Alpina hasn't been making M-alternatives for over 55 years! The M Division took their ideas from Alpina, they were founded 7 years later! Alpina was founded in 1965, BMW's M Division in 1972. ;) Alpina also used to race on behalf of BMW until their M Division was founded, so there's more history there than you'd think.
Absolutely. Even just the normal M5 vs M550i, I pick my F90 all day. I drove both a lot before making my purchase and the M5 shits on the M550i. Anyone who tells you different doesnt know what the hell theyre talking about.
I bought the M550i. We don’t get the B5 in the US, and even if we did, I’m not thrilled with the front end styling. A base model bumper with a tacked on air dam looks inferior to the M-Sport bumper. I can make up the power and more with a tune.
Great video as usual. But let me tell you that I owned several fast petrol BMW cars and the driving experience has been exactly as you said in the video. But now I own a couple of M cars (E92 M3 and F82 M4) because the sense of an occasion that you feel with an M car cannot be replicated on M Performance or other fast non M products. It’s the little bit more on engine, rawness, performance that makes you feeling to be in something more special and that’s great also on a normal driving day. For me it justifies the price difference.
I have to agree. Nothing compares to the M cars. (z4m roadster, e92 M3). Also have a e60 550i m sport with dinan tune... I actually look that the new m550xi which is a lovely car and overall bulletproof.. here in the states I would chose the Alpina (not available lol) just because of the comfort plus option 😉 Otherwise just go M5. But that’s me. Some folks might prefer for an all around fantastic car and take the m550i.
LCI Alpina B5 (Touring) for me Alpina Blue Side Decal Delete But to be honest, I’d prob still go for the B3 Touring if I was ever in the position to buy.
@@iantownsend500 Agreed.I did a few trips to Scotland this yr in my 330D XDrive and the tank range was such a bonus.From P'boro to Glencoe (420 miles) on one tank was easy.Still had a 1/4 tank left !
Dan thanks for the honest review between the two cars, is the different and good content that make all the difference between a motorjournalist and influencers. Those Alpinas just fly in straight line that top speed are better than an M5. Keep that awesome work, spot on.
Coolest pair of cars tested in a while. But the Alpina pips the 550i. My lottery car is a B3 Touring, no decals, Alpina blue or green, 20" multispokes, no tinted glass, pan roof. One of those up against the upcoming M3 touring would be quite a pair up.
Agree my M550i is perfect with its subdued looks and capabilities on everyday roads. Do yo have engine sound set to balanced or depending on mode? Love the sound in sport and sport plus even with it being artificial from the speakers?
Great review. Finally BMW are properly engineering their M-lite products. One thing though, 'very heavy cars', well yeah but really BMW is actually doing very well in keeping weight in check compared to older (M5) models and the competition, but it's like we can't distinguish between real 1900kg and 2200kg kerb (RS6 looking at you), while on half weight cars, 150kg difference is considered massive ...
I'd recommend trying out a D5 or B5 based on the F10 from 2013 to 17 before you buy this 2018 B5 in the video. Proper steering feel, rwd with an lsd. Balanced chassis with normal hand controls and buttons. Nothing important is hidden deep inside sub menus in a touch screen. Price is lower as well. If you are a keen sporting driver the F10 B5 is a much better driving experience. Better than the M5. I know i have a D5 touring and a B5 sedan. Everytime I take them to Alpina for servicing they give me the new version to try and sell me. I always tell Alpina the old version is better to drive.
Really great review .... focus is on the cars & really describing it in a way normal people can relate to instead of using cliches which I generally don't understand.... really felt like a breath of fresh air.
This is exactly the review I was looking for, by one of my favourite reviewers to boot - thank you for it. I have an F06 650i, which I really love but which just isn't sorted over any kind of bumpy stuff, so I'm wondering what should succeed it.
Whatever one you go for both are mighty impressive - I got a M530d xdrive which I think is good - these two are next level! High praise overall on both machines and a top notch review Dan! Puts you in the driver's seat!
