There is a widespread misconception that BMW acquired the entire Alpina company in 2022. BMW purchased only the Alpina brand name, while the family-run company in Buchloe continued operating under a new identity, Bovensiepen, and remains responsible for supporting vehicles built through the end of 2025.
The family behind Alpina has already begun developing new projects under its own name. Last year, Bovensiepen partnered with Italian coachbuilder Zagato to transform the BMW M4 Convertible into a carbon-fiber-bodied coupe. The new 05 GT continues that effort, with Andreas and Florian Bovensiepen, sons of Alpina founder Burkard Bovensiepen, working alongside designer Frank Stephenson on a reimagined M5 Touring.
A Redesigned M5 Touring with Grand Touring Ambitions
The Bovensiepen 05 GT is based on the BMW M5 Touring but is positioned as a more comfort-oriented grand tourer. The company revised the suspension and incorporated components aimed at delivering a more relaxed driving experience for both drivers and passengers.
Changes include Eibach springs and new Pirelli tires, while the exterior receives subtle modifications such as a stainless-steel grille and a split rear spoiler. The vehicle also features new 21-inch forged wheels.
Frank Stephenson, known for his work on the first-generation BMW X5 and the modern Mini, led the styling effort. The 66-year-old designer, whose portfolio also includes Ferrari and McLaren models, gave the wagon a more restrained appearance than the standard BMW version.
An Akrapovič titanium quad-exhaust system is also fitted, reducing weight by 17.1 pounds (7.8 kilograms) compared with the standard setup. Even so, the vehicle retains a substantial curb weight of 5,632 pounds (2,555 kilograms) in European specification.
A Familiar Cabin with Extensive Customization
Inside, the 05 GT remains closely related to the standard M5 Touring. Much of the dashboard layout and cabin architecture carry over unchanged from the donor vehicle.
Bovensiepen has focused on increasing the sense of luxury by extending leather trim throughout the interior, including the center console. Buyers can also specify virtually any exterior color and have access to extensive leather upholstery customization options.
The result is a cabin that remains familiar to existing BMW customers while offering a higher degree of personalization.
More Power and a Significantly Higher Price
As Alpina models traditionally received powertrain enhancements, Bovensiepen has also modified the M5 Touring’s drivetrain. Alongside the new exhaust system, the company added an upgraded air intake and revised software.
According to Motor1, these changes raise output to 790 horsepower and 811 pound-feet (1,100 Newton-meters) of torque. The gains come as BMW has reduced the combustion engine output of the European-specification M5 by 41 horsepower to comply with the upcoming Euro 7 emissions standard. An upgraded electric motor offsets that reduction, keeping total system output unchanged at 717 horsepower.
Compared with the standard M5 Touring, the Bovensiepen 05 GT produces an additional 73 horsepower and 74 pound-feet (100 Newton-meters) of torque.
The upgrades come at a substantial premium. The Bovensiepen 05 GT starts at €198,900 in Germany, about $229,000, which is €51,700, roughly $59,500, more than a base BMW M5 Touring. Deliveries are scheduled to begin during the fourth quarter of this year.
Motor1 notes that BMW’s first production Alpina model since acquiring the brand name will be a facelifted 7 Series expected next year, offered with both V8 and fully electric powertrains. A new BMW Alpina-badged 5 Series does not appear to be a near-term priority, with the focus currently directed toward larger and more expensive vehicles.
