BMW Alpina launches its most powerful model to date, the B5 GT.

Do you long for the days when BMW's design team took a more subtle approach to show off the performance of the M range? [The B5 GT perfectly translates the subtle performance design language of great M cars of the past like the E39 M5 and E36 M3 into the modern era.

The B5 GT is an upgraded version of Alpina's B5 based on the BMW 5 Series, with a peak power of 625 hp, making it the most powerful BMW semi-authorized tuner to date.

Power comes from a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8 with peak torque of 627 lb-ft. It combines an enhanced version of the 5 Series' eight-speed automatic transmission with a rear-biased version of BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive system . Performance is expected to be 0-62 mph acceleration in under 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 205 mph.

To enhance handling, dome bulkhead struts, which Alpina claims improve steering precision and response, have been added; the B5 Touring Wagon further benefits from a slightly lower rear ride height.

Stopping power comes from a Brembo brake package consisting of four-piston fixed calipers in the front and floating calipers in the rear. The front and rear rotors clamp down to 15.5-inch and 15.7-inch rotors, respectively.

Standard wheels are a 20-inch set in Alpina's classic multi-spoke design. They are fitted with 255/35 and 295/30 tires front and rear.

Alpina also offers a number of options to dress up the cabin. One such option is sport bucket seats with enhanced bolstering. These seats are paired with leather and Alcantara trim. Alpina also offers its own trim pieces on some parts of the dash.

250 units will be built for worldwide sales.

For buyers who missed out, BMW is close to unveiling a redesigned 5 Series, and the new car will almost certainly spawn a new Alpina B5. The next 5 Series will also have an electric i5 variant, so an electric B5 from Alpina may be on the horizon.