Depends what you want. If you want an all-out lunatic (and/or like me to be able to finally say to myself "I owned an M5") then the M5C used is the right way. If you're ok with 90% of that ...get the M550i
And you can get the Alpina as an estate, which is it's biggest selling point. I like the old style dials as well, so shame they will be lost too. At least they will still be blue I guess.
Two year old Alpina or a new M550i xDrive? I’ll take the bespoke 600 horsepower Alpina B5 Biturbo please. You get more power, improved handling and exclusivity.
Can’t wait to buy the 2020 M550i, it’s the best of both worlds in the sense that it’s still essentially the “pre-lci” body but with the lci motor from the M850i. Not a fan of the more aggressive looking front fascia of the 2021 lci update
@@Good_Luck11 Just not a fan of the revised front fascia. So the 2020 keeps the 2018-2019 body lines but still has the revised Motor with 523hp while the 2019’s have 456hp. Only thing that bugs me is that the 2020’s switched their instrument cluster to the “Fighter Jet” style guages rather than the classier 6WB’s and Full Digital circular guages. #firstworldproblems lol
Actually in EU this 550i is the best luxury sport sedan for its price. It cost fully loaded with ewen every m performance part about 130000€ similar car from merc which is much slower has just a 6 cyl. The e 53 amg cost about 135000 fully loaded and the s6 here in europe its not ewen a competitor whit that heawy and power down diesel. This 550i is the king of normal road auper saloons.
Enjoyed, thank you. Big fan of the soft M, especially the low down grunt of the V8, spending most of my miles on the motorway or tootling around town. Of course, a “proper” M is that much more precise if you have the roads to use it and if you do, maybe a screaming 6 M2/3/5 but these two here are proper Q cars.
I prefer the fact that Alpina are much more rare than “regular” BMWs. The B6 had a total worldwide production number of just 1100! Compare that to the “limited” edition Porsches, and you’ll find out that there are less Alpinas on the worlds roads than those limited collectors’ Porsches...
@@hanspeter24 valid point, but what’s the price difference of, say the 911R to the “not so special” model? The 918 is an icon, no doubt, and has no sister model. What I’m trying to say is, Alpinas offer some very exclusive improvements over a standard BMW for a reasonable price. Of course, we are debating about very first world “problems” here ;-)
@@hanspeter24 ... and sometimes, they even hit the jackpoint in the marketing department: th-cam.com/video/vTATrickuT4/w-d-xo.html Unlimited speed helps! Viele Grüße nach D!
Enjoy the 5-Series Beemer while you can, because judging by the design direction BMW seems to be taking with the new 4-Series and that IX thing: the next one is going to look hideous!
One of the classiest vehicles in the world, aimed at 50yr old businessmen.... being driven by a mid30's guy wearing a Sports Direct jumper - way to subvert our expectations 😂
it looks like most people dont really need a M car... 550 m is good enough for me... but the Alpine has that style... the Alpine is like some one u fancy, but with a nice dress.
You say the Alpina's decals (which always remind me of _Who Wants to be a Millionaire?'s_ question graphics) "give the game away," but what about the massive capital letters sticking out of the front spoiler?! That's just cheesy. I'd ask them not to fit that...
For people who don’t understand Alpina imagine having an F16 fighter jet and having an airbus A380 Alpina is the Concord muscle loads of power with comfort
I'm not in to paying extra premiums for something that doesn't look the part; like I actually have to explain to people why the car is special. The price tag should cover that with styling cues. M550i winner here
First the alpina b5 in the current generation cost almost the same as an m5 comp. Second you buy an alpina for be more exclusive have more comfort and ewen better quality for everyday driving, almost as fast. The 550i makes also sense cause its fast comfortable and about 30% cheaper than the m5 comp.
I wouldn't say that an Alpina is an affordable arternative of an M5. An Alpina B5 costs just as much as an M5. As of today, an Alpina B5 has a list price of 117.700€, the M5 on the other hand starts at 117.800€... You can get an M550i for 89k already, however it is nothing like the other 2 cars. So I really don't get the comparison of the M550i with the Alpina. The Alpina should be put against the M5 actually. Similar power, same starting price, different purpose.
