BMW confirms 8 Series return, teases upcoming concept

Previewing concept arrives this month at Villa d’Este

Spyshots of the BMW 8 Series have been floating around the internet for a while now, but Munich decided it's time to take a first step towards the model's introduction.

It's a rather shy step that shows a teaser sketch of the prototype which will eventually morph into the production car. Be it as it may, but we'll see the BMW 8 Series concept in the metal on May 26 at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este.

The road-ready 8 Series is slated for 2018 and would reinforce the Bavarian brand's position in the luxury segment. Also, expect a plethora of versions. According to AutoExpress, BMW filed an extensive list of trademarks back in March for the nameplates 825, 830, 835, 850, 845, 860, M850 and even M8.

"The BMW 8 Series Coupe will build on our tradition of luxurious sports coupes and add a genuine dream car to our line-up – a slice of pure automotive fascination."

Harald Krüger, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG

Elsewhere, the 8 Series will take the current 7 Series architecture in an attempt to create a bridge between BMW's flagship and the Group's Rolls-Royce Wraith, Automotive News reports.

The same media outlet talks about a V12-powered variant as well as a convertible which would arrive in 2019.