When I first laid eyes on the Bovensiepen 05 GT, I couldn’t help but think: this is what happens when you put a BMW M5 in a tuxedo. It’s not just a car; it’s a statement—a masterclass in how to blend raw power with understated elegance. What makes this particularly fascinating is how Frank Stephenson, a designer whose portfolio reads like a who’s who of automotive icons (think Ferrari F430, McLaren P1, and the first-gen BMW X5), managed to tone down the M5’s aggressive aesthetics without stripping it of its soul. Personally, I think this is where many car makeovers go wrong—they either overdo it or lose the essence of the original. But Stephenson? He’s struck a balance that’s almost poetic.
The M5 has always been a beast, but its latest iteration, with its twin-turbo V8 and plug-in hybrid system, screams for attention. And while some drivers crave that in-your-face presence, others want something more refined. That’s where the 05 GT comes in. Built on the M5 Touring platform, it’s a car that whispers its capabilities rather than shouting them. The laser-cut stainless steel kidney grille, the subtle roof spoiler, and those dual Akrapovic exhausts—these aren’t just design elements; they’re a philosophy. If you take a step back and think about it, this car is a rebuttal to the idea that performance and subtlety can’t coexist.
One thing that immediately stands out is the attention to detail. The 21-inch wheels, the bespoke Pirelli tires, the repainted brake calipers—it’s all part of a cohesive vision. But what many people don’t realize is that this isn’t just a cosmetic upgrade. Under the hood, Bovensiepen has reworked the air intake and exhaust system, squeezing out an extra 54kW and 100Nm from that 4.4-liter V8. That’s not just a tweak; it’s a transformation. And yet, the coachbuilder doesn’t even bother mentioning the kerb weight—a detail that I find especially interesting. It’s as if they’re saying, ‘We didn’t just make it faster; we made it better.’
The interior is where the 05 GT truly shines, though. The Lavalina steering wheel, the leather-wrapped iDrive controller, the aluminum paddle shifters—it’s a cabin that feels both luxurious and purposeful. What this really suggests is that Bovensiepen understands their audience: drivers who want a car that’s as comfortable on a track as it is in a boardroom. In my opinion, this is where the M5 itself falls short. It’s a brilliant car, but it’s always felt a bit too loud for its own good. The 05 GT fixes that.
At €198,900, it’s not cheap—nearly €50,000 more than the standard M5 Touring. But here’s the thing: exclusivity comes at a price. With only 200 units being built, this isn’t just a car; it’s a collector’s item. What this really suggests is that bespoke automotive projects are moving beyond mere customization. They’re becoming statements of identity, reflections of what discerning clients want: something unique, something that stands out without screaming for attention.
Frank Stephenson said it best: ‘The most successful bespoke automotive projects are rarely about noise, they are about judgement.’ And the 05 GT is a testament to that. It’s subtle, yes, but also confident, beautifully resolved, and entirely in keeping with the future of automotive design. If you ask me, this isn’t just a car—it’s a blueprint for how performance vehicles will evolve. It’s not about being the loudest in the room anymore; it’s about being the most interesting. And in that, the 05 GT is a clear winner.
