BMW has lifted the wraps on its new 8 Series Coupe, which will cost from £76,270 when it hits the streets in November.
The German brand describes the newcomer as one of the most exciting new models to emerge in recent years, one which heralds a new chapter in the company’s history of producing sports cars.
It will be built at the Dingolfing plant in southern Bavaria – also home to the 7 Series Saloon – a facility with a strong track record in luxury motoring.
As in the past with the Z8 and also with the current i8, the number 8 is reserved for sporty cars with a high- ranking status within BMW’s product range.
Topping a two-model line-up at £100,045 is the M850i xDrive variant featuring a radically revised version of BMW’s 4.4-litre V8 twin turbo engine producing 530bhp.
It boasts a 68bhp increase in output plus an extra 100Nm of torque compared to the engine it replaces and can scorch from 0-62mph in a fleeting 3.7 seconds.
Efficiency is also improved with combined fuel consumption of 28.3mpg allied to CO2 emissions of 228g/km.
BMW insists that the second new 8 Series model, the 840d xDrive Coupe will produce “a delightful mix of pulling power and excellent fuel economy” from its 3.0-litre six-cylinder TwinPower Turbo diesel unit.
This 320bhp model can sprint to 62mph from rest in 4.9 seconds and return an average 46.3mpg and CO2 emissions of 160g/km.
Both engines use an improved version of the prestige brand’s eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission, and BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive is standard.
Styling-wise, the car shows a new design language for BMW, with a clear link to the Concept 8 Series first unveiled at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in 2017.
It has a low-slung style with a slim roofline flowing a powerfully shaped rear with distinctive “double-bubble” contours and comes as standard with LED headlights – the slimmest lamps of any BMW model to date – and active steering.
Inside there are new multifunctional electric sports seats in Extended Merino leather with headrests integrated into the backrests, large door pockets, roomy glove compartment, two cupholders and a large storage compartment under the armrest’s divided cover flaps.
Standard kit also includes cruise control with braking function, collision and pedestrian warning with city braking, a head-up display and active park distance control with front and rear sensors.
There’s also a pair of 12.3in and 10.25in BMW Live Cockpit Professional high-res displays.
