With this BMW the Bavarian brand enters the luxury segment with a broad premium model initiative. This new coupé opens a new chapter in what sporting driving is all about for BMW: a superb combination of luxury, inspiring sportiness and last but not least Gran Turismo comfort.

Just read on…

Hans Knol ten Bensel

The market launch is planned in November 2018, with two model variants: The BMW M850i xDrive Coupe M Performance model with a new 390 kW/530 hp V8 engine, and the BMW 840d xDrive Coupe with six-cylinder in-line diesel unit developing 235 kW/320 hp.

Power transfer in both cases is via a further developed eight speed Steptronic transmission. Both engines comply with exhaust emission standard EU6d-TEMP.

Of course, BMW focuses with this car also on top-class sporting performance. Development of this car was parallel to the BMW M8 and the BMW M8 GTE endurance racer.

This stylish 8 series coupé inherited therefore a low centre of gravity, well-balanced weight distribution, a lightweight construction using aluminium, magnesium and carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP). The body is of course aerodynamically optimised and is virtually lift-free up to very high speeds. The powerful engines, with a beautiful sound thanks to the sports exhaust system, with precise and positive handling with rear axle differential lock, together with an extremely stiff body and suspension structure.

Adaptive M suspension, integral Active Steering and mixed-size tyres come as standard. For the aficionados for which this is not quite enough, active roll stabilisation is optionally available for the BMW M850i xDrive Coupe.

The elegant coupé has a distinctive “double-bubble”roof, options include M carbon roof and M Carbon exterior package with air intake slats, exterior mirror covers, rear spoiler and rear diffuser in CFRP.

This series 8 has the slimmest headlights of any BMW model to date. LED headlights are standard, Adaptive LED Headlights and BMW Laserlight with Selective Beam and extended high beam range of up to 600 metres are available as options.

The coupé is quite practical with luggage capacity of 420 litres. Of course there is a 50:50 spilt/folding rear seat backrest for added stowing capacity.

Besides the M sport package there is the M Performance model comes with features including 20-inch M light-alloy wheels and high-performance tyres, specific M Sport braking system, exclusive exterior elements in Cerium Grey, stainless steel mesh interior trim strips and illuminated door sills boasting the model designation.

Also available at market launch are the M Technic Sport Package and model-specific BMW Individual features.

The new generation of the M Performance TwinPower Turbo V8 engine has 4.4-litre displacement, boasting newly developed twinscroll turbochargers located within the V-shaped space between the cylinder banks, optimized petrol direct injection, VALVETRONIC and Double-VANOS, maximum output up by 50 kW/68 hp without weight increase, and a maximum torque of 750 Nm (553 lb-ft) available between 1,800 und 4,600 rpm.

Power is  390 kW/530 hp at 5,500 – 6,000 rpm. It has a sports exhaust system with flap control. Exhaust gas treatment includes gasoline particulate filter. Performance is nothing short of breathtaking, with 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in 3,7 seconds. Combined fuel consumption is around 10 liters, CO2 emissions come at 228 g/km, according to the EU6d-TEMP emission standard.

The six-cylinder in-line diesel engine comes with the latest BMW TwinPower Turbo technology including multi-stage turbocharging and common-rail direct injection with piezo injectors and maximum pressure of 2,500 bar. Max. output: 235 kW/320 hp at 4,400 rpm, torque is 680 Nm (501 lb-ft) at 1,750 – 2,250 rpm. Performance is also up to scratch with acceleration 0 – 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds, top speed for both models being electronically limited to 250 km/h. Fuel consumption hovers around 6 liters, CO2 emissions are 154 g/km.

Optimised emissions are to be enjoyed thanks to exhaust gas recirculation; Diesel particulate filter, NOx adsorption catalyst and SCR catalyst are also installed.

Driving is believing

The 8 series coupé pilot has a Driving Experience Control switch, which includes even the ADAPTIVE mode. There is a clearly perceptible set-up differentiation between COMFORT and ECO Pro modes at one end of the spectrum and SPORT and SPORT+ modes at the other. The judicious management of powertrain and suspension systems enables a clear focus on dynamic performance, as well as effortless handling in urban traffic and a high level of long-distance comfort.

Infotainment with a future…

Standard equipment includes a new BMW Operating System 7.0 display and control concept. BMW Live Cockpit Professional includes a fully digital instrument cluster and 10.25-inch Control Display with consistent, modern graphics.

The latest version of the BMW Head-Up Display has a 16 per cent larger projection surface, with optimised 3D graphics and additional display content.

This BMW guides you the way…

Innovative driver assistance systems enhance safety and comfort. Further progress is made towards automated driving, with Driving Assistant Professional including Active Cruise Control and Stop & Go function, Steering and lane control assistant, Lane Change Warning and Lane Departure Warning, side collision protection, evasion aid, distance information, Crossing traffic warning, Priority warning and Wrong-way warning.

Last but not least, you don’t want your costly four wheeled gem to get scratched when parking. Therefore BMW has Parking Assistant – automated guidance for parallel and perpendicular parking. There is also a Reversing Assistant which steers the vehicle when reversing over a distance of up to 50 metres on the same course as the last completed forward parking manoeuvre. When you choose Parking Assistant Plus, then you have additionally Surround View, Top View, Panorama View and Remote 3D View.

As said, the first series 8 coupés will hit the road in November 2018, and of course we are very keen to sample then driving impressions of this remarkable Gran Turismo… In the meantime, just look at the photos…

Hans Knol ten Bensel