In 2022, BMW bought the Alpina name, famed for its upgraded and tuned versions of cars from the German manufacturer. But contrary to popular belief, it was only the name that BMW acquired, with the business itself being rebranded to Bovensiepen. The family-run firm continues to create its own cars, and it has recently teamed up with ex-BMW designer Frank Stephenson to remodel the BMW M5 Touring.
Andreas and Florian Bovensiepen, sons of the late Alpina founder Burkard Bovensiepen, have joined up with Stephenson to give the M5 Touring a more subtle and refreshed look. Stephenson is well known in the automotive world, having designed cars for the likes of McLaren and Ferrari, as well as the first-generation BMW X5.
Rather than turn the M5 Touring into something even more ridiculous than it already is, Stephenson and Bovensiepen have gone for a refined, classier look, which is very much in keeping with the way that the former Alpina brand used to do.
In fact, you could very easily argue that this is a better-looking car than what BMW gave us originally. Plus, under the refined exterior, lie some interesting mechanical changes aimed to give the new Bovensiepen 05 GT more of a feel of a Grand Tourer.
How Stephenson and Bovensiepen Modified the BMW M5 Touring
The body has seen some interesting changes, though they are quite discreet, and that certainly seems to elevate how the M5 now looks. There is a new stainless-steel grille at the front of the car, while there is a new split rear spoiler at the other end. Complementing those are the new 21-inch forged wheels, and these look sensational combined with the other changes.
The rear also shows off an Akrapovič titanium quad-exhaust system, which has shed 17lbs from the overall weight of the car. The car still weighs over 5,000lbs in total, but even a small weight loss can make a difference. But while the changes to the outside are impressive and very well done, it is perhaps on the inside where the M5 has really taken a step up.
Most of the interior has now been wrapped in leather, which has even been extended to the center console, elevating how luxurious it feels. Buyers can also customize the interior to their hearts’ content, thanks to an endless supply of colors. In true Alpina fashion, Bovensiepen has also worked on the performance and the handling of the car.
Mechanical Tweaks Have Taken the Bovensiepen 05 GT to the Next Level
The company has added an upgraded air intake, as well as revised engine software, to increase the performance of the car. It now produces 790hp and 811lb-ft of torque, ironically at a time when BMW has de-tuned the M5 Touring in European spec. Under the skin, there are further changes, as there are new Eibach springs and Pirelli tires to help give the car more of the feel of a Grand Tourer.
As you would expect, all of these additions do not come cheap. In Germany, the 05 GT has a starting price of €198,000, which is roughly $229,570. That is a full €51,700, or $59,943, more expensive than the base M5 Touring. But it is truly exceptional, and we can’t deny that it is a great-looking revision of the BMW. Bovensiepen is hoping to commence deliveries in the fourth quarter of 2026.