Looks sleek and quick
BMW finally took the wraps off the highly anticipated 8 Series Coupé. Here's all there is to know about BMW's Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupé fighter.
The new BMW 8 Series is 4,843 mm long, 1,902 mm wide and 1,341 mm tall. The wheelbase stretches to 2,822 mm.
Two engines, one transmission choice
Spearheading the 8 Series range is the BMW M850i xDrive Coupé. It spawns a 4.4-liter V8 packing M Performance TwinPower turbo tech with turbochargers sitting between the V-shaped space created by the cylinder banks.
As we previously anticipated, the engine is the same that moves the BMW M550i xDrive sedan, but the Bavarians say it now features tweaked injection system, thermal shielding, cooling system and engine electronics.
[NativeAd]Power output resides at 523 hp (390 kW/530 PS) and is fully released between 5,500 and 6,000 rpm. Torques are rated at 750 Nm (553 lb-ft) and can be harnessed from as low as 1,800 rpm, all the way up to 4,600 rpm. BMW also mentions the M850i xDrive Coupé sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.7 seconds.
Diesel-wise, BMW will offer – for now, at least – the 8 Series 840d xDrive Coupé. We're looking at a 3-liter six-cylinder configuration with TwinPower turbo tech churning out 315 hp (235 kW/320 PS) and peak torque of 680 Nm (501 lb-ft) unlocked at 1,750 rpm.
The engine relies on multistage turbocharging and can propel the 840d xDrive from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.9 seconds.
Regardless of engine choice, customers get an improved eight-speed Steptronic Sport gearbox with optimized bits and bobs for quicker gearshifts, says Munich. Paddle shifters are also present as standard on the steering wheel.
Sending resources to the asphalt falls in the responsibility of BMW's xDrive setup. Yes, it's rear biased and in the M850i it spawns a standard electronically controlled rear differential.
BMW's Adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers is also a standard feature, while the M850i xDrive can be fitted with the optional active roll stabilization gizmo.
Features and tech
The BMW M850i xDrive Coupé packs M Sport brakes as standard, joined by 20-inch M light-alloy wheels. The 840d xDrive version can be fitted with the M Sport pack that features multifunction seats, an M leather steering wheel, 19-inch M alloy wheels, M Sport brakes and illuminated door sills. Then there's the M Technic Sport pack for the 840d xDrive, which ups the ante with larger 20-inch M alloy wheels, an electronically controlled rear diff, M rear spoiler and a high-gloss Shadow Line trim.
BMW says the 8 Series features the slimmest headlights of any BMW ever built. LED headlights come as standard, but customers can optionally upgrade to adaptive LED headlamps with selective beam.
Inside, the center piece is BMW's Operating System 7 offered as standard for the 8 Series. Following the current trends, it relies on a digital instrument cluster projected on a 10.25-inch screen joined by the BMW Live Cockpit Professional infotainment setup built around the 12.3-inch central-mounted screen. A revised head-up display is also on the table among the standard features of the new BMW 8 Series.
Interior
Looking a lot like what we've seen in the 7 Series, the cabin sported by the 8 Series has new-developed sport seats covered in Vernasca leather and generally retains BMW's minimalistic style of new. Boot space stands at 420 liters.
Optional features meant to further spice up the ownership experience include wireless charging for compatible smartphones, climate seats, Bowers&Wilkins Diamond surround sound system and a BMW display key.
READ MORE: Here's a closer look at the BMW M8 Gran Coupé concept at Villa d'Este