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Alpina B12 E32 5.0 i V12 (350 Hp)
Overall Rating
Alpina B12:
The Alpina B12 is a name given to high-performance luxury automobiles manufactured by German automobile manufacturer Alpina. The B12 originally succeeded the B11 4. 0 in 1988 which was based on the BMW 7 Series and was also based on the same car. Subsequent models were based on the BMW 7 Series and the BMW 8 Series. Production ended in 2001 when the 7 Series models were discontinued. The B12 was replaced by the B7 and the B6.
The B12 5. 0 was introduced in 1988 and was the first Alpina production automobile to use a V12 engine as its predecessor, the B11 used 3. 5 and 4. 0 L V8 engines. The suffix 5. 0 means the engine displacement which was unchanged from the standard BMW M70 V12. The B12 5. 0 was based on the newly introduced 750i/iL. Exterior changes include a front chin spoiler, 17-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, choice of special colours, "B12 5. 0" badge at the rear, and Alpina pinstriping. The interior was customised according to customer specifications which ranged from a wide range of upholstery, steering wheel options, and gear knobs, and child seats. Standard interior features included an Alpina instrument cluster with a special 300 km/h speedometer and badging. The amenities provided on a standard 750i/iL, apart from the above changes, were retained. Each B12 5. 0 was equipped with a special plaque on the interior containing a special identification number....(Read more on Wikipedia)
E32 Overview:
Alpina B12 (E32). With 470 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1860 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 6.9 s). The top speed reaches 275 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Alpina B12 (E32) was produced before Euro NCAP testing began in 1997, therefore no official safety rating is available. Safety features are limited to those common in its era, such as ABS.
5.0 i V12 (350 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The 5.0 i V12 delivers effortless, silky-smooth power, propelling the large sedan with impressive urgency for its era. A true grand tourer engine, offering exhilarating acceleration and a high top speed.
Fuel Economy
As expected for a large V12 from the late 80s, fuel consumption is substantial, especially in urban settings, but acceptable for its performance class and era.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Exquisite V12 power and smoothness
- • Exceptional high-speed stability and handling (for its class)
- • Rare Alpina exclusivity and collector appeal
- • Luxurious and well-appointed interior
- • Classic and timeless design
Cons:
- • Very high fuel consumption
- • Expensive maintenance and parts, especially for Alpina-specific components
- • Complex V12 engine can be costly to repair
- • Lack of modern safety features and driver aids
- • Limited parts availability for some bespoke components
Specifications:
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Alpina |
| Model: | B12 |
| Generation: | E32 |
| Modification (Engine): | 5.0 i V12 (350 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1988 |
| End of production: | 1994 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 350 Hp @ 5300 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 70.2 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 470 Nm @ 4000 rpm. |
| Engine displacement: | 4988 |
| Number of cylinders: | 12 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 84 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 75 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 19.4 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 8.8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 10.7 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 6.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 6.9 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 275 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 5.3 kg/Hp, 188.2 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 4 kg/Nm, 252.7 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 6.6 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1860 |
| Max. weight: | 2380 |
| Max load: | 520 |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 5025 mm |
| Wheelbase: | 2945 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 265/40 R17 |
| Front suspension | Coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
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