While we are patiently waiting for the new generation of the BMW 5-Series to debut later this year, Alpina launched one last special edition of the current model. The BMW Alpina B5 GT is likely the coolest and most exclusive variant of the outgoing 5-Series, featuring more power and an M5-beating top speed, and will be offered in a limited production of 250 units in both sedan and Touring forms.
Starting with the powertrain, the bi-turbo 4.4-liter V8 has been upgraded with a flow-optimized air intake duct and air intake silencer plus retuned software, producing 625 hp (466 kW / 634 PS) and 850 Nm (627 lb-ft) of torque. Alpina says that the B5 GT is its most powerful model yet, although the US-spec BMW Alpina XB7 makes 630 hp (470 kW / 639 PS). Still, as far as sedans go, the B5 GT makes 9 hp (6 kW) more than the standard Alpina B5 and the BMW M5 Competition, and only 1.3 hp (1 kW) less than the M5 CS which narrowly retains the title of the most powerful production 5-Series.
Read: ALPINA Seasons The 2023 BMW 3-Series Facelift With A Lot Of Lust
Power is transmitted to all four wheels through an eight-speed ZF automatic which also benefits from upgraded software. As a result, the 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint is completed in less than 3.4 seconds for the sedan and less than 3.6 seconds for the Touring. The top speed is equally impressive for a family car, with 330 km/h (205 mph) for the sedan and over 322 km/h (200 mph) for the Touring, figures higher than any M5. The B5 GT will also sound meaner thanks to the tweaked Alpina sports exhaust system featuring quadruple titanium tailpipes finished in black.
Besides the extra power and the louder exhaust, the model has received handling upgrades. Alpina suggests that a “dome-bulkhead-strut” reinforcement improves steering precision and feedback, while the rear axle of the B5 GT Touring has been lowered offering a lower center of gravity. The models are fitted with Brembo drilled brake discs measuring 395 mm (15.6 inches) at the front and 398 mm (15.7 inches) at the back.
Visually, the BMW Alpina B5 GT looks very similar to the standard B5. The Alpina-specific body kit includes the aerodynamic front bumper extension with small canards and a splitter, as well as the body-colored rear bumper insert housing the quad exhaust pipes. The signature Alpina Classic 20-inch forged wheels are finished in Marron Volciano and come with B5 GT lettering. As for the exterior, the pictured Alpina Blue and Alpina Green shades are standard, while the optional color palette includes the Arctic Race Blue, Petrol Mica, Verde British Racing, Chalk, Imola Red, and Daytona Violet. All of them can be combined with Alpina graphics.
Inside besides the standard Nappa leather upholstery in a variety of available colors, buyers have the options of Full Merion leather or naturally tanned Lavalina leather for the seats, with B5 GT lettering embroidered on the headrests. There is also the option of heavily bolstered sports seats that combine Black Dakota Leather with Black Alcantara and blue accents. A cool touch is the Alpina Walnut Anthracite fine wood inserts on the dashboard. Other details include the Marron Volciano finish on the gearshift paddles and the piping of the floor mats, the dark roof lining, the B5 GT metal emblems, the numbered plaque on the center console, and the standard Harman Kardon audio system.
The BMW Alpina B5 GT is already available to order although the limited availability of 250 units worldwide means it won’t stay like that for long. In Germany, the sedan is priced at €145,500 ($157,920) and the Touring at €148,500 ($161,176) including taxes. Deliveries of the special edition are scheduled to begin in July 2023.
