious interior parts and other modifications. All this is done almost entirely by hand, which limits production and guarantees exclusivity.

A typical ALPINA invention is the so-called Switch-Tronic system, with which, in 1992, ALPINA became the first manufacturer to offer steering-wheel-mounted manual operation of an automatic gearbox. Further characteristic features are the multi-spoke alloy wheels with the valve cap under a central cover, modified bumpers and optional stickers inspired by the racing cars of the past. Inside, soft leather and wood dominate, along with ALPINA logos and nameplates.

This is a 2022 ALPINA B5 Touring Allrad, based on a G31-generation BMW M550i Touring xDrive. However, the N63 4.4L V8 has been fitted with a new lightweight intake and exhaust system, cooling system, two twin-scroll Garett turbochargers, high compression pistons, special spark plugs and a new ECU programmed by ALPINA, among others. All this produces 621 hp and 800 Nm of torque. To handle this torque reliably, the ZF automatic gearbox has been fitted with heavier components and the special Switch-Tronic shifter system.

The chassis has also been extensively modified and the all-wheel steering has been recalibrated. All-wheel drive sends up to 90% of the power to the rear wheels. Pirelli P Zero tyres have been specially designed for this model.

This example was originally delivered in Germany. Finished in understated Azuritschwarz II (very dark blue metallic) with black Nappa leather and almost all options.

NB: this is a VAT car. Dutch VAT is included in the bids. Business buyers may reclaim the VAT (21%), depending on each personal situation. Bids include registration on a new Dutch number plate.

Our opinion

ALPINAs are a good example of 'stealth wealth': only the connoisseur knows what is in front of them, the outsider sees a well-dressed BMW. You can show up driving these anywhere. The colour scheme and lack of stickers also make this one a real 'sleeper'. Did we mention that this one is just run-in with just 4,300 km on the odometer?

As an independent car brand, ALPINA's exclusivity and craftsmanship goes beyond tuning companies Brabus and ABT. Even with ALPINA now officially being part of the BMW Group since 2022, the brand will continue to exist independently. It does mean that the current range is among the last models ALPINA has produced as a completely separate brand, which may help the investment value of this B5. One thing is certain: you won't get any closer to an M5 Touring (for now), but with a premium-level interior and more comfort.

Equipment

This ALPINA is equipped from factory with:
Airbags, driver and passenger airbags, side and head airbags.
Passenger airbag, switchable Active cruise control with Stop&Go function
Alarm system
Ambient lighting
Automatic tailgate control Exterior chrome line
Connected Package Professional DAB Tuner
Load-through system
Illuminated door sill panels with ALPINA lettering
Comprehensive exterior mirror package
Driving experience switch with ECO PRO, COMFORT+, COMFORT, SPORT, SPORT+ and ADAPTIVE mode
Front spoiler with ALPINA lettering
ALPINA floor mats
Rear skirt, integrated with dual exhaust pipes on left and right
Hi-fi speaker system
Intelligent emergency call incl. teleservices and accident assistance
Automatic climate control with 4-zone control
Comfortable front seats with memory for driver and front passenger
Long-range LED headlamps
Steering wheel: SWITCH-TRONIC sports leather steering wheel with multifunction functions.
Live Cockpit ConnectedDrive in ALPINA design
Lumbar support for driver and front passenger
Parking assistant
Rain sensor and automatic headlamp control
Tyre pressure indicator
Tyre repair kit
Seat heating for driver and front passenger
Automatic sports transmission (8-speed) with ALPINA SWITCH-TRONIC
Telephony with wireless charging
Identification plate with production number
Warning triangle and first-aid box
Additional 12 V sockets
ALPINA Sport Chassis Plus Incl. Adaptive Drive (Adaptive Chassis + Dynamic Drive), Integral Active Steering and ALPINA COMFORT+ mode.
ALPINA exhaust system, stainless steel, with twin exhaust pipes
20CSA ALPINA Classic 20" rims anthracite
Z06 ALPINA Blau Calipers
1APR ALPINA printed in headrest
XEZ Fine wood furniture in piano lacquer with silver badges
6U8 Gesture recognition
688 Harman Kardon surround sound system
760 Shadow line high-gloss
209 Rear axle gearbox with differential lock
208G Powerful braking system
775 Anthracite headlining
111Z ALPINA floor mats with leather trim
4M5 Leather instrument panel
4U1 Ceramic application for controls
114Z ALPINA boot mats with leather trim
1AL1 Steering wheel design in ALPINA LAVALINA
248 Steering wheel heater
453 Active front seat ventilation
4HA Seat heating front and rear
4NM Ambient air package
420 Sun protection glazing
536 Ambient air conditioning
3AC Trailer coupling
319 Integrated garage door opener
322 Comfort access
5AL Active protection
5AC High beam assistant
610 Heads-up display
5DN Parking Assistant Plus
5AU Driving Assistant Professional
5AZ BMW Laser light
3MF BMW Individual Shadow Line illumination
6DR BMW Row recorder
3MC High-gloss Shadow Line roof rails
402 Panoramic glass roof
1ASW SWITCH-TRONIC full-aluminium shift paddles, CNC-milled
7R7 Innovation package

Modifications

None, this car is still completely original.

Remarks

The car is in near-new condition and is delivered through the ALPINA importer. Expect a condition approaching perfection.

The ALPINA is currently registered on German license plates; before delivery, the ALPINA B5 will be registered in the Netherlands. This is included in the (bid) price.

Service history

Given the low mileage, the car has not yet needed any maintenance.

Included with sale

Full documentation including original booklets
Full service history
Two keys
Manufacturer's warranty - 33 months remaining

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