ALPINA B5 GT

Buchloe bids auf wiedersehen to the G30 5 Series with its most powerful creation yet

- RICHARD LANE

TESTED 4.7.23, ZANDVOORT, NETHERLANDS ON SALE SOLD OUT

Between now and 2026, when BMW takes the reins, Alpina will make fewer than 6000 cars. After that, who knows what will happen? There's a fair chance that Munich will leverage Buchloe's reputation for lavish interiors and general bespokery to create a neat stepping stone between Mand Rolls-Royce, but whether the cars will continue to be so assiduously honed in mechanical terms is open to question. I wouldn't bet on it, because with the Bovensiepen family out of the picture, profit will probably take precedence.

Of those nearly 6000 cars to come, only a tiny portion will be a B5 super-saloon. This model is based on the outgoing M550i but taken to serious heights in performance and breadth. The B5 (historically called the B10) tends to be the flagbearer for Alpina, because it best encapsulates the brand's approach.

The current model is no different. Supercar-fast in a straight line but limousine-slick in its ride quality, it doesn't change direction like the M5 but has good enough body control, adjustability and steering precision that you would happily take the more interesting way home.