The Alpina B5 GT is the 634-HP BMW M5 Sports Sedan We Would Rather Buy
Story by Joe Duarte
BMW Alpina B5 GT is the high-performance luxury sedan you’ll want for those sprints from zero to 60 mph in less than 3.5 seconds, and for hauling assets to a top speed of 205 mph, thanks to the most powerful BMW 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 ever, making 634 hp and generating a steady 627 lb-ft of torque.
Available in the BMW M5’s traditional sedan or Touring (wagon) body styles, there’s one to suit all needs and purposes but don’t wait too long. The renowned Bavarian enhancer of BMW performance sedans is only creating 250 units for worldwide consumption, and most are likely already spoken for. But here's why the Alpina B5 GT is a better everyday sports sedan than the BMW M5.
The BMW Alpina B5 GT is the Fastest Production M5 In The World
Already acclaimed for its dynamic and smooth power delivery and high torque, the BMW M5’s 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 is tweaked to deliver a best-in-segment 634 horses (up from the regular M5’s 617), available at a peak of 5500 rpm and maintaining full gallop to 6500, and 627 lb-ft of torque (553 in the M5) available where you need it most, between 3500 and 5500 rpm. It easily claims the title of Alpina’s most powerful engine ever.
BMW’s dual-clutch 8-speed sport automatic provides quick shifting to take advantage of available horsepower and torque when and where it’s needed to distribute those outstanding power outputs between all four wheels.
A newly-crafted a middle silencer configuration for the Alpina sport exhaust system produces a throaty 8-cylinder note to urge the driver to spur on those galloping steeds. Two twin-tailpipe finishers are coated in titanium nitride to an ebony finish, using a complex production process that adds an artisan flair. Related10 Of The Best BMW-Alpina Models Over The Year
All-Wheel Drive and Suspension Tweaks Enhance Stability for The Alpina
The Alpina B5 GT has a marginally bigger footprint and sits a half-inch closer to the ground than its M5 Competition cousin, resulting in a barely-discernible drop in claimed sprint to 62 mph — 3.4 seconds for the B5 GT vs. 3.3 for the M5. But it more than compensates for it in top-end performance and agility.
The Alpina B5 GT features the latest version of the classic 20-inch forged aluminum 20-spoke wheel, with spokes curving inward in three distinctive steps to the iconic center lockable wheel cap adorned with the Alpina crest. The wheels are finished in the exclusive Marron Volciano and feature discreet B5 GT lettering on the rim. They’re shod with Pirelli P Zero performance rubber — 255/35ZR20 up front and 295/30ZR20 in the rear.
A dome-bulkhead strut reinforces the front end to improve steering precision and feedback. The wagon minimizes the rear ride height to lower the center of gravity and optimize roll support for the rear axle. The suspension is tuned to be more forgiving than the M5 making it easier to live with every day, without compromising on performance.
Four-piston fixed brake calipers from Brembo pinch 15.5 x 1.4-inch front discs and 15.7 x 1.1-inch rear for fast and consistent braking. The high-performance brake system provides direct pedal feedback and has been tuned to resist brake fade.
Exquisitely Finished Inside And Out For The Special BMW
The BMW Alpina B5 GT comes standard in the traditional Alpina Blue or Alpina Green, but can be upgraded to Arctic Race Blue, Petrol Mica, Verde British Racing, Chalk, Imola Red or Daytona Violet. Trim enhancements include the traditional design stripes, commonly known as the Alpina Deco Set, available in the buyer’s choice of Marron Volciano, Blue Matte and Green Matte, to create a unique personal presentation.
A wide range of interior options is available for the standard Nappa Leather presentation, which evolves from the BMW M5 Competition. A choice of three Full Leather Merino options is available, and buyers can choose to further personalize their cabins with hand-crafted Lavalina leather. Front head restraints are embroidered with B5 GT insignia in Marron Volciano outlined in white.
A bespoke option — sport seats with flared side bolsters, combined black Dakota Leather with Alcantara inserts, blue accents and Alpina lettering — is available in limited numbers.
The Pinnacle of Alpina Enhancements to BMW Super-Performance
Alpina Burkard Bovensiepen was founded in 1965 and has remained passionately committed to the development and production of exceptional automobiles for connoisseurs to add to their collections, and enthusiasts to enjoy on open roads. The company also participates in various racing series.
Now fully owned by BMW, the Bavarian-based company crafts its models alongside the respective BMW automobiles on which they are based, with processes fully integrated into the BMW lines, befitting its designation by the German industry as an automobile producer, rather than an aftermarket converter.
The BMW Alpina B5 GT is the latest expression of Alpina’s passion for drivable masterpieces, combining a visually understated but distinct exterior with an exclamation point of the most powerful, high-performance drivetrain in the company’s history, marking the pinnacle of the BMW 5 Series and elevating the BMW M5 to a new level.
