1995 Alpina B8 Touring (E36) Dimensions, Size & Specs

The curb weight of the Alpina B8 Touring (E36) is approximately 1,800 kg (3,968 lbs). This weight reflects the car's robust construction and premium features, including reinforced suspension and enhanced braking systems common to Alpina-modified vehicles. The weight distribution and engineering efforts ensure a balanced and stable driving experience despite the relatively high mass. While the weight adds to the vehicle’s inertia, the powerful V8 engine tuned by Alpina compensates with strong acceleration and responsive handling. The overall weight influences fuel efficiency and agility somewhat but is typical for a high-performance luxury station wagon of this period.

Yes, the Alpina B8 Touring (E36) generally fits comfortably into a standard residential garage. Its length of approximately 4.7 meters (185 inches) and width of 1.75 meters (69 inches) are within the dimensions of most typical garages, which often measure at least 6 meters (20 feet) long and 3 meters (10 feet) wide. The height at roughly 1.4 meters (55 inches) is well below the standard garage door height, allowing easy clearance. Owners should verify their garage dimensions since some older or smaller garages might present a tighter fit, especially in width, but for most residential settings, parking the B8 Touring poses no issues.

The Alpina B8 Touring (E36) follows the Alpina B7 and B8 iterations based on earlier BMW 7 Series and 8 Series platforms from the late 1980s and early 1990s. Compared to its predecessors, the E36 Touring maintains a similar length but features improvements in width and height for better cabin space and aerodynamic efficiency. The E36 platform is slightly more compact laterally than some older 7 Series models but provides a more practical station wagon body style that was unique to this generation. Overall, it is more suited for daily usability while carrying a powerful V8, striking a balance between size and luxury performance.

In comparison to other luxury station wagons from the mid-1990s, such as the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate or the Audi RS2 Avant, the Alpina B8 Touring (E36) is competitive in dimensions. With a length near 4.7 meters (185 inches), width of about 1.75 meters (69 inches), and height around 1.4 meters (55 inches), it offers a slightly sportier and more compact footprint than the larger, more traditional estates like the E-Class, which typically measure slightly longer and wider. Its size complements its performance-focused design, offering a blend of practicality and agility preferred by enthusiasts looking for a high-performance wagon without the bulk of some competitors.

The Alpina B8 Touring (E36) provides a practical cargo capacity consistent with premium station wagons of its time. While exact figures vary slightly, the cargo volume with rear seats in place is generally around 450 to 500 liters (15.9 to 17.7 cubic feet). Folding the rear seats expands this volume substantially, allowing for upwards of 1,300 liters (45.9 cubic feet) of luggage space. This ample capacity is supported by the car’s overall length of 4.7 meters (185 inches), giving the Alpina a good balance between sporty performance and everyday functionality. The station wagon body style allows it to accommodate bulky items and provide flexible passenger-cargo configurations.

Key exterior dimensions affecting parking and maneuverability include the Alpina B8 Touring’s length of approximately 4,700 mm (185 inches) and width of about 1,750 mm (69 inches). The moderate length makes it manageable for urban driving and parking in standard spots, though wider than compact sedans. The vehicle's turning radius is influenced by the chassis design based on the BMW E36 platform, which was known for agile handling for its size. The 1,400 mm (55 inches) height helps keep the center of gravity low, indirectly aiding dynamic control during tight maneuvers. Overall, the B8 Touring offers a practical balance of luxury wagon size and relatively easy maneuverability.

The interior dimensions of the Alpina B8 Touring (E36) prioritize passenger comfort, particularly benefiting rear seat occupants. With a width of about 1,750 mm (69 inches) and a substantial wheelbase inherited from the BMW E36 platform, rear passengers enjoy generous legroom and shoulder space compared to some contemporaries. The station wagon roofline, at roughly 1,400 mm (55 inches) tall, allows for satisfactory headroom, while the elongated body provides a relaxed seating posture. Enhanced materials and Alpine-specific touches further improve the comfort and luxury feel. Overall, the interior space is well optimized for both daily commuting and longer journeys.

The Alpina B8 Touring's size and weight, roughly 1,800 kg (3,968 lbs), combined with its length of 4.7 meters (185 inches), play a crucial role in defining its performance characteristics. The car’s relatively substantial mass contributes to stability at high speeds and a smooth, planted feel on highways. Alpina’s engineering enhancements ensure the power delivery from the V8 engine compensates for the extra weight, providing impressive acceleration and responsive throttle control. The balanced size allows for agile handling relative to other large luxury wagons, while the wide track enhances cornering ability. Ultimately, the B8 Touring's dimensions contribute to a refined yet engaging driving experience.

The Alpina B8 Touring (E36) is indeed a practical choice for daily driving, especially for enthusiasts seeking a blend of luxury, performance, and utility. With a length of around 4.7 meters (185 inches), width near 1.75 meters (69 inches), and a spacious wagon body style, it suits families or individuals requiring extra cargo space without sacrificing dynamic driving qualities. The car comfortably fits in most residential garages, offers ample interior space for passengers and luggage, and benefits from Alpina's refined engineering focusing on reliability and comfort. Its size strikes an excellent balance, making it versatile and enjoyable for city commuting, long trips, and spirited driving.