| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1978 |
| Production Years: | 1978 - 1982 discontinued in 1982 |
The Alpina B7 (E12), produced from 1978 to 1982, represents a rare and prestigious variant of the classic BMW 5 Series E12 sedan, enhanced by Alpina’s craftsmanship and performance tuning. This luxury performance sedan was designed to provide a unique blend of sporty driving dynamics with sophisticated styling, tailored to enthusiasts seeking exclusivity beyond the standard BMW line.
In terms of size, the Alpina B7 (E12) carries the traditional dimensions of the E12 platform, typical of late 1970s executive sedans. Though exact dimensions for the Alpina B7 (E12) vary slightly due to Alpina’s bespoke modifications, it generally measures approximately 4,715 mm (185.6 inches) in length, around 1,700 mm (66.9 inches) in width, and has a height close to 1,400 mm (55.1 inches). This compact executive sedan sits comfortably in the mid-size segment by both classic and modern standards. Its sedan body style offers four doors and a well-proportioned cabin suitable for driver and passengers with a focus on comfort and driving pleasure.
Under the hood, Alpina enhanced the E12's original engines, turning the B7 into a refined high-performance vehicle of its time, often featuring upgraded straight-six engines with improved power outputs and torque. The weight distribution and suspension tuning by Alpina contributed to a dynamic yet stable driving experience. The vehicle's relatively moderate dimensions ensure agile handling while delivering the presence expected from a premium touring sedan.
Overall, the Alpina B7 (E12) sedan remains a notable classic with a distinct place in automotive history, particularly appealing to collectors and enthusiasts interested in late 70s tuner sedans that blend performance and luxury. Its size metrics confirm its classification as a compact executive sedan by modern standards, combining iconic design with enhanced performance and exclusivity.
Discover the standout features that make the 1978 Alpina B7 a leader in its class
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The Alpina B7 (E12) sedan, produced between 1978 and 1982, has notable dimensions characteristic of luxury sedans of its time. The car's length measures approximately 4845 mm (190.7 inches), its width is around 1725 mm (67.9 inches), and its height stands at approximately 1410 mm (55.5 inches). These dimensions provided a spacious interior while maintaining a relatively compact exterior size compared to contemporary full-sized sedans. This balance was optimal for comfort, urban drivability, and highway stability, befitting the premium segment Alpina targeted with their B7 edition.
The Alpina B7 (E12) weighs approximately 1560 kg (3440 lbs) curb weight. This weight places it in the mid-range for performance-oriented luxury sedans of its era. The relatively moderate weight contributed positively to the car’s dynamics, allowing the enhanced engine tuning and suspension modifications by Alpina to deliver strong acceleration and agile handling. Despite being a sedan with full luxury fittings, the B7 maintained a sporty character thanks to this optimized weight, striking a good balance between comfort and performance tailored for enthusiasts and refined drivers.
The Alpina B7 (E12) has a wheelbase measuring approximately 2730 mm (107.5 inches). This long wheelbase plays a crucial role in enhancing passenger comfort by providing generous legroom for both front and rear occupants. Additionally, the extended wheelbase helps improve ride stability and smoothness, absorbing road irregularities more effectively. It also contributes to better high-speed stability and a more settled driving experience, which aligns with Alpina’s philosophy of combining sporty performance with luxury refinement.
The Alpina B7 (E12) sedan, based on the BMW E12 series, offers ample interior space for its class and era. Rear passenger legroom is comfortable, facilitated by the 2730 mm (107.5 inches) wheelbase, which ensures that even taller passengers find adequate space to stretch their legs. Headroom in both front and rear is sufficient, given the sedan's roof height of approximately 1410 mm (55.5 inches), creating an airy and comfortable cabin ambiance. This makes the B7 a practical choice for those who require luxury and performance without compromising passenger comfort.
The Alpina B7 (E12) is equipped with a fuel tank capacity of roughly 63 liters (16.6 US gallons). Considering the car's performance-focused design and engine tuning by Alpina, fuel consumption is moderate by modern standards but was typical for the late 1970s luxury performance segment. Averaging estimated consumption of about 12 to 15 liters per 100 kilometers (19.6 to 15.7 mpg US), the B7 offers a driving range between 420 to 525 kilometers (260 to 325 miles) on a full tank. This range supports relatively long trips without frequent refueling, especially remarkable for a high-performance sedan from that era.
Yes, the Alpina B7 (E12) comfortably fits into a standard residential garage, which typically accommodates vehicles up to around 2.5 meters (8.2 feet) wide and approximately 5.5 meters (18 feet) long. With its width of approximately 1725 mm (67.9 inches) and length just under 4.85 meters (190.7 inches), the B7 can be parked with ease inside standard single-car garages. The sedan's relatively moderate dimensions for a luxury car of its time minimize concerns about tight spaces, making it a practical choice for daily use and storage in typical home garages.
The Alpina B7 (E12) is based on the BMW 5 Series E12 platform, sharing very similar exterior dimensions due to the same chassis. Both measure approximately 4845 mm (190.7 inches) in length, 1725 mm (67.9 inches) in width, and 1410 mm (55.5 inches) in height. However, despite the size parity, Alpina’s version differentiates itself through performance tuning and bespoke features rather than physical size increase. The interior and exterior dimensions remain nearly identical, preserving the practicality and proportions of the BMW 5 Series while upgrading the car's dynamic and luxury traits significantly.
When compared to other luxury sedans of the late 1970s, such as the Mercedes-Benz W123, Audi 100 C2, or Jaguar XJ Series II, the Alpina B7 (E12) is somewhat more compact but similarly proportioned. With its length of about 4845 mm (190.7 inches) and width of 1725 mm (67.9 inches), it is slightly shorter than the larger Mercedes W123 sedan, which was around 4850-4900 mm (191-193 inches) but narrower or comparable in width. This size balance made Alpina B7 agile and less cumbersome in urban environments while maintaining luxury space. Compared to traditional larger sedans, it strikes a balance between sportiness and executive comfort.
The Alpina B7 (E12) retained the general dimensions of the standard BMW E12 5 Series sedan while introducing a range of refinements focused on performance and exclusivity rather than altering its size. Key changes involved enhanced engine output, suspension upgrades, and bespoke interior touches rather than any significant modifications to the car's length, width, or height. The suspension was tuned to improve ride and handling, but the overall vehicle footprint stayed true to the original E12 design, ensuring the driving dynamics and comfort were refined without compromising practicality or requiring changes to the body shell.
The Alpina B7 (E12) is highly regarded among classic car enthusiasts due to its rare combination of exclusivity, performance, and luxury. Unlike regular BMW E12 models, the Alpina B7 features tuned engines with improved power and torque outputs, sportier suspension setups, and distinct Alpina badging and trims that elevate its status. Produced in limited numbers between 1978 and 1982, it exemplifies the boutique automotive craftsmanship Alpina is known for. Collectors favor it for its blend of classic styling, enhanced driving dynamics, and the heritage of being a well-engineered and elegantly finished high-performance sedan from a golden era of automotive design.
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