Former Ferrari, McLaren designer puts the BMW M5 in a tuxedo
Frank Stephenson already has some of the most celebrated car designs against his name. Now he's given the M5 a makeover.
The new BMW M5 is the most aggressive looking of the nameplate’s history, and you’d hope so with its potent twin-turbo V8 engine and plug-in hybrid system.
But not everyone who wants the performance levels of the super sedan might want to stand out quite as much. Enter the Bovensiepen 05 GT.
The German coachbuilders have previously taken to making the BMW 4 Series prettier thanks to Zagato, but they’ve not entrusted famed automotive designer Frank Stephenson to give the M5 a makeover.
Stephenson, who counts the first-generation BMW X5, the first BMW-era Mini, the McLaren P1 and Ferrari F430 as just some of his designs, was enlisted to tone down the looks of the M5, all the while Bovensiepen worked under its skin to deliver an even greater drive.
Based on the M5 Touring, the 05 GT is almost completely new on the outside, with different front and rear bumpers and side sills, a laser-cut stainless steel kidney grille, a subtle roof spoiler, and two sets of dual Akrapovic exhausts sticking out of the back.
Riding on 21-inch, 20-spoke wheels, there are bespoke Pirelli tyres on all four corners, hiding repainted brake calipers behind them.
The cabin too has been treated to a makeover, with a Lavalina steering wheel, as well as leather around the cupholders, on the iDrive controller surround and on the seats. Drivers can select gears via aluminium paddles behind the steering wheel.
This is more than just a new skin on an already impressive car though.
Under the bonnet there is a new air intake, which has been paired with the larger Akrapovic exhaust system to let the twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8 breathe better.
According to the brand, testing at Papenburg and Nardò led to a revised powertrain tune, now producing 589kW and 1100Nm combined, up on the M5’s 535kW and 1000Nm figures.
The coachbuilder makes no mention of the 05 GT’s new kerb weight, only mentioning the exhaust system saves 7.8kg compared to the standard unit – a drop in the ocean compared to the M5 Touring’s circa-2500kg figure.
Prices in Germany start from €198,900 (A$325,850), making it almost €50,000 (A$81,915) dearer than the M5 wagon. Only 200 examples will be built.
"The most successful bespoke automotive projects are rarely about noise, they are about judgement,” said Stephenson.
“This car 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.
“It is subtle, yes, but also confident, beautifully resolved and entirely in keeping with the type of design future many discerning clients are now looking for."
