Crossovers and SUVs may outsell premium wagons, but there is still a market for traditional long-roof models, especially on the right side of the pond. The offering is anything but vast when speaking about ultra-fast executive proposals, and it usually comes down to three manufacturers: Audi, Mercedes, and BMW.
The former has the stunning RS 6 Avant in its portfolio, which continues to keep enthusiasts up at night. If you forgot, the 2024 Audi RS 6 Avant Performance is also available in our market, with an MSRP of $125,800. This model packs a 621 hp (630 ps/463 kW) and 627 lb-ft (850 Nm) of torque 4.0L twin-turbo V8, taking 3.3 seconds to 60 mph (97 kph) and topping out at 155 mph (250 kph).
Mercedes-AMG's next E 63 is still in the making, and so is the BMW M5 Touring. Yes, you read that right. The long-roof M5 is coming back into BMW M's portfolio after a long hiatus, and it has been confirmed for the United States of America. The hot Bimmer is expected with a twin-turbo 4.4L V8 sporting electric assistance, and it might launch with 738 hp (748 ps/550 kW) and 738 lb-ft (1,000 Nm) of torque, identical to the XM Label.
However, these aren't the only hot executive station wagons out there, as Alpina also has the B5 Touring in its portfolio. One particular copy of this model recently caught our attention, so we decided to share it with you. It is part of the limited edition GT, whose production was capped at 250 examples, and it is in stock with worldwide delivery possible.
Photo: Hollmann
As every Alpina enthusiast knows, it packs a V8 engine under its hood with a 4.4-liter displacement and dual turbos. This iteration boasts hp (634 ps/kW) at 5,500-6,500 rpm and puts 627 pound-foot (850 Nm) of torque under the driver's right foot, with the peak thrust being available from 3,500 to 5,000 rpm. If you must know, it is 8 hp (8 ps/6 kW) punchier compared to the regular B5 and the BMW M5 Competition and comes just 1.3 hp (1.3 ps/1 kW) short of the iconic M5 CS.
Alpina's spec sheet reveals a WLTP-rated combined fuel consumption of 11.3 l/100 km (20.8 US mpg) in the Sedan and 11.7 l/100 km (20.1 US mpg) in the Touring and CO2 emissions of 256 and 265 g/km, respectively. The 0 to 62 mph acceleration is a 3.2-second affair, and from rest to 124 mph (200 kph), the car takes just 10.2 seconds. Keep the right pedal pinned to the floor, and the vehicle will run out of breath at 205 mph (330 kph). The Touring is two-tenths slower to 62 and seven-tenths to 124 mph and maxes out at 204 mph (328 kph).
The standard paint finishes available were called Alpina Blue and Alpina Green. Other hues included the Petrol Mica, Arctic Race Blue, Chalk, Verde British Racing, Daytona Violet, and Imola Red. The pictured copy is presented in Alpina Green and rides on the typical multi-spoke alloys, another signature trait of all Alpina models. The wheels have a golden look, and more gold can be seen on the profile. The brake calipers sport a blue finish, and it is a combination of black leather and suede on the inside.
Photo: Hollmann
Some of the onboard highlights include the electric panoramic glass roof, sunblinds at the rear, heated front and rear seats, multi-color ambient lighting, Bowers & Wilkins audio system, rear-seat entertainment system, BMW's gesture control, soft-close doors, four-zone air conditioning, TV function plus, laser headlamps, auxiliary heating, and so on. This car is also brand new, as it only has the delivery miles under its belt and does not sport any modifications whatsoever, which makes it even more dreamy to the right buyer.
Mind you, any Alpina tends to cost a lot of money, whether it is old or new, and this rare B5 GT Touring is certainly no exception. Hollmann International has been tasked with finding a new home for this hot station wagon. So, how much do you think you will have to pay to drive it daily? That would be €248,710, including tax, totaling $265,200 at today's exchange rates.
That kind of money would get you two brand-new BMW X5 M super crossovers in our market, almost two M8 Competition Coupes, or three M4 Coupes. You could also get a new Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, and you'd still have some cash to spare, or a new AMG GT 63 S 4-Door Coupe, which starts at $170,350 in the United States. Therefore, the pictured Alpina B5 GT Touring is not a ride for the average Joe. But then again, it was never intended to be one. So, if you had over a quarter of a million bucks lying around, would you get this ultra-hot station wagon?
After a series of unfortunate events put an end to Cristian's dream of entering a custom built & tuned old-school Dacia into a rally competition, he moved on to drive press cars and write for a living. He's worked for several automotive online journals and now he's back at autoevolution after his first tour in the mid-2000s. Full profile
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