I hope manufacturers can refocus their attention on comfort/handling balance. We have enough power these days but most cars ride like shit. Here we have two examples of heavy cars with big wheels that ride beautifully. It CAN be done!
To compare the old Alpina with 608HP instead oft the new one with 621HP with the 2021 BMW M5 is useless. The 2021 BMW M5 got the new Suspension of the M8. The new Alpina has a new Suspension also.
Why talk about price when an Alpina is more than a M5? I like the comparison with the M550i but with limited runs, a two year old Alpina B5 with a bunch of miles is around the same price, but one someone is looking for is in between a new M5 and M550i. Good video though.
There must be something wrong with me; I think the 550i is even cooler than the Alpina. And what's even worse; I normally hate black on black cars but would configure the 550i in carbon-black with black interiour (including wood on the dash of course).
No thanks still take the M5 , but again I’m bias as I owned the last 3 gens of the M5. With that being said I did trade my F90 M5 for Porsche 992 Turbo S.
I could’ve sworn the alpina B5 has more HP and torque than the M5…the m5 just has a more aggressive transmission …why compare it to the M550 and not the M5?
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Done ✅ love your reviews
Alpina hasn't been making M-alternatives for over 55 years! The M Division took their ideas from Alpina, they were founded 7 years later!
Alpina was founded in 1965, BMW's M Division in 1972. ;)
Alpina also used to race on behalf of BMW until their M Division was founded, so there's more history there than you'd think.
My wife's Alpina B7 is a M Performance and she loves it.
If I had to choose, would go for the Alpina without a doubt.
Especially a touring version 😍
I like the alpina except for the front bumper, ugly as hell
@@VictorEstrada looks like the 540i non m sport
Absolutely. Even just the normal M5 vs M550i, I pick my F90 all day. I drove both a lot before making my purchase and the M5 shits on the M550i. Anyone who tells you different doesnt know what the hell theyre talking about.
I think the b5 sedan is the best pound for pound car in the world, I just love it
I bought the M550i. We don’t get the B5 in the US, and even if we did, I’m not thrilled with the front end styling. A base model bumper with a tacked on air dam looks inferior to the M-Sport bumper. I can make up the power and more with a tune.
Buy A B7 Then,
honestly that base model bumper with a tacked on air dam is the entire why I'd take an Alpina than even an M5.
It looks very stealthy.
I also got the m550 uff this is a beast with beautiful updated styling
Great video as usual. But let me tell you that I owned several fast petrol BMW cars and the driving experience has been exactly as you said in the video. But now I own a couple of M cars (E92 M3 and F82 M4) because the sense of an occasion that you feel with an M car cannot be replicated on M Performance or other fast non M products. It’s the little bit more on engine, rawness, performance that makes you feeling to be in something more special and that’s great also on a normal driving day. For me it justifies the price difference.
Spot on, mate. F80 here, which especially is more raw than a normal 3 Series. Alpina as a daily would be proper, though.
I have to agree. Nothing compares to the M cars. (z4m roadster, e92 M3). Also have a e60 550i m sport with dinan tune...
I actually look that the new m550xi which is a lovely car and overall bulletproof..
here in the states I would chose the Alpina (not available lol) just because of the comfort plus option 😉
Otherwise just go M5.
But that’s me. Some folks might prefer for an all around fantastic car and take the m550i.
LCI Alpina B5 (Touring) for me
Alpina Blue
Side Decal Delete
But to be honest, I’d prob still go for the B3 Touring if I was ever in the position to buy.
I am currently in the early stages of looking for an M5.
The only thing to sway me will be the Alpina B5 Touring, as I can't get an M5 Touring.
Excellent taste
I'm 20 but since I was 10 I preferred luxury instead of being sport. That's why I'll go with Alpina
Me too, I had a E28 when I was 19, now I have a G02
Been really enjoying your videos this year Dan. Top quality content.
Since I can’t afford any of these, I’m gonna stick to my 530D F10 for the next couple of years.
Bloody good car
Ian Townsend Indeed it is,I’ve had it for 4 years,and with regular maintenance I did not have a single problem with it.
