The Alpina B10 V8 E39 was introduced in March 1997 as the flagship V8 interpretation of the contemporary BMW 5 Series. Built at Alpina’s facility in Buchloe, Bavaria, it was based on the BMW 540i but extensively reworked in virtually every important area, including the engine, transmission, suspension, aerodynamics and interior.

The 1998 model belongs to the early production phase of the B10 V8 and perfectly reflects Alpina’s traditional philosophy: delivering performance approaching that of contemporary sports cars while retaining the refinement, elegance and long-distance ability of a luxury saloon.

Under the bonnet sits a naturally aspirated 4.6-litre V8, based on BMW’s M62 engine but comprehensively modified by Alpina. Capacity was increased to 4,619 cc, with revisions to components including the crankshaft, pistons, cylinder heads, intake system and engine management.

Early B10 V8 models produce approximately 340 PS and 470 Nm of torque, while later evolutions increased output to as much as 347 PS and 480 Nm.

Power is sent exclusively to the rear wheels through a five-speed ZF automatic transmission with Alpina Switch-Tronic, allowing manual gear selection via buttons on the steering wheel.

The B10 V8 was among the fastest saloons of its era. It accelerates from 0–100 km/h in approximately 5.9 seconds and is capable of around 280 km/h.

Unlike BMW M models, however, outright aggression was never Alpina’s primary objective. The naturally aspirated V8 delivers strong, effortless and exceptionally smooth performance, making the B10 V8 a genuine high-speed grand tourer capable of covering long distances at speeds that, in the late 1990s, were the preserve of only a handful of serious performance cars.

The chassis builds on the already excellent E39 platform but receives Alpina-specific suspension tuning. Revised springs, dampers and geometry improve high-speed stability without sacrificing the comfort required for everyday use.

This is where the B10 V8 differs most clearly from the later E39 M5. While the M5 places greater emphasis on outright driver involvement and sporting response, the Alpina offers a more discreet, relaxed and refined interpretation of the high-performance saloon.

Its styling is typically understated. The B10 V8 features an Alpina front spoiler, a subtle rear spoiler, optional Deco-Set graphics and, most recognisably, the marque’s iconic multi-spoke Alpina Classic alloy wheels.

The design deliberately avoids excessive aggression. At first glance, the car can easily be mistaken for a conventional E39 5 Series, with only its distinctive details and B10 V8 badging revealing its ability to travel at close to 280 km/h.

Inside, Alpina traditionally offered extensive individualisation. Typical features include an Alpina sports steering wheel, blue-faced instruments carrying the manufacturer’s branding, wood trim, high-quality leather upholstery and an individually numbered production plaque.

Depending on specification, cars could also be ordered with Lavalina leather, one of the signature materials associated with Alpina’s most luxurious models.

The B10 V8 evolved through several technical stages and was eventually joined by the even more powerful B10 V8 S, fitted with a 4.8-litre engine producing 375 PS. Production of the V8-powered E39 B10 remained extremely limited compared with the regular 5 Series, contributing significantly to its desirability today.

The 1998 Alpina B10 V8 represents one of the purest expressions of the Buchloe manufacturer’s philosophy. It combines the timeless E39 body, a heavily reworked naturally aspirated V8, rear-wheel drive and a luxurious interior with exceptional high-speed capability.

It is neither an imitation of nor a substitute for the M5. Instead, it is a distinctly Alpina interpretation of the performance saloon – more discreet, more comfortable and engineered around effortless long-distance speed.

That combination of rarity, naturally aspirated V8 power and Alpina’s individual approach makes the B10 V8 one of the most interesting and desirable derivatives of the E39-generation BMW 5 Series.