2020 BMW M550i vs Alpina B5 by PistonHeads

Jason · 11-16-2020, 12:05 PM

2020 BMW M550i vs Alpina B5 review by PistonHeads.

psuibmw · 11-16-2020, 12:38 PM

This G30 is showing its gray hair

GOLFFRR · 11-16-2020, 01:02 PM

^^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 · 11-16-2020, 01:15 PM

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

crypto · 11-16-2020, 01:56 PM

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. 😀

stein_325i · 11-16-2020, 02:00 PM

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

bmr760 · 11-16-2020, 02:07 PM

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

Game · 11-16-2020, 02:43 PM

100% taking the Alpina.

Jas387 · 11-16-2020, 05:12 PM

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 · 11-16-2020, 05:14 PM

Quote:

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!

ALPINA_DREAMS · 11-16-2020, 05:52 PM

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

wigglebutts · 11-16-2020, 07:44 PM

Quote:

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 · 11-16-2020, 08:21 PM

Quote:

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 · 11-16-2020, 08:25 PM

Very cool, thank you for sharing!

Yaaaaaron · 11-16-2020, 10:39 PM

Quote:

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 · 11-17-2020, 03:03 AM

Quote:

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 · 11-17-2020, 04:12 AM

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

SweEngineer · 11-17-2020, 08:17 AM

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 · 11-17-2020, 09:27 AM

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 · 11-17-2020, 10:18 AM

Quote:

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!

ALPINA_DREAMS · 11-17-2020, 01:28 PM

Quote:

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 · 11-17-2020, 01:30 PM

Quote:

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.

11-16-2020, 12:05 PM	#1
Jason Administrator 28116 Rep 20,467 Posts Drives: F80 M3 Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	2020 BMW M550i vs Alpina B5 by PistonHeads 2020 BMW M550i vs Alpina B5 review by PistonHeads. __________________ Check on the Latest BMW News Become a fan of Bimmerpost Facebook Follow us on Bimmerpost Twitter Subscribe to Bimmerpost Youtube Channel
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11-16-2020, 12:38 PM	#2
psuibmw Colonel 2290 Rep 2,671 Posts Drives: G06/G20/F30/F15/F10/E90 Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Baltimore, MD iTrader: (0) Garage List 2021 BMW X6 [0.00] 2020 BMW M340 [0.00] 2018 BMW 320 [0.00]	This G30 is showing its gray hair
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11-16-2020, 01:02 PM	#3
GOLFFRR 7998 Rep 25,255 Posts Drives: GOLFFRR cart Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: we sell BMWs to "ALL" US states iTrader: (4)	^^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. __________________ BEFORE YOU BUY YOUR NEXT BMW, PM ME FIRST WE CAN HOOK YOU UP! Jimmy Miller:jmiller@stevethomasbmw.com Cell:805-509-2048 If you have any issues getting a hold of Jimmy M PLEASE PM me, I'm available everyday till 545pm!
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11-16-2020, 01:15 PM	#4
GaSelle Private First Class 48 Rep 147 Posts Drives: G31 520d Sport Line Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: DK iTrader: (0)	I like the pre-LCI front better, I´d take the B5 any day. __________________ His: 2018 BMW 520d Sport Line Steptronic Touring - Jet Black Hers: 2021 VW ID.3 Pro Life - Mangan Grey
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11-16-2020, 01:56 PM	#5
crypto Silly Goose 122 Rep 203 Posts Drives: 2021 M550i Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Northern Virginia iTrader: (1)	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. 😀
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11-16-2020, 02:00 PM	#6
stein_325i Blocked from G80/G82 for having an opinion 10324 Rep 5,239 Posts Drives: BMW/Mercedes-Benz Join Date: Dec 2017 Location: Maryland iTrader: (0) Garage List 2020 Mercedes GLC 300 [0.00] 2019 Mercedes CLS 53 [0.00] 2008 BMW Z4 M [0.00] 2005 BMW X3 3.0i [0.00]	I do love the classiness of an Alpina. In touring form especially the B5 is quite a looker. Attached Images __________________ Daily: 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS 53 Weekend: 2008 BMW Z4 M Wife's: 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 Retired:1995 E36 325i 5MT / 2004 E46 330i 6MT / 2011 E90 335xi / 2017 G30 540i / 2017 982 Boxster S 6MT / 2019 F87 M2C 6MT
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11-16-2020, 02:07 PM	#7
bmr760 Captain 97 Rep 644 Posts Drives: G07 X7 50i, F80 M3 ZCP, F90 M5 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Central South, FL iTrader: (0)	Would most definitely take a B5 over the M550i. I prefer the luxury look over the sporty look. __________________
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11-16-2020, 02:43 PM	#8
Game Major General 1103 Rep 7,211 Posts Drives: Audi S5. Previously N54 335i Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Lockport/Chicago, IL iTrader: (24)	100% taking the Alpina. __________________
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11-16-2020, 05:12 PM	#9
Jas387 Second Lieutenant 139 Rep 203 Posts Drives: 2021 540i Touring Join Date: Aug 2020 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	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.
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11-16-2020, 05:52 PM	#11
ALPINA_DREAMS Lieutenant 606 Rep 416 Posts Drives: BMW 750i Join Date: May 2019 Location: Chicago iTrader: (0)	I'd happily trade 2/3rds of my liver if someone could smuggle a B5 Touring into the US for me. __________________ Blessed Beyond Measure
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11-16-2020, 08:25 PM	#14
PARTS@STBMW 1785 Rep 7,016 Posts Drives: ALL BMW MODELS Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Camarillo, CA iTrader: (4)	Very cool, thank you for sharing! __________________
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11-17-2020, 04:12 AM	#17
Jas387 Second Lieutenant 139 Rep 203 Posts Drives: 2021 540i Touring Join Date: Aug 2020 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	That green is a fantastic colour. It looks much better than the silver one in the vid I think.
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11-17-2020, 08:17 AM	#18
SweEngineer Enlisted Member 24 Rep 31 Posts Drives: Mercedes e220d Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: Sweden iTrader: (0)	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.
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11-17-2020, 09:27 AM	#19
GaSelle Private First Class 48 Rep 147 Posts Drives: G31 520d Sport Line Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: DK iTrader: (0)	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... __________________ His: 2018 BMW 520d Sport Line Steptronic Touring - Jet Black Hers: 2021 VW ID.3 Pro Life - Mangan Grey
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