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

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. 

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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...