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| Strong pace, composed handling, impressive refinement | |
| Only available as a saloon, it’s not cheap |
Alpina has always flown underneath the radar, delivering cars that manage to mix shattering performance and sharp dynamics with low-key looks and a dash of everyday refinement. The all-new Alpina D5 S also aims to deliver on all these counts, but with the added bonuses of frugality and a continent-crossing touring range.
Based on the new G30 BMW 530d, the D5 S features a more powerful version of the twin turbocharged 3-litre straight-six diesel, an upgraded chassis and brakes, plus heavily revised visuals and a bespoke interior. Crucially, it’s also the first time any D5 model has been fitted with BMW’s xDrive four-wheel-drive system.
Technical highlights
Being a manufacturer in its own right means that Alpina’s cars are much more than lightly fettled BMWs – and the D5 S is no exception. Like the standard 5-series, the Alpina is built around the same light and strong architecture as the larger 7-series – although it does without that car’s expensive Carbon Core. The basic suspension layout is also shared, but Alpina fits its own modified front wishbones that add one degree of negative camber for sharper steering response and greater grip. The adaptive dampers and the electrically assisted steering have also been recalibrated.
Engine, transmission and 0-100kph time
Under the bonnet of the D5 S is a lightly fettled version of BMW’s familiar straight-six diesel. Changes to the electronic brain and cooling system have helped liberate an impressive 322bhp (up from 261bhp in BMW’s 530d) and a stump-pulling 516lb ft of torque (up from 457lb ft), the latter figure available from just 1750rpm. So despite weighing 1870kg the D5 S will demolish the 0-100kph sprint in a frankly hilarious 4.9 seconds (half a second quicker than the 530d) before romping on effortlessly to a 275kph top speed (rather than a limited 250kph). Yes, that’s right, a near two-ton diesel saloon that’ll pull down the trousers of a Porsche Cayman.
Yet it’s the way the D5 S delivers its performance that’s noteworthy. There’s no histrionics here, simply squeeze the throttle and ride that tidal wave of torque. Of course the engine will spin happily to 5000rpm, but there’s simply no need, because even at half those revolutions the Alpina will be able to accelerate quickly enough to smoke most hot hatches. The six-pot sounds good too, as it does in the standard 5-series, delivering a deep, growly soundtrack that’s barely recognisable as a diesel.
It’s matched to the familiar ZF eight-speed auto, which shuffles ratios unobtrusively in auto mode and shifts quickly and crisply when you’re in a hurry. The only niggle is the Alpina Switch-Tronic layout, which replaces the standard wheel-mounted paddles with a pair of fingertip-sized buttons that are all to easy to fumble when in a hurry.
What’s it like to drive?
Essentially, the D5 S drives like a standard 5-series, but just a little bit better. If that sounds a little damning in faint praise, then bear in mind that the BMW is pretty much the pick of the executive class when it comes to dynamics. It’s a big car, but it responds with surprising enthusiasm to being hustled.
As with the standard car, the steering is a little remote, but it’s decently weighted and precise. It’s aided by the four-wheel-steering set-up, which delivers a hilariously tight turning circle at parking speeds and impressive agility when you up the pace. By actively pointing the rear of the car into a bend it reduces the effort on the front tyres, helping to generate even more turn-in bite. The Pirellis grip hard, too, so it’s not long before you’ve forgotten about the D5’s fairly hefty dimensions and are attacking a series of corners with the sort of intent normally reserved for the smaller 3-series.
With the dampers in Sport or Sport+, body control is strong, with mid-corner bumps effectively steamrollered into submission as the Alpina manages to both glide over the surface and keep a firm grip on proceedings. There’s adjustability in the handling, though, with the four-wheel-drive system sending enough torque to the rear axle to subtly alter your line – it never gets anywhere near wayward, but there’s enough movement to warrant seeking out the twistier routes home.
Yet the Alpina’s biggest party trick is its ability to switch from sports saloon to sybaritic saloon at the touch of button. Engage Comfort mode and the D5 smothers bumps and torn tarmac, while the engine noise recedes to a very distant murmur. The big wheels occasionally struggle with potholes and sharp ridges, which send a muted shudder through the cabin, but in all other respects the Alpina has most luxury saloons licked for refinement.
Price and rivals
At $87,000 the Alpina D5 S is around $14,000 more than a BMW 530d M Sport xDrive, or the 316bhp Audi A6 BiTDI quattro. Get carried away with the options and the gap gets even larger – our test car weighed in at wallet-imploding $121,000.
