Alpina B5 GT unveiled: groundbreakingly strong and fast

Anyone who is in the market for a fantastic BMW 5-series but does not feel like an M55oi or M5 can turn to Alpina. The acclaimed BMW tuner, which is now also part of BMW, has the B5 in its range for this purpose. With that 631 hp version you have little reason to complain, but it can be even crazier. Alpina is now proving that with the B5 GT. It not only pushes the boundaries of the Alpina B5, but of Alpina in general. It is in fact the strongest car it ever put into production.

The beating heart of the Alpina B5 GT is, just like the B5, the biturbo 4.4-liter V8 that is also in the M550i and M5. In the Alpina B5 GT, that block stomps no less than 635 hp and 850 Nm to all four wheels. That is more than the V8 in the BMW M5 Competition delivers. It is enough to shoot the Alpina B5 GT as a Sedan from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds. As a Touring, it takes 3.6 seconds. Even more impressive is the top speed: it is 330 km/h for the Alpina B5 GT Sedan and 322 km/h for the Touring. According to Alpina, the B5 GT is ‘possibly the fastest production sedan and touring in the world’. Impressive. According to Alpina, the power growth has been achieved through adjustments to the air intake, engine software and turbo pressure. Incidentally, switching is done with an eight-speed automatic transmission from ZF and thick Brembo brake discs (15.5-inch front, 15.7-inch rear) bring the violence to a rest.

Despite those impressive figures, Alpina keeps the appearance of the B5 GT relatively modest. That’s how we’ve come to expect from the gentlemen and ladies of Buchloe. The most obvious difference with the ‘regular’ B5 is that the B5 GT has black accents instead of chrome. We also spot some extra but modest wings on the bumper work here and there and the car is on new 20-inch light metal. Six paint colors specially reserved for the Alpine B5 GT will be available. In the interior you are welcomed by Nappa leather as standard, optionally by Merino leather that is available in various colors. You can also choose from other types of leather and order (in limited edition) special extra sporty seats with a combination of ‘Dakota’ leather and Alcantara upholstery.

Those who have become enthusiastic can of course prepare themselves for a not too tender financial transaction. In Germany, the Alpina B5 GT will cost at least €145,000 as a sedan. With a basic starting price of €148,500, the Alpina B5 GT Touring is even €3,000 more expensive. You may also have to be quick: there will only be 250 copies. Delivery is likely to begin in July this year.