The G30/F90 generation of the BMW 5 Series comes to an end. BMW has already presented the M5 CS for its swan song, it is now the turn of the preparer Alpine to do the same. We discover, for others, the B5GT. In summary, it is the most powerful and certainly the most exclusive version of this 5 Series.
The current generation of the 5 Series, also known as the G30/F90, is coming to an end. For a start with a bang, BMW introduced the CS on the M5, a mechanical monster that borders on technical perfection. It’s now the turn of Alpina, an official BMW tuner, to take part in the game with one last big shot: the B5 GT.
Engineers carry over the M5’s 4.4-liter S63 twin-turbo V8, pushing the cavalry to 625 horsepower (466 kilowatts). It thus leaves a very slim advantage to the M5 CS which also makes 625 horsepower, but 467 kilowatts. It’s all in the details! To obtain this power gain, Alpina did not content itself with taking the engine from the CS, but rather opted for a homemade recipe: changing the air supply and modifying the management of the control device.
The ZF-designed 8-speed gearbox has been recalibrated for greater responsiveness. Even though the numbers are surprisingly similar to the M5 CS, the latter performs better than the B5 GT. The GT completes the 0 to 100 km / hour in 3.4 seconds, while the CS goes from just under 3 seconds to 2.98 seconds. If we look at the Touring station wagon, we have to add 0.2 seconds.
The Alpina B5 GT cars also receive a host of other upgrades including more precise steering, reinforced stabilizer bars, a more efficient exhaust system with titanium tips and a rear axle on the Touring whose center of gravity has been lowered. To ensure braking to match the power, the discs are 15.6 inches in diameter at the front and 15.7 inches at the rear. On account, the B5 GT sedan reaches a top speed of 330 kilometers per hour against 322 for the B5 GT Touring family.
On the outside, you recognize the traditional Alpina approach. It’s been the same for years, and time has no hold on this highly refined aesthetic. The highlight of the show is the integration of the 20-inch rims painted here in Volcano Brown with the iconic Alpina design. On the GT, a new mudflap is offered on the bumper with the integration of canard favoring a negative pressure on the nose.
At the rear, we see the 4 exhaust pipes as well as the small spoiler on the trunk. The normally contrasting applique on the bumpers is standardized on the rest of the body. Speaking of colors, the sedan will come standard in Alpina Blue, while the Touring will come in Alpina Green. For the most difficult, as an option, the colors arctic racing blue, petrol mica, “British Racing” green, chalk, Imola red and Daytona purple will be in the catalogue.
The cabin also receives an exclusive treatment with new Nappa leather upholstery. Unlike on the exterior where Alpina favors a pre-determined color selection, there are several options on board. In terms of finish, the regular seats receive the B5 GT inscription embroidered in the headrests. However, it is possible to have more enveloping seats. Among the other details, the finish of the woodwork and, of course, a numbered plaque on the console to sign exclusivity.
This sublime car will instantly be a collector’s item with a production of only 250 examples worldwide and a base price of 145,000 euros for the sedan and 148,000 euros for the Touring. No need to get too excited, unfortunately, none will come to Canada.