@@yugoslaviaist BMW diesels are some of the very best. The best mix of power & economy plus great tank range
@@iantownsend500 Agreed.I did a few trips to Scotland this yr in my 330D XDrive and the tank range was such a bonus.From P'boro to Glencoe (420 miles) on one tank was easy.Still had a 1/4 tank left !
You could go for a Alpina D5
Alpina b5 touring alpina green 😍😍😍😍👍👍👍👍
Dan thanks for the honest review between the two cars, is the different and good content that make all the difference between a motorjournalist and influencers. Those Alpinas just fly in straight line that top speed are better than an M5. Keep that awesome work, spot on.
Coolest pair of cars tested in a while. But the Alpina pips the 550i.
My lottery car is a B3 Touring, no decals, Alpina blue or green, 20" multispokes, no tinted glass, pan roof.
One of those up against the upcoming M3 touring would be quite a pair up.
Alpina without even thinking about it. I want another one.
Yes!!!!! The Angry Rumble, puts a smile to your face. 😊 I love my 2020 M550i.
Agree my M550i is perfect with its subdued looks and capabilities on everyday roads. Do yo have engine sound set to balanced or depending on mode? Love the sound in sport and sport plus even with it being artificial from the speakers?
Great review. Finally BMW are properly engineering their M-lite products.
One thing though, 'very heavy cars', well yeah but really BMW is actually doing very well in keeping weight in check compared to older (M5) models and the competition, but it's like we can't distinguish between real 1900kg and 2200kg kerb (RS6 looking at you), while on half weight cars, 150kg difference is considered massive ...
Yeah nice Dan, staying classy as always.
The FL M550i really looks the part, going against the grain here but of the 2 that would be my choice... until the FL B5 is out I think
If you can afford the premium get an Alpina B5 Top-drawer comparison review
I think the pre-LCI Alpina has more character than the post which-LCI which looks like a bigger 3 series.
I'd recommend trying out a D5 or B5 based on the F10 from 2013 to 17 before you buy this 2018 B5 in the video. Proper steering feel, rwd with an lsd. Balanced chassis with normal hand controls and buttons. Nothing important is hidden deep inside sub menus in a touch screen. Price is lower as well. If you are a keen sporting driver the F10 B5 is a much better driving experience. Better than the M5. I know i have a D5 touring and a B5 sedan. Everytime I take them to Alpina for servicing they give me the new version to try and sell me. I always tell Alpina the old version is better to drive.
Really great review .... focus is on the cars & really describing it in a way normal people can relate to instead of using cliches which I generally don't understand.... really felt like a breath of fresh air.
Fantastic Review Alpina everytime though everything I'd ever want or need in a car.
This is exactly the review I was looking for, by one of my favourite reviewers to boot - thank you for it.
I have an F06 650i, which I really love but which just isn't sorted over any kind of bumpy stuff, so I'm wondering what should succeed it.
Whatever one you go for both are mighty impressive - I got a M530d xdrive which I think is good - these two are next level! High praise overall on both machines and a top notch review Dan! Puts you in the driver's seat!
Great review! I'd pick the Alpina purely as it's an Alpina over the BMW as it has the "WTF" is the that comment.
Alpina no doubt🙂
2 years later the M5 is arguably the best value out of the lot as a used proposition...
Would you have a brand new M550i or a year old M5 Comp though?
Depends what you want.
If you want an all-out lunatic (and/or like me to be able to finally say to myself "I owned an M5") then the M5C used is the right way.
If you're ok with 90% of that ...get the M550i
And you can get the Alpina as an estate, which is it's biggest selling point.
I like the old style dials as well, so shame they will be lost too. At least they will still be blue I guess.
Two year old Alpina or a new M550i xDrive? I’ll take the bespoke 600 horsepower Alpina B5 Biturbo please. You get more power, improved handling and exclusivity.
Both cars are stunning . I would go with the m 550i for the luxury aspect and the alpina for a more sporty drive .
