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BMW Alpina D5 Bi-Turbo Saloon 3.0 (A) Review
16 Feb 2015|19,508 views
Like rich towkays who are always eager to put on the latest, cutting-edge and most sophisticated time pieces, equally well-to-do tai tais are constantly on the prowl for the trendiest, limited edition leather-crafted handbags.
More than their appealing looks, we think it is the fastidious attention to details that have attracted these buyers like mice is to cheese.
And here we have the motoring world's equivalent - the Alpina D5.
Tiny details, such as the rear diffuser with integrated quad exhaust, give the D5 a sportier appeal
Exterior
Like the smaller B3 sedan, there are tiny differences to tell the D5 from its BMW counterpart. The most obvious 'tell tale' sign are the 20-inch wheels, which bear Alpina's classic multi-spoke design.
More than their appealing looks, we think it is the fastidious attention to details that have attracted these buyers like mice is to cheese.
And here we have the motoring world's equivalent - the Alpina D5.
Exterior
Like the smaller B3 sedan, there are tiny differences to tell the D5 from its BMW counterpart. The most obvious 'tell tale' sign are the 20-inch wheels, which bear Alpina's classic multi-spoke design.
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Also, there're bold 'Alpina' fonts on the extended front bumper lip, a subtle bootlid spoiler and a rear diffuser with integrated quad tailpipes. These little bits and pieces may not give the D5 a 'total makeover', but they are adept in giving it a more menacing look.
The slight qualm we have with the D5, however, is that the sheet metal is based on the pre-facelifted F10 5 Series. Revisions on the latter model, such as those to the head and tail lamps, would have given it a fresher and greater appeal.
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Interior
The B3 we tested previously set a high benchmark in terms of the quality of the cabin and the D5 doesn't disappoint either. The design and layout may be largely familiar to anyone who has driven the 5 Series, but it's easy to tell that Alpina has paid meticulous attention to make sure the car feels more special.
Part of its long list of luxury amenities is the hand-stitched Lavalina leather, which is used on the steering wheel and sport seats.
Alpina cars are known for their luxuriously appointed cabins - and the D5 is no exception
For instance, the speedometer dials are now decked in blue with a unique, bright orange font type. Explore the cabin further and you will find a plaque engraved with the car's serial number, which speaks volume about the car's rarity.
The B3 we tested previously set a high benchmark in terms of the quality of the cabin and the D5 doesn't disappoint either. The design and layout may be largely familiar to anyone who has driven the 5 Series, but it's easy to tell that Alpina has paid meticulous attention to make sure the car feels more special.
Part of its long list of luxury amenities is the hand-stitched Lavalina leather, which is used on the steering wheel and sport seats.
For instance, the speedometer dials are now decked in blue with a unique, bright orange font type. Explore the cabin further and you will find a plaque engraved with the car's serial number, which speaks volume about the car's rarity.
The Drive
Those familiar with diesel cars will notice something 'queer' about the D5. Thanks to additional sound-deafening material at the engine bay, the D5 does not have the 'regular' clatter of a diesel car. Hence, unless you pop the bonnet with the engine running, it's quite hard to tell that the D5's an oil-burner.
Also found on the Alpina XD3, the all-aluminium bi-turbo 3.0-litre unit churns out 345bhp and 700Nm of torque
Likewise, it doesn't quite behave like other diesels we have sampled. While you are still handed a load of oomph from the word 'go', the D5's 3.0-litre turbodiesel feels more eager to work through its rev range. It will pull strongly even in the fourth or fifth gear, propelling the car to 'license-threatening' speeds with ease.
Those familiar with diesel cars will notice something 'queer' about the D5. Thanks to additional sound-deafening material at the engine bay, the D5 does not have the 'regular' clatter of a diesel car. Hence, unless you pop the bonnet with the engine running, it's quite hard to tell that the D5's an oil-burner.
Likewise, it doesn't quite behave like other diesels we have sampled. While you are still handed a load of oomph from the word 'go', the D5's 3.0-litre turbodiesel feels more eager to work through its rev range. It will pull strongly even in the fourth or fifth gear, propelling the car to 'license-threatening' speeds with ease.
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More importantly, while most sports cars offer either performance or frugality (and very seldom both), the D5, quite literally, offers the 'best of both worlds'.
