[Jason]

2020 BMW M550i vs Alpina B5 review by PistonHeads.

[psuibmw]

This G30 is showing its gray hair

[GOLFFRR]

^^Agree

was hoping it was going to be vs the M5. Does that video exist yet?

that alpina display looks sharp, but the headlights already make it look a little dated.

[GaSelle]

I like the pre-LCI front better, I´d take the B5 any day.

[crypto]

I'd keep the new M550i all day. This B5 is over 130K USD when new btw. Personally think the standard M550i looks better but that's me.. maybe biased since I have one on order. 😀

[bmr760]

Would most definitely take a B5 over the M550i. I prefer the luxury look over the sporty look.

[Game]

100% taking the Alpina.

[Jas387]

I sense this will be an unpopular opinion, but I think the Alpina body kit looks a bit dated on the G30. I know it’s their signature look (and I have loved pretty much every Alpina car in the past), but it’s like the car designs have moved on and the Alpina body kits haven’t.

With some care, I think they could make their cars look a little more modern without losing their identity.

Looks aren’t everything though obviously. I haven’t been lucky enough to drive one yet.

[Jas387]

Originally Posted by stein_325i

I do love the classiness of an Alpina. In touring form especially the B5 is quite a looker.

I’ve just noticed the reg plate on this car - I saw it driving around in my area last week!

[Al Pinã]

I'd happily trade 2/3rds of my liver if someone could smuggle a B5 Touring into the US for me.

[wigglebutts]

Originally Posted by Jas387

I sense this will be an unpopular opinion, but I think the Alpina body kit looks a bit dated on the G30. I know it's their signature look (and I have loved pretty much every Alpina car in the past), but it's like the car designs have moved on and the Alpina body kits haven't.

With some care, I think they could make their cars look a little more modern without losing their identity.

Looks aren't everything though obviously. I haven't been lucky enough to drive one yet.

I agree. The Alpina looks very dated to me. Even a standard M550i looks much better.

[themnmd]

Originally Posted by GOLFFRR

^^Agree

was hoping it was going to be vs the M5. Does that video exist yet?

that alpina display looks sharp, but the headlights already make it look a little dated.

Not the wagon but close. Won't tell you what he chooses but it's not the M!

[PARTS@STBMW]

Very cool, thank you for sharing!

[Yaaaaaron]

Originally Posted by Jas387

I sense this will be an unpopular opinion, but I think the Alpina body kit looks a bit dated on the G30. I know it's their signature look (and I have loved pretty much every Alpina car in the past), but it's like the car designs have moved on and the Alpina body kits haven't.

With some care, I think they could make their cars look a little more modern without losing their identity.

Looks aren't everything though obviously. I haven't been lucky enough to drive one yet.

I definitely see what you mean and agree in many respects, but in many ways, that's why I love the way they look. It's become a departure from stupid star patterned grills and M badges on regular models, and the like. The new "sporty" BMWs have gotten so unnecessarily shouty looking with nothing to show for it (see: the new "M"235i GC). It's what I love about Alpina. What they were doing when BMW was at their peak is what they're still doing today, if that makes any sense. I just wish the US got their full lineup.

[GaSelle]

Originally Posted by stein_325i

I do love the classiness of an Alpina. In touring form especially the B5 is quite a looker.

Agreed - and you can get it in green

[Jas387]

That green is a fantastic colour. It looks much better than the silver one in the vid I think.

[SweEngineer]

I can't really understand the Alpina.
What's so premium with a standard 5-series with some cheap add-ons (front lip/splitter), or the cheap decals that were used back in the 80s?
I'm sure if any forum member saw that lip on ebay they wouldn't dare adding it to their car.
Sure there is a v8, but that's almost the same as in the M550 with some tweaks.
Oh and let's not forget the huge price difference between this and M550.

The M550 though is an amazing package with all the comfort one could ask for such as comfort seats with high quality Merino/Nappa leather, great suspension and the M-sport package.
As far as I know, most people here on the forum opt for M-sport package because it adds so much more of the BMW sporty attributes.
The way I see it M550 is the best saloon out there for anyone who wants a great V8 sub M5 level.

I'm honestly interested in knowing what draws your attention to the Alpina, because I haven't understood it for the last 15 years.

[GaSelle]

Well, you can get it in green - and as a Touring Agreed, if we´re talking saloons, I´d just as well go for the M550i. But I like the Touring better...

[GOLFFRR]

Originally Posted by themnmd

Not the wagon but close. Won't tell you what he chooses but it's not the M!

interesting. enjoyed that, thanks for finding and posting!

[Al Pinã]

Originally Posted by SweEngineer

I can't really understand the Alpina.
What's so premium with a standard 5-series with some cheap add-ons (front lip/splitter), or the cheap decals that were used back in the 80s?
I'm sure if any forum member saw that lip on ebay they wouldn't dare adding it to their car.
Sure there is a v8, but that's almost the same as in the M550 with some tweaks.
Oh and let's not forget the huge price difference between this and M550.

The M550 though is an amazing package with all the comfort one could ask for such as comfort seats with high quality Merino/Nappa leather, great suspension and the M-sport package.
As far as I know, most people here on the forum opt for M-sport package because it adds so much more of the BMW sporty attributes.
The way I see it M550 is the best saloon out there for anyone who wants a great V8 sub M5 level.

I'm honestly interested in knowing what draws your attention to the Alpina, because I haven't understood it for the last 15 years.

If you don't understand it then it's definitely not for you.

Alpina has a legendary racing heritage, far more illustrious than BMWs M-Division, and they incorporate that into their builds with various engine and suspension tuning.

It's crazy to me how people will pass judgment on a car they have never even sat in, let alone driven spiritedly.

[bngcruiser]

Originally Posted by stein_325i

I do love the classiness of an Alpina. In touring form especially the B5 is quite a looker.

There is one of these rolling around Denver. I have no idea how, why or what - but I've seen it on the street with standard Colorado plates.

There's also a 7 series in green rolling around too.

[unfoundnemo]

Originally Posted by Jason

2020 BMW M550i vs Alpina B5 review by PistonHeads.

ahem, 2021 M550i vs 2020 Alpina B5... no?