1990 Alpina B12 Coupe (E31) Dimensions, Size & Specs

The curb weight of the Alpina B12 Coupe (E31) ranges from 1790 to 1865 kg (3946 to 4113 lbs), while its maximum weight falls between 2260 and 2300 kg (4980 to 5071 lbs). The weight variation depends on specific configurations and optional equipment. The relatively hefty curb weight for a coupe of its time contributes to its stability at high speeds and smooth ride quality. However, this mass also demands a powerful engine and robust suspension tuning to maintain agile handling, which Alpina achieves through engine enhancements and chassis upgrades.

The Alpina B12 Coupe (E31) offers a luggage capacity of 320 liters (approximately 11.3 cubic feet). This space is quite reasonable for a grand touring coupe, enabling storage of travel bags or weekend luggage for two occupants comfortably. While it may not compete with modern SUVs or larger sedans for cargo room, the well-designed trunk provides practical storage without compromising the vehicle's sleek design or performance characteristics, making it suitable for long road trips.

The Alpina B12 Coupe (E31) uses tire sizes 245/40 R18 and 285/35 ZR 18. These tires provide a broad contact patch for excellent grip and stability. The front tires measure 245 mm in width with a 40% aspect ratio, while the rear tires are wider at 285 mm, with a lower profile sidewall of 35%. The larger diameter 18-inch wheels combined with wide, low-profile tires enhance cornering performance, braking efficiency, and overall handling dynamics, contributing to the car's sporty driving experience.

Yes, the Alpina B12 Coupe (E31) fits comfortably into a standard home garage. With a length of 4780 mm (188.2 inches or roughly 15.7 feet), a width of 1855 mm (73 inches or about 6.1 feet), and a height of only 1330 mm (52.4 inches or approximately 4.3 feet), it is compact enough to park inside most residential garages without difficulty. However, it is always recommended to compare these dimensions with the internal measurements of your garage to ensure a perfect fit, especially taking into account space needed for opening doors and moving around the vehicle.

The Alpina B12 Coupe (E31) is based on the BMW 8 Series (E31) platform, and it closely shares the same fundamental dimensions. However, Alpina's B12 models typically feature some unique aerodynamic components and sometimes wider track widths, subtly influencing width and weight. The length of 4780 mm and width of 1855 mm remain consistent with the BMW 8 Series coupes of that era. Compared to the base BMW E31, the Alpina B12 places emphasis on enhanced performance and luxury rather than altering external dimensions significantly.

In comparison to other grand tourers and sport coupes from the early 1990s, the Alpina B12 Coupe (E31) falls into the large coupe segment. Its length at 4780 mm (188.2 inches) and width of 1855 mm (73 inches) position it as quite substantial when compared to models such as the Porsche 928 or Jaguar XJ-S. While slightly larger than typical sports coupes, the Alpina B12 advantage lies in combining this size with luxury and high-performance upgrades. Its dimensions allow ample cabin space and luggage capacity, supporting both comfort and practicality essential in the grand tourer category.

The Alpina B12 Coupe (E31) measures 1330 mm (52.4 inches) in height and 1855 mm (73 inches) in width. The relatively low height contributes significantly to reducing aerodynamic drag, enhancing high-speed stability and efficiency. The wide stance of 1855 mm offers improved lateral stability, which is crucial for high-performance cornering and vehicle control. These dimensions also help lower the center of gravity, further improving handling responses typical of performance-focused grand tourers.

The curb weight of the Alpina B12 Coupe (E31) varies between 1790 to 1865 kg (3946 to 4113 lbs), which is relatively heavy for a coupe but expected given its luxury and performance features. The vehicle’s weight contributes to a solid, planted driving feel and ride comfort but can negatively affect fuel efficiency due to increased mass requiring more energy to move. Alpina counterbalances this with powerful engine tuning and transmission optimization, delivering strong performance despite the weight. The balance between weight and power leads to an engaging yet comfortable driving experience.

Despite its coupe design prioritizing sporty aesthetics, the Alpina B12 (E31) offers a reasonably spacious interior for front passengers. The sleek roofline and low height do reduce rear-seat headroom, making the rear seats more suitable for occasional use or smaller passengers. Nonetheless, the design maximizes cabin width (1855 mm) to provide shoulder room and comfort. The car’s proportions are balanced to deliver driver and front passenger comfort without overly compromising rear seat usability, befitting a grand tourer aimed at both performance and luxury.