Full Breakdown
Bovensiepen 05 GT Refines the BMW M5 Touring
6/16/2026, 2:00:51 PM
Background & Context
Alpina, founded by the Bovensiepen family, was acquired by BMW in March 2022, which transferred only the brand name. The family-run firm in Buchloe kept its engineering expertise and rebranded as Bovensiepen. After a limited Zagato-M4 project, the company introduced the 05 GT, a heavily modified BMW M5 Touring intended to continue the Alpina B5 Touring tradition that BMW has not yet produced. The project demonstrates the family’s ongoing involvement in high-performance vehicle development.
Core Redesign and Performance
The 05 GT keeps the M5 Touring’s 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 plug-in hybrid base but adds a revised intake, upgraded software and an Akrapovic titanium quad-exhaust, boosting combined output to 790 hp and 811 lb-ft of torque. A lightweight exhaust saves 7.8 kg. Suspension upgrades feature Eibach springs, retuned adaptive dampers, reinforced strut towers and bespoke 21-inch forged wheels with custom Pirelli tires. Inside, the cabin is wrapped in Lavalina leather, aluminum trim and optional Alcantara-lined cargo areas, allowing extensive bespoke options. The revised software also optimises hybrid torque delivery for smoother acceleration.
Data & Specifications
- Power: 790 hp (reported as 789 bhp or 800 hp in some sources)
- Torque: 811 lb-ft (1,100 Nm)
- Curb weight: 5,632 lb (2,555 kg)
- 0-60 mph: 3.6 s (0-62 mph quoted as “under 3.6 s”)
- Top speed: ? 190 mph
- Price: €198,000–€198,900 (? $230,850)
- Delivery: scheduled for Q4 2024
Official Positioning
Bovensiepen markets the 05 GT as a grand-tourer that balances comfort with performance. Frank Stephenson’s exterior redesign aims for a subtle yet confident look, replacing the M5’s aggressive front with restrained horizontal lines and a stainless-steel grille. The company stresses that cooling and efficiency targets are met despite the higher output. The interior upgrades reinforce the grand-tourer ethos with premium tactile materials.
Criticism & Market Reception
Motor1’s editorial notes that the hybrid powertrain, while delivering impressive figures, may be less appealing than a pure-V8 solution and questions whether the €200 k price premium over the standard M5 Touring is justified for most buyers. The high price may limit appeal to a niche clientele.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact horsepower (789 bhp, 790 hp, or 800 hp) and on pricing (€198,000 vs €198,900 vs $230,850). Acceleration is reported as 0-60 mph 3.6 s and as “under 3.6 s” for 0-62 mph, indicating minor inconsistencies.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The aim was to create something that has an immediate presence, without being too loud or aggressive.” — Euan McPherson, design team lead
- “shows how careful, intelligent exterior design can transform the character of a car without losing the integrity of what made it appealing in the first place” — Frank Stephenson, designer
- “It is subtle, yes, but also confident,” — Frank Stephenson, designer
- “a treat for all the senses” — Andreas Bovensiepen, co-owner
- “Motor1's Take: As much as we like how the car is less in your face than the BMW version, we can’t help but wonder whether it would have been even more desirable without the plug-in hybrid powertrain.” — Motor1 editorial
What’s Next
Bovensiepen plans limited production runs with deliveries beginning in the fourth quarter of 2024 and hints at further bespoke projects, while BMW’s next Alpina-branded model is expected to be a facelifted 7 Series.