During our stint with the test car, we achieved an admirable fuel economy of 14km/L, which is equivalent to that of compact-class sedans. That is even more impressive considering we spent most of our time driving with a heavy right foot.
Drivers who frequent the Causeway will be glad to know that the D5 can travel more than 700km between fuel stops
The eight-speed gearbox delivers seamless, quick shifts. When left to its own devices, it is also clever enough to kick down to the right gear, even by as many as three ratios, to put the car in its 'maximum attack' mode. This makes overtaking a breeze.
You may think that the D5 is a point-and-shoot type of track-focused machine, but it isn't. In fact, even with the instinctively-sharp throttle response and spine-tingling performance on tap, the car here is a refined cruiser that's as soothing as some of the most luxurious limousines in the market.
During our stint with the test car, we achieved an admirable fuel economy of 14km/L, which is equivalent to that of compact-class sedans. That is even more impressive considering we spent most of our time driving with a heavy right foot.
The eight-speed gearbox delivers seamless, quick shifts. When left to its own devices, it is also clever enough to kick down to the right gear, even by as many as three ratios, to put the car in its 'maximum attack' mode. This makes overtaking a breeze.
You may think that the D5 is a point-and-shoot type of track-focused machine, but it isn't. In fact, even with the instinctively-sharp throttle response and spine-tingling performance on tap, the car here is a refined cruiser that's as soothing as some of the most luxurious limousines in the market.
And despite having all the power sent to its rear wheels only, the D5 feels genuinely planted - even when you put your foot down in mid-corner.
ZF-sourced eight-speed gearbox has been strengthened to handle the enormous torque, yet provide speedy cog swops
Conclusion
The zeng-ed' body kit and tremendous power figures may paint a beng-ish picture of a brash, rude and uncivilised car, but the D5 is anything but.
On the contrary, its tall level of refinement will leave you in awe, with a diesel engine that is easily one of the most polished ones we have tried thus far.
But, if we have it our way, we'd prefer the D5 with a louder and more dramatic 'soundtrack'. After all, it is the fastidious attention to details that attract buyers to a car like this.
Conclusion
The zeng-ed' body kit and tremendous power figures may paint a beng-ish picture of a brash, rude and uncivilised car, but the D5 is anything but.
On the contrary, its tall level of refinement will leave you in awe, with a diesel engine that is easily one of the most polished ones we have tried thus far.
But, if we have it our way, we'd prefer the D5 with a louder and more dramatic 'soundtrack'. After all, it is the fastidious attention to details that attract buyers to a car like this.
Like rich towkays who are always eager to put on the latest, cutting-edge and most sophisticated time pieces, equally well-to-do tai tais are constantly on the prowl for the trendiest, limited edition leather-crafted handbags.
More than their appealing looks, we think it is the fastidious attention to details that have attracted these buyers like mice is to cheese.
And here we have the motoring world's equivalent - the Alpina D5.
Exterior
Like the smaller B3 sedan, there are tiny differences to tell the D5 from its BMW counterpart. The most obvious 'tell tale' sign are the 20-inch wheels, which bear Alpina's classic multi-spoke design.
More than their appealing looks, we think it is the fastidious attention to details that have attracted these buyers like mice is to cheese.
And here we have the motoring world's equivalent - the Alpina D5.
Exterior
Like the smaller B3 sedan, there are tiny differences to tell the D5 from its BMW counterpart. The most obvious 'tell tale' sign are the 20-inch wheels, which bear Alpina's classic multi-spoke design.
Also, there're bold 'Alpina' fonts on the extended front bumper lip, a subtle bootlid spoiler and a rear diffuser with integrated quad tailpipes. These little bits and pieces may not give the D5 a 'total makeover', but they are adept in giving it a more menacing look.
The slight qualm we have with the D5, however, is that the sheet metal is based on the pre-facelifted F10 5 Series. Revisions on the latter model, such as those to the head and tail lamps, would have given it a fresher and greater appeal.
The slight qualm we have with the D5, however, is that the sheet metal is based on the pre-facelifted F10 5 Series. Revisions on the latter model, such as those to the head and tail lamps, would have given it a fresher and greater appeal.
Interior
The B3 we tested previously set a high benchmark in terms of the quality of the cabin and the D5 doesn't disappoint either. The design and layout may be largely familiar to anyone who has driven the 5 Series, but it's easy to tell that Alpina has paid meticulous attention to make sure the car feels more special.