Can’t wait to buy the 2020 M550i, it’s the best of both worlds in the sense that it’s still essentially the “pre-lci” body but with the lci motor from the M850i. Not a fan of the more aggressive looking front fascia of the 2021 lci update
how come your not a fan of new one
@@Good_Luck11 Just not a fan of the revised front fascia. So the 2020 keeps the 2018-2019 body lines but still has the revised Motor with 523hp while the 2019’s have 456hp. Only thing that bugs me is that the 2020’s switched their instrument cluster to the “Fighter Jet” style guages rather than the classier 6WB’s and Full Digital circular guages. #firstworldproblems lol
Very articulate and competent review. Well done.
Alpina suspension is unreal, I have the d3 biturbo, great cars
Actually in EU this 550i is the best luxury sport sedan for its price. It cost fully loaded with ewen every m performance part about 130000€ similar car from merc which is much slower has just a 6 cyl. The e 53 amg cost about 135000 fully loaded and the s6 here in europe its not ewen a competitor whit that heawy and power down diesel. This 550i is the king of normal road auper saloons.
I’m in love with this BMW M550i 😍
Alpina, for the BMW driver who has road manners and knows how to use indicators!
Both are glorious but Alpinas are irresistible.
Hörstella exclusiva Otomobil… auf das habe ich gewartet! :-)
Enjoyed, thank you. Big fan of the soft M, especially the low down grunt of the V8, spending most of my miles on the motorway or tootling around town. Of course, a “proper” M is that much more precise if you have the roads to use it and if you do, maybe a screaming 6 M2/3/5 but these two here are proper Q cars.
I prefer the fact that Alpina are much more rare than “regular” BMWs. The B6 had a total worldwide production number of just 1100! Compare that to the “limited” edition Porsches, and you’ll find out that there are less Alpinas on the worlds roads than those limited collectors’ Porsches...
gt2rs 300 cars?
918 spyder 918?
911r 911?
@@hanspeter24 valid point, but what’s the price difference of, say the 911R to the “not so special” model? The 918 is an icon, no doubt, and has no sister model. What I’m trying to say is, Alpinas offer some very exclusive improvements over a standard BMW for a reasonable price. Of course, we are debating about very first world “problems” here ;-)
@@norbertwangnick8356 alpina is just such a prestigious brand
also the b3 is faster than even the new m3/4
@@hanspeter24 ... and sometimes, they even hit the jackpoint in the marketing department: th-cam.com/video/vTATrickuT4/w-d-xo.html Unlimited speed helps! Viele Grüße nach D!
You legends... love this review, also you have chosen brilliant comparisons 👍🏼
Epic review (as usual from you) 📈
Underrated channel bros
Enjoy the 5-Series Beemer while you can, because judging by the design direction BMW seems to be taking with the new 4-Series and that IX thing: the next one is going to look hideous!
Just bought a B3 biturbo.
On Autotrader almost all ads of Alpina B5 bi-turbo goes over £100k 😆 so definitely better get a proper M5
Was waiting for this review Dan, thinking what next after my f80m3 comp, b5 looks good thanks
Thank you very much for your clear pronunciation and crisp way of talking. So all of us not native speakers have the chance to understand everything.
Alpinas are just awersome😮
I would always choose the Alpina. Drives more luxuriously and is more exclusive.
imho biggest selling point for Alpina always have been option to get Touring/Wagon
Funny that the M550i is the slowest V8 5 series you can buy.
There's only 2 V8 5 series G30 models so obviously its going to be the slowest.
One of the classiest vehicles in the world, aimed at 50yr old businessmen.... being driven by a mid30's guy wearing a Sports Direct jumper - way to subvert our expectations 😂
So young people can’t have alpinas? I had a E90 D3 pre lci in my late twenties and brought it back to original standard
Sports direct dont make jumpers
@@DaleSteel everlast is owned by sports direct owner mike Ashley.
@@pigeonpoo1823 BMW own MINI but....
Why didn't u get the Alpina B5 also LCI version?
it looks like most people dont really need a M car... 550 m is good enough for me... but the Alpine has that style... the Alpine is like some one u fancy, but with a nice dress.
M550i's built august 2019 an on have LSD as standard, something to consider if you're in the market.
Great job Dan
Alpina all day everyday
That M550i looks brilliant
0:47 nowadays the engine is assembled at a BMW factory i think, and co-designed with BMW.
