M5 CS

Make
BMW
Segment
Sedan

Alpina has unleashed its seventh-generation BMW 5 Series-based B5 GT sedan and wagon, limited to just 250 combined examples globally. The B5 GT is the firm's most powerful road car engine ever with BMW's familiar twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8, tuned to produce 625 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque.

To put this into perspective, the B5 GT nearly matches the output of the mighty M5 CS, which is rated at 627 hp and 533 lb-ft of twist, and bests the standard B5, which produces 613 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. Alpina was able to achieve extra power by installing a flow-optimized air intake duct and a new air intake silencer. Changes to the boost pressure and engine software were also done. The launch control system and the ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic transmission also required updates to handle the extra power.

Alpine claims the B5 GT sedan will sprint from 0 to 62 mph in less than 3.4 seconds. The wagon requires an extra two-tenths. Going from 0 to 124 mph takes 11.3 seconds in the sedan and 11.9 seconds in the wagon. The sedan has a top speed of 205 mph while the wagon's maximum is 200 mph.

Additional mechanical updates include a sports exhaust system with a newly developed middle silencer for a meatier sound, titanium nitride-coated, black-finished dual-tip exhausts, 20-inch Classic forged wheels painted in Marron Volciano with "B5 GT" lettering, and Brembo brakes measuring 395-mm up front and 398-mm in the rear. Alpina added a body kit for some visual flare, which includes an aerodynamic front bumper extension with small canards and a splitter, and a body-colored rear bumper.

As for exterior colors, buyers can select from the pictured Alpina Blue or Alpina Green, as well as optional colors like Arctic Race Blue, Petrol Mica, Verde British Racing, Chalk, Imola Red, and Daytona Violet. All colors choice can be combined with Alpina graphics.

Step inside and you'll find standard Nappa leather upholstery offered in several colors. Customers can instead opt for Full Merion leather or naturally tanned Lavalina leather. "B5 GT" lettering is embroidered on the headrests. Bolstered sports seats that blend Black Dakota Leather with Black Alcantara and blue accents are also optional. You'll find Alpina Walnut Anthracite fine wood inserts on the dashboard, Marron Volciano finish on the paddle shifters and floor mat piping, metal "B5 GT" emblems, and a numbered plaque on the center console. A Harmon Kardon audio system is standard.

Alpina is already accepting orders with German market sedan pricing beginning at €145,500 ($157,889 at current exchange rates) and €148,500 ($161,144) for the wagon. Deliveries are due to begin in July. There are no plans to offer the B5 GT in the US.