Part of its long list of luxury amenities is the hand-stitched Lavalina leather, which is used on the steering wheel and sport seats.
For instance, the speedometer dials are now decked in blue with a unique, bright orange font type. Explore the cabin further and you will find a plaque engraved with the car's serial number, which speaks volume about the car's rarity.
The B3 we tested previously set a high benchmark in terms of the quality of the cabin and the D5 doesn't disappoint either. The design and layout may be largely familiar to anyone who has driven the 5 Series, but it's easy to tell that Alpina has paid meticulous attention to make sure the car feels more special.
Part of its long list of luxury amenities is the hand-stitched Lavalina leather, which is used on the steering wheel and sport seats.
For instance, the speedometer dials are now decked in blue with a unique, bright orange font type. Explore the cabin further and you will find a plaque engraved with the car's serial number, which speaks volume about the car's rarity.
The Drive
Those familiar with diesel cars will notice something 'queer' about the D5. Thanks to additional sound-deafening material at the engine bay, the D5 does not have the 'regular' clatter of a diesel car. Hence, unless you pop the bonnet with the engine running, it's quite hard to tell that the D5's an oil-burner.
Likewise, it doesn't quite behave like other diesels we have sampled. While you are still handed a load of oomph from the word 'go', the D5's 3.0-litre turbodiesel feels more eager to work through its rev range. It will pull strongly even in the fourth or fifth gear, propelling the car to 'license-threatening' speeds with ease.
More importantly, while most sports cars offer either performance or frugality (and very seldom both), the D5, quite literally, offers the 'best of both worlds'.
During our stint with the test car, we achieved an admirable fuel economy of 14km/L, which is equivalent to that of compact-class sedans. That is even more impressive considering we spent most of our time driving with a heavy right foot.
The eight-speed gearbox delivers seamless, quick shifts. When left to its own devices, it is also clever enough to kick down to the right gear, even by as many as three ratios, to put the car in its 'maximum attack' mode. This makes overtaking a breeze.
You may think that the D5 is a point-and-shoot type of track-focused machine, but it isn't. In fact, even with the instinctively-sharp throttle response and spine-tingling performance on tap, the car here is a refined cruiser that's as soothing as some of the most luxurious limousines in the market.
During our stint with the test car, we achieved an admirable fuel economy of 14km/L, which is equivalent to that of compact-class sedans. That is even more impressive considering we spent most of our time driving with a heavy right foot.
The eight-speed gearbox delivers seamless, quick shifts. When left to its own devices, it is also clever enough to kick down to the right gear, even by as many as three ratios, to put the car in its 'maximum attack' mode. This makes overtaking a breeze.
You may think that the D5 is a point-and-shoot type of track-focused machine, but it isn't. In fact, even with the instinctively-sharp throttle response and spine-tingling performance on tap, the car here is a refined cruiser that's as soothing as some of the most luxurious limousines in the market.
And despite having all the power sent to its rear wheels only, the D5 feels genuinely planted - even when you put your foot down in mid-corner.
Conclusion
The zeng-ed' body kit and tremendous power figures may paint a beng-ish picture of a brash, rude and uncivilised car, but the D5 is anything but.
On the contrary, its tall level of refinement will leave you in awe, with a diesel engine that is easily one of the most polished ones we have tried thus far.
But, if we have it our way, we'd prefer the D5 with a louder and more dramatic 'soundtrack'. After all, it is the fastidious attention to details that attract buyers to a car like this.
Conclusion
The zeng-ed' body kit and tremendous power figures may paint a beng-ish picture of a brash, rude and uncivilised car, but the D5 is anything but.
On the contrary, its tall level of refinement will leave you in awe, with a diesel engine that is easily one of the most polished ones we have tried thus far.
But, if we have it our way, we'd prefer the D5 with a louder and more dramatic 'soundtrack'. After all, it is the fastidious attention to details that attract buyers to a car like this.
Photos by Low Fai Ming
Car Information
BMW ALPINA D5 Bi-Turbo Saloon 3.0 (A)
CAT B|Diesel|16.9km/L
Horsepower
261kW (350 bhp)
Torque
700 Nm
Acceleration
5.1sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used BMW ALPINA D5 Bi-Turbo Saloon
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