2018 Alpina BMW D5 S Touring
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About the Car
2018 Alpina BMW D5 S Touring
The aim of the ALPINA engineers was to improve upon the excellent engine characteristics of the predecessor and offer a rev-happy, dynamic yet cultured driving experience.The new BMW ALPINA D5 S (S for “Sportdiesel”) has the most powerful diesel drivetrain ever to feature in a BMW ALPINA automobile. The 3.0 litre straight-six cylinder engine with three turbochargers and common rail high-pressure direct injection delivers an impressive output of 285 kW (388 hp) between 4000 and 5000 rpm. A maximum torque of 800 Nm is available between 1750 and 2650 rpm.
The resulting performance figures are outstanding. Accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h takes just 4.4 seconds, the sprint to 200 km/h is completed in 17.0 seconds. A top speed of 286 km/h makes the BMW ALPINA D5 S the fastest series production diesel available today.
Power delivery is smooth, effortless, and – for a diesel – unusually dynamic over the entire rpm range. This is in part due to a flow-optimised air intake system with revised air filter housings which reduce pressure losses in the system overall, allowing the engine to breathe and rev freely.
The permanent two stage charging system comprising a total of three turbochargers is responsible for a responsive throttle and energetic power build-up while also ensuring maximum power output is achieved. The arrangement consists of two high-pressure stages with variable turbine geometry and one large low-pressure stage.
More output requires more cooling. The high performance cooling package of the new BMW ALPINA D5 S is designed for maximum effectiveness. Large volume coolers and optimised coolant hosing allow high throughput rates. An indirect intercooler set-up keeps air intake distances short. A primary air-water cooler located in front of the engine supplies a large volume water-air intercooler. Additionally three external coolers and a transmission oil cooler guarantee thermodynamic stability even under highest loads.
For ALPINA, low consumption and emissions have always been a central theme, often resulting in pioneering solutions first introduced in small series production. The SUPERKAT – an electronically heated metal catalytic converter – is a great example, meaning NOx and CO emissions were 80 % less than required by regulations in 1996. Naturally, the new BMW ALPINA D5 S features the latest in exhaust gas treatment technology. In addition to a specific diesel particulate filter and a NOx storage catalytic converter, a SCR catalytic converter with aqueous urea solution injection (AdBlue®) reduces emissions to a minimum. The AdBlue® tank volume is 21 litres.
Fuel consumption in the combined cycle measured according to ECE norms is 6.6 l/100 km with CO2 emissions of 174 g/km. The new BMW ALPINA D5 S is homologated according to the latest exhaust emissions standard Euro 6c.
SUSPENSION AND CHASSIS – SPORTY AND COMFORTABLE, NO COMPROMISES
The new BMW ALPINA D5 S offers a unique blend of driving experiences. ALPINA’s chassis engineers set themselves the goal of refining agility and lateral dynamics further, while maintaining first class ride comfort. Essentially a take-over from the 330 km/h fast BMW ALPINA B5 Bi-Turbo, the chassis und suspension systems of the BMW ALPINA D5 S offer plenty of reserves.
Electronically controlled dampers developed together with ThyssenKrupp-Bilstein are sportive by default and offer a pronounced range of adjustment in compression and rebound. Using the Driving Experience Control the driver can select a number of modes, including Sport+ Mode for maximum dynamics or Comfort+ Mode for all-out ride-comfort.
Shorter and stiffer springs bring about overall sharper handling and have the added benefit of lowering the centre of gravity whilst improving aerodynamics. The Touring variant of the new BMW ALPINA D5 S features a rear-axle air suspension which ensures a neutral ride height and balanced handling characteristics regardless of loads.
Specifically adapted wishbones generate 1 degree of negative camber on the front axle for neutral handling and optimum lateral grip. A variable ratio electromechanical steering rack with ALPINA adaptation is responsible for precise steering and reduces turns-of-the-wheel at low speed.
The new BMW ALPINA D5 S is optionally available with an ALPINA Sport Plus suspension package – this comprises Integral Active Steering (rear-wheel steering) and active roll stabilisation (Dynamic Drive). The electromechanical rear-wheel steering system allows the rear wheels to apply up to a maximum of 2.5 degrees of steering angle – either in opposite direction to the front wheels at low speed for more agility, or in the same direction as the front wheels at higher speeds for improved stability. The active roll stabilisation uses electronic actuated stabilisers and effectively eliminates body roll during dynamic cornering – it is specifically adapted to the BMW ALPINA D5 S’s suspension kinematics and light-weight 20″ wheel and tire set-up.
New, forged wheels take the traditional 20-spoke ALPINA CLASSIC design in a new minimalistic and technical direction. Forging results in high-density and high-strength aluminium alloy which enables a weight-optimized construction resulting in a saving of over 15 kg or nearly 25% compared to cast aluminium wheels of the same size. Tires from Pirelli were last fitted to a BMW ALPINA in 1985, but their engineers convinced ALPINA to rekindle the cooperation more than thirty years later. The new BMW ALPINA D5 S comes equipped with super high performance tires measuring 255/35 ZR20 at the front and 295/30 ZR20 (Touring: 285/30 ZR20) at the rear. These “ALP” labelled Pirelli P Zero tires were explicitly developed in accordance to ALPINA’s requirements with regards to dynamics and comfort. Combining motorsport technology with a flat shoulder contour and an innovative tread pattern facilitates high lateral loads and precise steering feeling without compromising wet handling.
