BMW Alpina B5 GT Debuts as the Most Powerful Alpina Ever Built

For those who are unfamiliar with the  brand, Alpina is a German performance brand that specialises in building high-performance versions of BMW cars. Unlike many aftermarket tuners out there, Alpina, just like its German-origin rivals Brabus and RUF, is actually recognised as a proper automobile manufacturer by the German government.

The Bavarian-based marque/tuner kicks-off 2023 by debuting their latest limited-production model, the Alpina B5 GT. Dubbed as the most powerful Alpina ever, the B5 GT comes in both sedan and wagon body styles, based on the current-gen (G30/G31) BMW 5 Series.

More than just a rebadge, the Alpina B5 GT harnesses the brand’s most powerful engine to date, in the form of a BMW-built 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 mill that is tuned-up to deliver 634 HP and 850 NM – making it even more powerful than the ongoing BMW M5 Competition. To achieve this feat, Alpina added a flow-optimised air intake duct and air intake silencer to said engine, while tweaking both its software and the boost pressure.

The BMW-built engine works in tandem with an updated eight-speed automatic gearbox built by ZF to propel the B5 GT from nought to 100 KM/H in just 3.4 seconds for the sedan model, and 3.6 seconds for the heavier wagon version. Flat out, the B5 GT is capable of reaching a V-max north of 320 KM/H, which easily makes it one of the fastest four-door executive saloons/estates currently available out there.

In charge of providing ample stopping power for this peppy saloon/wagon is a set of four-piston Brembo brakes, with its rotors measure 15.5-inch for the front and 15.7-inch for the rear. Said brakes are hidden behind a set of massive 20-inch wheels with classic-looking 20-spoke design, finished in special Marron Volciano hue.

Apart from the tuned-up powertrain and massive brakes, Alpina has also reworked the B5 GT’s chassis with more reinforcements at the front end for better steering precision and feedback, while priming all of its four corners with adaptive dampers and shorter, stiffer springs.

In terms of design, the B5 GT looks painstakingly similar to its inferior 5 Series cousin, except for the badgings. The front fascia is donned with a custom front splitter with ‘ALPINA’ lettering painted on it. On the rear part, the B5 GT boasts a quad tailpipe setup coated in titanium nitride, giving them a darker finish.

What sets the B5 GT apart from standard 5 Series is the bespoke cabin build offered by Alpina. Prospective buyers can opt for either the Nappa or Merino leather finishing, as well as numerous trim options and other interior upgrades, like Alpina’s Walnut Anthracite fine wood trim. To provide support for drivers, the B5 GT comes with optional sports seats with improved side bolstering, wrapped in black Dakota leather with Alcantara inserts.

Aside from the standard Alpina Blue and Alpina Green hues, the B5 GT will also come in additional six exterior hue options, namely the Arctic Race Blue, Petrol Mica, Verde British Racing, Chalk, Imola Red, as well as Daytona Violet.

The BMW Alpina B5 GT is currently open for order, with the Bavarian tuner planning to build  only 250 examples of it for the whole globe. The sedan version starts at €145,500 (RM675,850), while the estate version commands a higher price tag of €148,500 (RM689,785).

Folks, what do you think of the all-new Alpina B5 GT? Digging all the performance numbers? Should the controversial kidney grille design of the latest BMW M3 put you off, perhaps this tuned-up 5 Series might be a better choice for you after all…