New BMW Series 8: the rebirth of a legend

Many models have tried to make history and mark a before and after in the automotive world, but very few have managed to do so. The BMW Series 8 created an automotive legend, as it was presented as a model capable of combining luxury, sportiness and exclusivity, but production came to an end and left all lovers of the German brand’s GT heartbroken. However, BMW has decided to revive that nameplate, and the new Series 8 arrives stronger than ever to continue the important legacy left by its predecessor.

BMW has managed to bring that set of fundamental characteristics over to the new Series 8, where exclusivity and sportiness shine everywhere. At the same time, the German manufacturer has managed to establish a modern design that applies many features of today, but, on the other hand, the elegance of the original Series 8 remains present throughout the new BMW sports car.

Exterior design: elegance, sportiness and exclusivity

The new BMW Series 8 fully embraces the brand’s current design language, which is being applied to its latest products, such as the new X5 or the upcoming Z4. The German firm has remained faithful to the original concept it used to create the Series 8 of yesteryear, but adapting it to new technologies and market tastes.

On one hand we find the traditional philosophy of a GT, where the broad front end shows a clear sporty yet elegant character. We can see that the central grille is still governed by the now-traditional BMW kidney grilles, which are much more stylized to continue delivering a sportier and more aggressive design.

The same goes for the front lights, which become longer and slimmer in order to give the new Series 8 a look much more in keeping with what lies under the bonnet. At the same time, we can see how the side continues to convey the muscular lines it has been given, but where we truly find an innovative design is at the rear. The rear of the new Series 8 features two completely new lights, which exude not only sportiness and elegance, but also personality and a fresh, contemporary feel.

At the same time, we should also make a special mention of the diffuser, whose wide and sculpted design gives it a more aggressive look. It houses two powerful exhaust outlets, which will be responsible for flooding the roads with the soundtrack of its engines. However, BMW has not only taken care with the exterior design, but also with the cabin.

Interior design: a technology and comfort lounge on wheels

Opening the door of the new Series 8 and sitting in its cabin is a truly enriching experience for any motoring enthusiast. We can see how BMW has sought to offer an interior full of premium materials, with a large arsenal of technology but, at the same time, they have opted to keep a distinctive design with personality.

We observe how the German firm has aimed to offer a minimalist, clean interior, where buttons are reduced to a minimum and the large infotainment and instrument cluster screens handle most of the functions of the BMW Grand Tourer. On one hand, we find a fully digital instrument cluster, where the brand has dispensed with analogue elements. It features 12.3-inch dimensions and, at the same time, the driver can configure it entirely to their liking.

The instrument cluster is complemented by the 10.5-inch infotainment screen set into the dashboard. It is called BMW Live Cockpit Professional, and it allows us to enjoy a multitude of functions both manually and through gesture control, a new technology that BMW has been implementing since the launch of its latest models.

However, the German firm has not wanted to stop there and has decided to take its new BMW Series 8 to the next level. To do so, they have created some pieces from glass, with the aim of raising exclusivity even further. This material can be found mainly on the centre console, where the gear selector or the controller for the infotainment system are clad in glass.

Two great engines for the flagship BMW

It is true that BMW has done a splendid job with both the exterior and the interior but, to achieve a perfect whole, it has also been necessary to rely on two powerful engines. The new Series 8 will for now come with two engines, which are capable of delivering sports-car performance and a high level of comfort.

On one hand we find the more powerful variant with the M suffix, the M850i, presented as the most raw and charismatic engine of the Series 8 in the absence of an M8. It is a 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8, capable of delivering 530 CV of power and 750 Nm of torque, figures that catapult the German sports car to 100 km/h in just 3.7 seconds.

At the same time, we can opt for the 840d, the only diesel option so far. It is a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder capable of delivering 320 CV and 680 Nm of torque, a tuning more than sufficient to combine sportiness, comfort and efficiency in one package. The Series 8 equipped with this engine can reach 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds and a top speed, like the M850i, of 250 km/h, electronically limited.