The brake system of the BMW ALPINA D5 S is sourced from the 330 km/h fast BMW ALPINA B5 Bi-Turbo. It consists of four-piston fixed brake callipers and 395 mm discs on the front axle and floating brake callipers with 398 mm discs and an electromechanical parking brake on the rear axle. At additional costs, specially sportive drivers can choose an optional brake system which combines light-weight drilled composite discs with high performance brake pads for even more fading resistance under very demanding thermodynamics loads (Attention: special heat resistant brake pads and drilled brake discs can lead to noise discomfort).
For the first time the BMW ALPINA D5 S exploits the technical potential of BMW’s xDrive system and its intelligent and dynamic distribution of drive power which continuously and fully variable distributes torque between the front and rear axle within milliseconds for maximum traction and control. The programming of the torque distribution control, which is interconnected with the Dynamic Stability Control and the engine management system, is performance-oriented and it increases driving agility and dynamics markedly – especially under lateral acceleration – while maintaining balanced and neutral handling. Besides allowing optimum traction under acceleration by eliminating slip induced losses, the system continuously monitors a wide range of sensory inputs – for example steering angle, lateral acceleration, yaw angle and speed – to distribute torque so as to achieve maximum safety in challenging conditions or when encountering sudden changes in road surface friction. The DTC Mode of the Dynamic Stability Control offers an even more pronounced rear wheel drive torque distribution and allows for more slip when driving at the limit.
A mechanical limited slip differential from Drexler, assembled by hand and using motorsport grade CNC machined components is available as an option.
2018 Alpina BMW D5 S Touring Front View
TRANSMISSION
For optimum power transmission the new BMW ALPINA D5 S is equipped with the latest generation 8-Speed Sport Automatic Transmission with ALPINA SWITCH-TRONIC. Specifically refined and adapted to the torque and performance of the straight-six cylinder diesel engine in collaboration with ZF, it offers exceptional shift comfort.
In Automatic Mode the combination of eight gears and high engine torque makes for relaxed, luxurious cruising at low engine rpm even when travelling at speed. In Sport Mode the shift points are optimized for improved driving performance and gear changes are considerably more dynamic. It is also possible to activate a Launch Control function in this mode. For maximum dynamic performance, the driver selects the Manual Mode thereby actuating gear changes manually using the SWITCH-TRONIC buttons on the back of the steering wheel. In addition to extremely fast shift times close to a tenth of a second, this mode also supresses forced upshifts in the engine speed limit range.
Central components of the transmission such as the torque converter, the planetary wheel sets and the inner cooling are designed to specifically cope with 800 Nm of torque. This means that no torque reduction is necessary during dynamic upshifts when using Launch Control or Manual Mode, contributing significantly to an acceleration performance of 4.4 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h.
The transmission features the latest Comfort and Efficient Dynamics functions such as Connected Shift (use of navigation data for an anticipatory shift strategy based on traffic routing) and coasting (decoupling of the engine and transmission when coasting).
EXTERIOR AND DESIGN
The appearance of the new BMW ALPINA D5 S is defined by an athletic flair and natural elegance. ALPINA design and aerodynamic elements emphasize its performance character – front and rear spoiler strike a harmonious balance and add presence.
Blending form and function is central to ALPINA’s design philosophy – the aerodynamic components reduce uplift on the front and rear axle to almost zero for maximum driving stability at all speeds. Openings at the front of the vehicle allow the precise and effective flow of air to the individual components of the high-performance cooling system.
Engineering finesse meets timeless design. The ALPINA CLASSIC 20″ forged wheels with unmistakable twenty spokes and minimalistic design lead to a significant reduction of unsprung masses which benefits handling, steering feel and ride comfort. In the interests of weight reduction the wheels feature visible wheel bolts and forego centre hub covers.
The ALPINA sports exhaust system features two elliptical twin tailpipes, smartly integrated in the rear apron, that reflect the performance of the new BMW ALPINA D5 S and which emit a sportive exhaust note.
Exclusive paint finishes in ALPINA Blue metallic and ALPINA Green metallic are a hallmark feature reserved solely for BMW ALPINA automobiles. Other BMW and BMW Individual paint finishes are likewise available.
2018 Alpina BMW D5 S Touring Front View 3/4
INTERIOR AND EQUIPMENT
The interior of the new BMW ALPINA D5 S offers a welcoming ambience dominated by highest quality materials and a modern clarity. An extensive range of standard equipment ensures the very highest level of well-being and comfort, including electronically adjustable comfort seats, 2-zone auto climate control, park distance control and the latest BMW navigation, communication and infotainment systems.
A full-colour digital instrument panel in LED technology features a standalone ALPINA design. In Comfort Mode it shows classic instruments with a blue background, red needles and clearly legible figures. In Sport Mode the display changes to dynamic style with green drag indicators. It is also possible to select an Eco Pro Mode. A hallmark ALPINA feature is the centrally positioned permanent digital speed indicator.
Discreet ALPINA details, including illuminated door sills, model designations and an individual production plaque, add a touch of exclusive individual style to each interior. The hand-crafted ALPINA sports steering wheel made of particularly high-quality LAVALINA leather with blue/green stitching is captivating at the very first touch.
Several interior trim options exist, including timeless ALPINA Piano Lacquer, classic ALPINA Luxury Wood Myrtle, and a new ALPINA Luxury Wood Walnut Nature – whose rough cut surface is warm and modern at the same time.
There are virtually no limits when it comes to personalising the design of your very own BMW ALPINA D5 S. From paint finishes to interior trim finishers and upholstery colours – everything the extensive BMW and ALPINA equipment program has to offer can be selected. A BMW ALPINA rarely leaves the ALPINA manufactory in Buchloe, Bavaria, without drawing on the bespoke offerings available.