| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1978 |
| Production Years: | 1978 - 1988 discontinued in 1988 |
The Alpina B7 Coupe (E24) was produced between 1978 and 1988, representing a prestigious and classic iteration of Alpine tuning based on the BMW 6 Series coupe platform. This coupe marked Alpina's commitment to blending luxury, high performance, and exclusivity during a decade revered for its distinct automotive designs. As a coupe, the B7 E24 exhibited a sleek two-door silhouette emblematic of late 1970s and 1980s grand tourers.
While precise dimension data for the Alpina B7 Coupe (E24) is less commonly documented compared to mainstream models, it is closely based on the BMW 6 Series (E24), which measures approximately 486 cm (191.3 in) in length, 178 cm (70.1 in) in width, and around 134 cm (52.8 in) in height. The coupe's length and low profile contributed to its sporty stance and excellent road presence. Its weight was generally in the range of 1640-1750 kg (3616-3858 lbs), reflecting the added performance and luxury equipment Alpina integrated.
Under the hood, the Alpina B7 typically featured tuned inline-six engines tuned for increased power and torque over standard BMW variants, enhancing its grand touring capabilities. The car combined sharp handling dynamics with Alpina's trademark engine refinements, resulting in a unique blend of comfort and speed.
The Alpina B7 E24 remains a prized classic today, admired not only for its period-authentic style but also for Alpina's signature craftsmanship and performance upgrades. It stands out in vintage coupe comparisons as a luxurious and exclusive driving machine from the late 20th century, perfect for enthusiasts interested in timeless German automotive excellence. Its size and dimensions provide a perfect balance of grand touring comfort and sporty agility, emblematic of Alpina's engineering philosophy during the 1978-1988 production period.
Discover the standout features that make the 1978 Alpina B7 Coupe a leader in its class
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The Alpina B7 Coupe (E24), produced from 1978 to 1988, maintains the classic coupe proportions typical of its era. It measures approximately 4795 mm (188.8 inches) in length, 1735 mm (68.3 inches) in width, and 1360 mm (53.5 inches) in height. This size offers a balanced blend of sporty aesthetics and interior space, ideal for enthusiasts who appreciate the coupe format without an overly bulky presence. These dimensions contribute to the car's distinctive silhouette, combining elegance with performance-oriented design.
The Alpina B7 Coupe (E24) has an approximate curb weight ranging between 1,575 to 1,600 kilograms (3,472 to 3,527 pounds), depending on specific equipment and model year variations. This moderate weight for a luxury coupe of its time allows the car to deliver a blend of solid performance and agile handling. The weight distribution was balanced to enhance driving dynamics, with the weight kept in check despite the upgraded Alpina engine components and additional luxury fittings, ensuring both spirited driving and comfort.
The Alpina B7 Coupe (E24) offers a classic two-door coupe interior layout with comfortable seating for four passengers. Front seat occupants enjoy generous headroom and legroom, thanks to the car’s overall height of 1360 mm (53.5 inches) and well-designed ergonomics. The rear seats, while suitable for occasional passengers, have relatively limited legroom and headroom due to the sloping coupe roofline. In terms of cargo capacity, the trunk provides about 500 liters (17.7 cubic feet) of storage space, sufficient for luggage or everyday needs, balancing practicality with sports coupe styling.
Yes, the Alpina B7 Coupe (E24) comfortably fits into a standard residential garage. With its height of approximately 1360 mm (53.5 inches), length of roughly 4795 mm (188.8 inches), and width of 1735 mm (68.3 inches), the vehicle dimensions are well within the typical garage size range, which often accommodates cars around 2.5 meters wide and 5 meters long. Owners should still be mindful of side clearance and garage door width for ease of parking, but the B7’s coupe dimensions are generally considered garage-friendly.
The Alpina B7 Coupe (E24) is based on the BMW 6 Series E24 generation, and compared to its predecessors, it features similar overall dimensions but enhanced performance and luxury tuning. Compared to earlier BMW 6 Series iterations that Alpina based their exclusives on, the E24 B7 is slightly longer, with a more aerodynamic profile and refined width for better road presence. These size tweaks ensure improved driver comfort, stability, and road-holding capabilities, while maintaining the classic coupe lines and sporty character distinct from its predecessors.
When compared to other luxury sports coupes from the late 1970s to the 1980s, such as the Mercedes-Benz SEC (C126) or Porsche 928, the Alpina B7 Coupe (E24) holds its own with a slightly longer but narrower stance. Its length of 4795 mm (188.8 inches) and width of 1735 mm (68.3 inches) places it among the larger coupes in its class, emphasizing a blend of luxury and performance. This gives the B7 a commanding yet elegant road presence, striking a balance between the bulky Mercedes SEC and the more compact Porsche 928, appealing to drivers valuing both style and driving dynamics.
The Alpina B7 Coupe (E24) typically has a ground clearance of approximately 140 mm (5.5 inches), which is standard for performance-oriented coupes of its time. This clearance provides a balance between sporty handling — keeping the center of gravity low — and sufficient usability over urban road obstacles or mild speed bumps. While the modest clearance favors better aerodynamic performance and road feel, drivers should exercise caution with tall curbs and steep driveways to avoid undercarriage scrapes.
The Alpina B7 Coupe (E24) features a front tread width of about 1450 mm (57.1 inches) and a rear tread around 1470 mm (57.9 inches). These tread widths contribute to stability and responsive handling characteristics, providing a solid road grip during cornering and spirited driving. The slightly wider rear tread promotes balanced traction and improved rear-end stability, pivotal for a rear-wheel-drive coupe focused on performance. These measurements help maintain Alpina’s reputation for blending luxury with dynamic capabilities.
The Alpina B7 Coupe (E24) seats four passengers comfortably in a traditional 2+2 coupe layout. Front seats are supportive and adjustable, often featuring Alpina’s bespoke upholstery and trim options that offer upscale comfort. Rear seats accommodate two passengers but are best suited for shorter journeys due to headroom and legroom constraints from the coupe roofline. Classic luxury touches like wood-grain panels, Alpina badging, and well-crafted materials elevate the cabin experience, blending sportiness with refinement.
The Alpina B7 Coupe (E24) is well-known for its extensive tuning of BMW’s engines, typically based on the inline-six engines from the 6 Series. Alpina enhanced power output, delivering around 300 horsepower in various market versions, along with upgraded suspension and braking components for improved handling. This generation B7 focused on combining luxury and high-performance, setting it apart from the standard BMW 6 Series by offering a more refined, powerful driving experience tailored for enthusiasts who value exclusivity as well as outstanding engineering.
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