Alpina B10 Bi-Turbo

Alpina B10 Bi-Turbo

The Alpina B10 Bi-Turbo stands as one of the most significant performance sedans of the late 1980s and held the title of world's fastest production sedan when introduced in 1989. Based on the BMW E34 5-Series, Alpina transformed the elegant sedan into a 181-mph rocket ship through extensive modifications to the M30 inline-six engine. Twin Garrett turbochargers, revised engine internals, upgraded fuel injection, and custom exhaust created a powerplant producing 360 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque.

The performance was staggering for the era. The B10 Bi-Turbo could accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 5.0 seconds and reach a top speed of 181 mph, making it faster than contemporary Ferrari and Porsche models. Yet it accomplished this while maintaining the civility and luxury of a BMW 5-Series, complete with leather interior, climate control, and room for five adults. The sleek aerodynamic body kit and distinctive Alpina 20-spoke wheels were subtle hints at the performance lurking beneath.

Alpina's modifications extended beyond the engine. The suspension was completely reworked with stiffer springs, upgraded dampers, and larger anti-roll bars. Brakes were enlarged with ventilated discs at all four corners. The transmission was strengthened to handle the increased torque, and a limited-slip differential ensured power reached the pavement effectively. Inside, buyers enjoyed Alpina's signature blue and green gauges, wood trim, and hand-stitched leather.

Production was extremely limited with just 507 examples built between 1989 and 1994. Today, the B10 Bi-Turbo is highly sought after by collectors who appreciate its combination of supercar performance and sedan practicality. Values have increased significantly, with the best examples commanding well over $200,000. The car represents a unique moment when a small independent tuner created the world's fastest sedan, a remarkable achievement that cemented Alpina's reputation for excellence.