BMW.SG | BMW Singapore Owners Community The Ultimate BMW Community – Established Since 2001
The current generation of BMW 5 is hard to beat when it comes to fast, high-performance sedans that can also be utilized daily. However, a lot of customers may find the M5 a bit too hard-edged on a day-to-day basis. As an alternative, many customers would rather have something with speed but also luxury, leaning more toward comfort than handling, yet still has a powerful engine. With that, it looks like a battle between the ALPINA B5 or BMW M550i. Which of those do you choose?
That’s a complicated question as both cars are good and, honestly, almost so similar. Both cars utilize the same engine – BMW’s 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8. But the M550i only generate 523 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque, while the ALPINA B5 delivers 600 horsepower and nd 590 lb-ft of torque. At the same time, both cars also use the same eight-speed gearbox, xDrive all-wheel drive, and rear-wheel steering. However, the ALPINA had all those aforementioned elements especially tuned by a group in Buchloe.
Furthermore, both the ALPINA and M550i are incredibly fast, enough to overlooks the actual BMW M5. It’s true the M Division surpasses both cars in many ways but not to the point of being obvious on the road. Both cars make up for the lack of absolute handling supremacy with more comfort and luxury, especially in the ALPINA.
If we get to decide which one is better, the ALPINA B5 surely wins over. Not only it has a more luxurious feel but it also conveys a better driving experience. The way ALPINAs drive has that intangible beauty the standard Bimmers cannot keep up with.
