Long past the days when BMW’s design team went more subtle to flaunt the performance of the M range?
Then look no further than Alpina, whose new B5 GT perfectly translates the subtle performance design language of past M car greats like the E39 M5 and E36 M3 into the modern age.
The B5 GT is an improved version of Alpina’s B5 based on the BMW 5 Series and with a peak output of 625 hp it is the most powerful model to date from the semi-official BMW tuner.
Power comes from a 4.4-liter, twin-turbocharged V8 that also delivers 627 lb-ft of peak torque. It’s paired to a beefed-up version of the 5 Series’ 8-speed automatic transmission, as well as a rear-biased version of BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system. Performance estimates include 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in under 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 205 km/h.
2023 BMW Alpina B5 GT
To aid in handling, an Alpina-claimed dome bulkhead brace was added to improve steering accuracy and responsiveness. The B5 Touring Kombi also benefits from a slightly reduced ground clearance at the rear.
Stopping power comes from a Brembo brake package consisting of four-piston fixed calipers at the front and floating calipers at the rear. They clamp to 15.5″ rotors at the front and 15.7″ rotors at the rear.
2023 BMW Alpina B5 GT
The standard wheels are a 20-inch set in Alpina’s classic multi-spoke design. They are wrapped in 255/35 and 295/30 tires front and rear.
Alpina also offers a number of ways to dress up the cabin. One of these is a pair of sport bucket seats with extra padding. The seats are upholstered in a combination of leather and Alcantara. Alpina also has its own trim pieces to line parts of the dashboard.
2023 BMW Alpina B5 GT
Unfortunately, only 250 examples will be built for worldwide sale.
For buyers who are missing out, BMW is on the verge of unveiling a redesigned 5 Series and the new car will almost certainly spawn a new Alpina B5. There may even be an electric B5 from Alpina, as the next 5 Series will also have an electric i5 variant.
