625bhp Alpina B5 GT revealed as brand’s most powerful car ever

Alpina has a new BMW M5 alternative that’ll hit 0-62mph in 3.4 seconds

Iconic BMW fettler Alpina has a new worked-over version of the 5 Series, dubbed the B5 GT. The set-up here is similar to the B5 launched in 2020, with a 4.4-litre V8 providing propulsion, but now the twin-turbo unit pumps out 625bhp.

That’s only an increase of 13bhp, but torque has gone up by as much as 50Nm, to give a new figure of 850Nm. It’s the most powerful engine Alpina has ever fitted to one of its cars, and it provides a 0-62mph time of 3.4 seconds in the saloon, and 3.6sec in the Touring estate. A BMW M5 Competition is quicker still, but the B5 has top-speed bragging rights, with a Vmax of 205mph for the saloon and 200mph for the estate.

The additional performance is thanks to a variety of changes including an optimised air intake duct, reworked exhaust parts, engine software changes and altered turbo boost pressure. “The engineers have placed particular emphasis on responsiveness and power delivery to achieve excellent usability,” Alpina says. 

For slowing back down again, Alpina has added four-piston brake calipers squeezing 395mm discs at the front, with floating calipers mated to 398mm rotors at the rear. Also on the chassis front is additional bracing for the front suspension, and new versions of Alpina’s trademark 20-spoke wheels. Here, they’re forged 20-inch items. 

To go with the wheels, there are six paint finishes to choose from: Arctic Race Blue, Petrol Mica, Verde British Racing, Chalk, Imola Red and Daytona Violet. Classic Alpina ‘deco-set’ decals are available in three different hues, meanwhile. 

Inside, you get Nappa leather as standard, with Merino offered as an option, or for those with especially deep pockets, the services of Alpina’s in-house saddlery can be engaged for something more bespoke. B5 GT lettering can be found embroidered into the headrests of the front sports seats, and there are B5 GT emblems on the floor mats. On the equipment front, a heated steering wheel, Harman Kardon surround system and an anthracite headlining are among the standard-fit highlights. 

Production will be limited to 250 units globally. There’s no UK pricing just yet, but Alpina - which has been part of BMW since 2022 - is selling the car in Germany for 145,500 euros as a saloon, or 148,500 euros as a Touring.

Alpina B5 or BMW M5 - which one would your money go on? Answer in the comment section below...

Recommended

New MINI Countryman JCW aims to deliver performance and practicality
MINI Countryman JCW - front
News

New MINI Countryman JCW aims to deliver performance and practicality

The new MINI Countryman JCW gets 296bhp and four-wheel drive
10 Nov 2023
New Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door: super saloon gets tweaked for 2024
Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door - front
News

New Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door: super saloon gets tweaked for 2024

The GT 4-Door is Mercedes’ range-topping performance saloon
31 Oct 2023
New 2024 Porsche 911 could be all you ever need from a sports car
All-new Porsche 911 facelift - front
News

New 2024 Porsche 911 could be all you ever need from a sports car

911 will be more varied than ever with the introduction of electric power
27 Oct 2023
New Porsche Taycan facelift unmasked on Nurburgring
Porsche Taycan facelift - front tracking
News

New Porsche Taycan facelift unmasked on Nurburgring

Buyers can expect the updated Taycan to arrive in 2024
26 Oct 2023

Most Popular

New Renault Scenic 2023 review: the famous nameplate returns in style
Renault Scenic - front
Road tests

New Renault Scenic 2023 review: the famous nameplate returns in style

We get behind the wheel of new all-electric Renault Scenic to see what all the fuss is about
27 Nov 2023
UK firm fitting ‘pop bang’ aftermarket exhausts fined in landmark court case
MINI Hatch exhaust
News

UK firm fitting ‘pop bang’ aftermarket exhausts fined in landmark court case

A successful court action against a workshop advertising and fitting non-standard exhaust parts is ‘a lesson for businesses’ from the DVSA
23 Nov 2023
“Renault is taking over as the manufacturer of cars for the people”
Opinion - Renault Twingo
Opinion

“Renault is taking over as the manufacturer of cars for the people”

Mike Rutherford thinks Renault is doing more than any other manufacturer when it comes to making affordable electric cars
26 Nov 2023