BMW Series 8 Coupé: the sporty coupé is reborn, a myth returns!

The BMW Series 8 Coupé will go on sale next November in two versions: M850i XDrive and 840d XDrive.

The BMW Series 8 Coupé is here. After more than a year of waiting, the new premium sports saloon from the German manufacturer has been officially presented. Its baptism of fire took place at the World Endurance Championship (WEC), where we were able to see the BMW M8 GTE competing in the GTE Pro class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The new Series 8 will arrive on the market next November in two versions: M850i XDrive and 840d XDrive.

Almost three decades ago, the Series 8 captivated the car world with its bold shapes. Now its successor is set to cause the same sensation. We tell you everything you need to know about one of the most striking models of this 2018.

BMW Series 8 Coupé with carbon pack (optional)

Design: focused on sportiness without forgetting luxury

The BMW Series 8 Coupé has a sporty appearance combined with the elegance that characterises the most premium saloons on the market. It must be said that this production version considerably respects the design of the prototype that previewed its arrival a year ago.

The sportiness of this model is evident in elements such as the imposing front spoiler, the large air intakes in the bumper, or the pronounced bonnet contours. The new LED headlights fitted to this BMW Series 8 Coupé are the slimmest BMW has offered to date. Optionally, the BMW Laserlight and Selective Beam systems with adaptive lighting are available.

The new Series 8 offers the following dimensions: 4,843 mm in length, 1,902 mm in width, 1,341 mm in height and a wheelbase of 2,822 mm. It is therefore a car shorter than an Mercedes S-Class Coupé or a Maserati Ghibli, but slightly longer than an Lexus LC.

Optimised weight and aerodynamics

Almost completely sealed underbody, active air intake control, side air guide curtains and ducts, and slim mirror supports all help to reduce the aerodynamic drag of the new BMW Series 8 Coupé.

The sports coupé offers an optional carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) roof that lowers the already low centre of gravity. This material, which improves the mouldability and rigidity of the bodywork, is also used for the air intake grilles, the exterior mirror covers, the rear spoiler and the rear diffuser available in the optional carbon pack.

Chassis geared towards sportiness

The BMW Series 8 has been designed for sporty driving and incorporates a number of elements that enhance its dynamic behaviour:

• Front deformable parallelogram suspension (double wishbone) and five-link rear axle.
• Adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers.
• Integral active steering: reduces the turning circle when manoeuvring.
• Active roll stabilisation bar (optional): this element allows especially fast and precise compensation of body roll during high-speed manoeuvres, improving agility and stability both entering and exiting corners.
• M Sport brakes: standard on the BMW M850i xDrive Coupé, optional on the diesel variant.
• 20-inch M alloy wheels with high-performance tyres: standard on the BMW M850i XDrive Coupé.

Engine range

The reworked 4.4-litre V8 engine debuting in the BMW M850i is the star of the show. It is a twin-turbo engine with twin-scroll technology (twin inlet) and direct injection system, whose output and torque have been increased to 530 CV (68 CV more than the previous version) and 750 Nm (available across a wide rev range: between 5,500 and 6,000 rpm). This performance improvement has been achieved without any weight penalty over the engine it replaces. The new BMW M850i XDrive reaches 100 km/h in just 3.7 seconds.

In addition, the V8 engine in the new Series 8 is not only about performance; it also delivers an imposing sound thanks to the sport exhaust system with flaps it incorporates.

For its part, the twin-turbo diesel engine, a 3.0-litre straight-six, produces 320 CV of power and 680 Nm of torque (available from 1,750 rpm). With this powerplant the new Series 8 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds.

Both engines are paired with an improved version of the eight-speed Steptronic Sport automatic gearbox. This gearbox now offers a wider ratio spread and sportier gear changes. Paddle shifters are fitted as standard.

XDrive all-wheel-drive system with electronic differential lock

The new BMW Series 8 features the XDrive all-wheel-drive system (4×4), whose rear-biased configuration guarantees the driving experience expected of a BMW sports car. This system also incorporates an electronically controlled limited-slip differential at the rear axle. The latter comes as standard on the BMW M850i xDrive and enables a more dynamic exit from corners thanks to the power distribution between the inner and outer rear wheels; the outer wheel receives a greater share of the power in bends where the differential locks.

Interior: modern and minimalist

Inside, we find a modern and minimalist design. The centre console and instrument panel feature several trim pieces that highlight the quality of finish of this BMW Series 8 Coupé. The sports seats are newly designed and come upholstered in Vernasca leather as standard. Leather upholstery on the door shoulders and the instrument panel is also standard.

Despite its sporty orientation, the new BMW Series 8 Coupé does not offer poor interior space. Its long wheelbase (2,822 mm) and wide track, together with its generous rear seats (2+2 seating configuration), provide comfortable space for passengers. Furthermore, the rear seats can be folded in a 50:50 configuration. The boot capacity is 420 litres.

Optionally, the car can be equipped with a range of features that make the experience behind the wheel of the BMW Series 8 a true luxury: BMW Display Key, wireless smartphone charging, heated and ventilated seats or the Bowers & Wilkins Diamond sound system.

The latest driver assistance systems

As is only fitting for a car in this category, the new BMW Series 8 comes with the most advanced driver assistance systems on the market:

• Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function
• Steering and Lane Control Assistant
• Lane Keeping Assistant with side collision protection and evasion assist
• BMW Night Vision
• Cross-Traffic Alert
• Priority Warning
• Wrong-Way Warning
• Reversing Assistant: this system allows a journey of up to 80 metres to be easily reversed, steering the vehicle backwards along the path just driven forwards.

Infotainment technology

The car features the BMW Operating System 7.0, a technology with configurable and personalised screens of up to 10.25 inches located in the instrument panel and control area. Among the content that can be displayed on the touchscreens of this system is the car’s lateral acceleration in high-speed corners.

The new Series 8 also comes standard with the BMW Live Cockpit Professional. The digital instrumentation is dominated by a 12.3-inch screen.

The Head-Up Display screen has also been improved and is fitted as standard equipment. Its projection area is now larger, it offers new content, and its graphics have been optimised.