1997 Alpina B10 Touring (E39) Dimensions, Size & Specs

The curb weight of the Alpina B10 Touring (E39) ranges between 1640 kg and 1800 kg (approx. 3615 to 3968 lbs). This weight range reflects the car’s solid build quality, enhanced luxury features, and performance components. The relatively moderate weight contributes to stable handling and a smooth ride, ensuring the car balances power delivery with agility on various road conditions.

With the rear seats upright, the luggage capacity is 410 liters (14.5 cubic feet), which is respectable for daily use and weekend trips. When the rear seats are folded down, the capacity expands significantly to 1525 liters (53.8 cubic feet), allowing for much larger cargo loads such as sports equipment, luggage for long trips, or even medium-sized furniture pieces.

The Alpina B10 Touring's external dimensions—4805 mm (189.2 inches) long, 1800 mm (70.9 inches) wide, and 1420 mm (55.9 inches) high—mean it will generally fit into a standard residential garage, which often measures approximately 2400-2700 mm (94.5-106.3 inches) wide and 4800-5400 mm (189-212 inches) deep. However, care should be taken due to its length approaching the upper limits of typical garage depth, and some garages with tighter widths may require cautious maneuvering.

The width of 1800 mm (70.9 inches) is moderately compact relative to other station wagons, which aids in urban maneuverability and parking. While it is wider than typical sedans, it is not excessively wide for city driving, allowing most drivers to navigate narrow streets and tight parking spots with reasonable ease. However, caution is still recommended in very tight spaces or narrow multi-story parking garages.

Compared to the predecessor, the Alpina B10 Touring (E39) is generally larger and heavier, reflecting advancements in design, safety standards, and luxury features. The E39 generation introduced a longer wheelbase and increased overall length (4805 mm), which improved rear passenger legroom and cargo space. Weight increases from upgraded mechanical components and additional equipment are reflected in the 1640-1800 kg curb weight range, compared to typically lighter predecessors that sacrificed some luxury or performance capabilities.

The Alpina B10 Touring (E39) stands competitively dimensioned among premium European station wagons from the late 1990s to early 2000s. Its length of 4805 mm (189.2 inches) and width of 1800 mm (70.9 inches) are in line with contemporaries such as the Audi RS4 Avant or Mercedes-Benz E-Class Wagon. While it may be slightly heavier due to its performance upgrades and luxury fittings, its cargo space and external dimensions make it practical for both daily use and performance driving.

The Alpina B10 Touring typically features 18-inch rims sized 9J x 18, paired with tires sized 235/40 ZR 18 and 265/35 ZR 18, or occasionally 235/40 R18. These wide, low-profile tires improve grip and handling precision, especially around corners, while enhancing the car’s sporty character. However, the trade-off includes a firmer ride quality compared to higher-profile tires, given the focus on performance.

The maximum weight capacity for the Alpina B10 Touring ranges between 2270 kg and 2370 kg (about 5004 to 5227 lbs). This includes the vehicle’s curb weight plus passengers, cargo, and any additional equipment. This capacity allows for roughly 430-730 kg (948-1610 lbs) of payload, sufficient for a full complement of passengers and considerable luggage or gear, making it practical for family outings or long-distance travel with heavy loads.

Within the segment of performance station wagons, the Alpina B10 Touring (E39) balances sportive dimensions with practical utility. Its 4805 mm length and 410 liters of cargo space (expanding to 1525 liters with seats down) offer usability on par with rivals, while its robust curb weight and tire setup highlight its focus on driving dynamics. This generation is appreciated for blending everyday usability with the prestige and performance expected from Alpina's tuning of the BMW 5 Series platform.