Bavarian automaker BMW has finally unveiled the much-anticipated BMW 8 Series Coupe. The introduction of the new BMW 8 Series Coupe adds a brand new chapter to the Bavarian premium carmaker’s long history of sensational sports cars. The BMW 8 Series Coupe is a dream car boasting outstanding performance, emotion-stirring design, state-of-the-art luxury and exceptionally advanced equipment features when it comes to display and control technology, driver assistance and connectivity.
The new model came through its baptism of fire in the guise of the BMW M8 GTE at the FIA WEC endurance races and in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship (IWSC) held in North America. The production car now makes it possible to experience outstandingly dynamic performance in an exceedingly luxurious setting.
The exterior design of the BMW 8 Series Coupe exudes a very modern form of sporting appeal, beautifully blended with an air of exclusiveness and sensual allure. The production model therefore lives up to all the expectations engendered by the BMW Concept 8 Series. The expressive surface design of the exterior bodyshell emphasises the dynamic character of the new BMW 8 Series Coupe with greater intensity than on any of the brand’s previous models. The expansive surfaces are structured using pared-down, crisp character lines.
The car’s low-slung design, an elongated silhouette with a slim window graphic and a roofline flowing elegantly into the rear with distinctive “double-bubble” contouring, a long wheelbase and a wide track are the defining elements of the BMW 8 Series Coupe’s proportions. With exterior dimensions of 4,843 mm in length, 1,902 mm in width, 1,341 mm in height and a wheelbase of 2,822 mm, the two-door car adopts an extremely powerful stance on the road.
Whilst the surfaces curve inwards on the far side of the front wheels, they flare outwards again in powerful fashion in the vicinity of the rear wheels. This combines with the strikingly tapered glasshouse to create a muscular shoulderline. At the rear, the interplay of horizontal and diagonal lines emphasises the car’s width and low centre of gravity. The LED taillights add to this effect by extending deep into the flanks.
An almost fully sealed underbody, active air flap control and Air Curtains including Air Breathers help to reduce the aerodynamic drag of the new BMW 8 Series Coupe’s streamlined body. Narrow exterior mirror bases also help smooth the airflow.
The modern and minimalistic exterior design language is continued inside the new BMW 8 Series Coupe, creating a relaxingly luxurious ambience. At the same time, all lines point lengthways, automatically directing the gaze to the front and emphasising the focus on sporty driving. All control elements are clearly arranged. A concise surface design lets the high-quality materials really stand out. The use of trim finishers, for instance, is restricted to the sports car- style transition between the centre console and the instrument panel.
The luxurious character of the new BMW 8 Series Coupe can be further enhanced by a number of top-quality optional extras. The range includes the BMW Display Key, telephony with wireless charging, climate seats, the Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System, as well as glass applications for selected controls.
The 8 Series is the first in the BMW lineup to use a new turbocharged 4.4-liter V8. Its TwinPower Turbo system uses two enlarged twin-scroll turbochargers to force air into the engine. The V8 also employs fully variable valve control and variable camshaft timing in order to maximize power and efficiency. This gives the M850i xDrive 523 horsepower between 5,500 and 6,000 rpm, and 553 pound-feet of torque from 1,800 to 4,600 rpm. That’s put to the wheel via its eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission with a wider spread of gear ratios. There’s also a launch control function. The M850i xDrive will do 0-60 in a swift 3.6 seconds, and max out at a top speed of 155 miles per hour.
The car offers a number of drive settings, including Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Eco Pro modes to tailor the driving experience to the pilot’s whims and needs. The Sport modes govern not just accelerator response and power delivery, but also the sound of the standard flap-controlled exhaust. As for efficiency, the 8 Series can use the route from the navigation system to plan transmission behavior — engine braking, avoiding unnecessary downshifts through corners, etc. — to save fuel. The off-throttle coasting function decouples the powertrain in certain situations. The car is also equipped with an automatic stop-start system.
The 8 Series uses technology to provide convenience and safety. It has a head-up display to keep your eyes on the road. An optional night vision system to help see persons, larger animals and other heat-emitting objects, which are shown on the control display and automatically receive additional lighting from the headlights. The Parking Assistant helps identify and maneuver the car into parking spaces. BMW also offers Apple Carplay, Android Auto, and the BMW Connected app to control certain functions and check status remotely. Digital Key technology allows owners to lock and unlock the car with a smartphone. The 8 Series can also receive over-the-air updates as needed.
BMW has not yet announced pricing for the new 8 Series, but says it will release that information closer to when it goes on sale this fall.