Some more detail / images on the interior changes on the FL would've been good, & the differences in the B5 engine vs M5 .
You say the Alpina's decals (which always remind me of _Who Wants to be a Millionaire?'s_ question graphics) "give the game away," but what about the massive capital letters sticking out of the front spoiler?! That's just cheesy. I'd ask them not to fit that...
At the original sticker price the Alpina is a little expensive, but still desirable. But at GBP63k? Sounds like a delicious deal right there...
Alpina all the way
I’d go for whichever is a softer, more comfortable ride.
For people who don’t understand Alpina imagine having an F16 fighter jet and having an airbus A380 Alpina is the Concord muscle loads of power with comfort
I’m confused on why Alpina chose the base model front bumper
You can get that for 1200.00 Bucks w/o going into the engine or turbo replacement
I'm not in to paying extra premiums for something that doesn't look the part; like I actually have to explain to people why the car is special. The price tag should cover that with styling cues. M550i winner here
Thats a lovely looking thing, just lose the alpina decals down the side.
agree , those were atrocious.
First the alpina b5 in the current generation cost almost the same as an m5 comp. Second you buy an alpina for be more exclusive have more comfort and ewen better quality for everyday driving, almost as fast. The 550i makes also sense cause its fast comfortable and about 30% cheaper than the m5 comp.
Why would you rob a post office?
I wouldn't say that an Alpina is an affordable arternative of an M5. An Alpina B5 costs just as much as an M5. As of today, an Alpina B5 has a list price of 117.700€, the M5 on the other hand starts at 117.800€... You can get an M550i for 89k already, however it is nothing like the other 2 cars. So I really don't get the comparison of the M550i with the Alpina. The Alpina should be put against the M5 actually. Similar power, same starting price, different purpose.
This car is beautiful ❤
What’s with the wonky number plate on the Alpina?!
The most ironic part about the Alpina's ride is how it's running very low profile tires at the same time.
Doesn't Alpina come with RWS as standard?
Alpina is just more special
Why the BMW has the facelift and the Alpina not?
Who fitted that front plate on the Alpina?! Wonky..
M550i all day baby……💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽
I hope manufacturers can refocus their attention on comfort/handling balance. We have enough power these days but most cars ride like shit. Here we have two examples of heavy cars with big wheels that ride beautifully. It CAN be done!
What does the cluster go to. 160Mph or 200
An updated M5 is coming soon?
I can't tell the difference besides their names. Any customize may broaden my perspective on this car.
These newer 5 series are really more similar to a traditional 7 series than a 5 series in terms of weight, size, comfort
To compare the old Alpina with 608HP instead oft the new one with 621HP with the 2021 BMW M5 is useless. The 2021 BMW M5 got the new Suspension of the M8. The new Alpina has a new Suspension also.
Isnt the Alpina more expensive than the M5?
Bmwis car you can trust #1
Why talk about price when an Alpina is more than a M5? I like the comparison with the M550i but with limited runs, a two year old Alpina B5 with a bunch of miles is around the same price, but one someone is looking for is in between a new M5 and M550i.
Good video though.
There must be something wrong with me; I think the 550i is even cooler than the Alpina. And what's even worse; I normally hate black on black cars but would configure the 550i in carbon-black with black interiour (including wood on the dash of course).
Mk 7.5 golf headlights?
M5 pulls the birds though
That Alpina would br great for me as an estate
Never thought I’d hear someone say “basic 4.4L engine”.
Definitely would take m550i over alpina!
Honestly, the new M5 is more subtle than the Alpina if you'd ask me..
Does the Alpina have the ASD or is the interior engine sound “real”?
sounds real to me. Way less synthetic sounding and much less intrusive. Sounds quite a bit more natural.
There's an interview with CEO of Alpina where he says that they are against those fake engine noises pumped through the speakers.
No thanks still take the M5 , but again I’m bias as I owned the last 3 gens of the M5.
With that being said I did trade my F90 M5 for Porsche 992
Turbo S.
I could’ve sworn the alpina B5 has more HP and torque than the M5…the m5 just has a more aggressive transmission …why compare it to the M550 and not the M5?