The spirit of the legendary Alpina B5 finds a new form in the Bovensiepen 05 GT. This high-performance machine is an expertly modified version of the BMW M5 Touring, crafted by the same family that established the Alpina legacy before transitioning the naming rights to BMW. Following the debut of the bespoke Bovensiepen Zagato, the 05 GT represents a more accessible and reproducible model for the Buchloe-based brand as it establishes its independent identity.
While the Zagato was a radical, carbon-bodied reimagining of the M4, the 05 GT remains closer to its donor car’s DNA. It avoids fundamental mechanical overhauls or structural shifts, focusing instead on a series of precision refinements. For a conversion cost of approximately €50,000, Bovensiepen provides a comprehensive suite of upgrades that elevate the G90-generation M5 into a more exclusive tier of grand touring performance.
Design Philosophy and External Refinements
The visual identity of the 05 GT was shaped by the renowned Frank Stephenson, the designer responsible for icons like the McLaren P1 and the Ferrari F430. The objective was clear: soften the aggressive, sometimes polarizing “bravura” of the standard BMW M5 Touring. Stephenson’s touch aims to reduce the perceived visual mass of the car’s profile, resulting in a more sophisticated and understated silhouette.
Key exterior updates include redesigned front and rear bumpers, sculpted side skirts, and a discreet trailing rear spoiler. The “Bovensiepen” script on the front fascia serves as a quiet reminder of its Buchloe origins. This aesthetic restraint makes the 05 GT significantly more subtle than its factory counterpart. The primary hint at its devastating performance is found at the rear: four titanium exhaust tips provided by Akrapovic. This lightweight system not only enhances the engine note but also sheds 8kg compared to the stock stainless steel setup.
Power Increases and Hybrid Synergy
Under the hood, the 4.4-liter S68 twin-turbo V8 receives a meticulous retune. Combined with an optimized air intake system and the high-flow Akrapovic exhaust, the internal combustion engine’s output sees a significant jump. While the standard M5 produces 718bhp and 738lb-ft, the Bovensiepen 05 GT raises those figures to a staggering 790bhp and 811lb-ft of torque.
The electric components of the hybrid system remain as BMW intended, contributing up to 195bhp and maintaining an electric-only range of approximately 35 miles in real-world conditions. Despite a slight weight increase—bringing the total kerb weight to 2555kg (roughly 5kg heavier than the standard Touring)—the performance remains blistering. Bovensiepen claims a 0-62mph sprint in under 3.6 seconds and a top speed exceeding 190mph.
Chassis Tuning for the Discerning Driver
Beyond raw power, the 05 GT focuses heavily on the driving experience that loyal Alpina customers have come to expect: a seamless blend of high-speed stability and superior ride quality. To achieve this, the Buchloe engineers have implemented specific suspension modifications designed to outclass the standard M5 in terms of comfort without sacrificing handling precision. This emphasis on “supple speed” ensures the 05 GT excels as a long-distance cruiser that can still dominate the left lane of the Autobahn.
The Evolution of a Buchloe Icon
The Bovensiepen 05 GT marks a successful transition for one of the most respected names in automotive tuning. By taking the BMW M5 Touring and applying a philosophy of understated elegance and refined power, the Bovensiepen family has created a vehicle that honors their heritage while looking toward the future. It offers a unique alternative for those who find the standard M5 too aggressive and seek a more bespoke, comfortable, and exclusive long-roof performance car.
