THE MOST POWERFUL ALPINA AUTOMOBILE EVER
ALPINA will bid farewell to the current-gen 5 Series with its 2023 B5 GT Limited Ed – an even more powerful version of its tuned super-sedan, the B5, that surpasses even the fastest M5s in terms of speed. This is our first look at the production version and is one of the first dealer delivered cars, finished in Arctic Race Blue.
Available in both Sedan and Touring body styles, the ALPINA B5 GT will be limited to only 250 units per silhouette, retaining its exclusivity as a performance brand for the discerning customer.
Under the bonnet is a tweaked 4.4lt Twin-Turbo V8, producing 466 kW of power and 850 Nm of torque, putting it just 1 kW under the hard-hitting M5 CS. This also makes it the most powerful engine piloting any ALPINA automobile, to date.
ALPINA has achieved this by updating the intake system with flow-optimised air intake ducts, exhaust silencer reconfig and an engine software retune. The B5 GT has also been treated to a launch control update.
With all the added grunt + Xdrive, the B5 GT Sedan will sprint off the line to 100km/h in a mere 3.4 sec. While the Touring will take an extra 2-tenths, at 3.6 sec.
Keeping your foot planted on the loud pedal will take you all the way to a claimed top speed of 330km/h in the Sedan, and 322km/h in the Touring. The M5 CS however will only manage 305km/h due to it's electronic limiter (and wanting to keep your Motorplan🙃).
In addition to all the go-fast bits, the B5 GT has better handling thanks to optimised roll support on the rear axles and a dome-bulkhead-strut for front-end stability, as well as a lower ride height that reduces the centre of gravity in the Touring.
From an aesthetics point (while also functional), ALPINA have introduced a few aerodynamic changes, including dive planes and front splitters on the front lip for improved downforce. A boot lip lifted from the B5, as well as an aggressive diffuser, both finished in body colour. The B5 GT also features a sports exhaust system equipped with a newly developed middle silencer for a better soundtrack. The exhaust tips are coated with titanium nitride and have a subtle black finish.
The B5 GT sits on ALPINA's latest version of their classic forged wheels in 20", keeping the exterior as classy as possible.
The interior is indistinguishable from the stock B5, as ALPINA has always gone to great lengths to make the interiors of all their cars plush and welcoming. The B5 GT is no exception here, being treated to the same quality interior and trim updates as the B5, including Nappa leather upholstery in several colours, with embroidered B5 GT lettering across the headrests and floor mats, as well as a heated steering wheel with aluminium paddle shifters, and Walnut Anthracite fine-wood trim throughout the cabin.
A full-leather Merino interior is optional, or buyers can choose a bespoke naturally tanned Lavalina leather interior created exclusively by ALPINA’s in-house saddlery. This option will only be available in limited numbers. The bespoke upholstery option also includes sports seats with flared side bolsters, finished in Black Dakota leather with Black Alcantara seat centres and blue accents.
It's worth mentioning that ALPINA has confirmed German pricing for the B5 GT, with the sedan priced at €145 500 and the Touring priced at €148 500, a few options (including the bespoke upholstery) will push this way past the €165 000 mark. Which, after doing some sums (excl. taxes), is an astronomical R3.2m😶 - still cheaper than the M5 CS though.
Given an unlimited budget, which would you have? 💬💬💬
[SOURCE: ALPINA CARS, BMWBLOG]
