Ever since BMW unveiled the rather stunning Concept 8 Series in Lake Como last year, the world has been trying to keep a lid on their collective excitement that a) something potentially that lovely would be joining the line-up, and b) that it will revive a badge thought lost to the hysteria of the 1990s.
As we already know, the 8 Series will be a successor to the F13 generation 6 Series Coupe. There will also be a four-door Gran Coupe version of this forthcoming car, as previewed by the M8 GC concept in Geneva last month. Naturally, however, the coupe will be the one to kick off the new flagship range.
Right now, BMW is in the latter stages of pre-production testing, putting various units through their respective paces in Wales, where specifically the M850i xDrive is being honed. There’s little to doubt that the car pictured here is, save for a few final tweaks, will be headed for showrooms upon launch later this year.
Naturally, it’s covered with plenty of distracting camouflage and it’s possible that the alloys used here aren’t production-spec. However, much of its fascia, silhouette, and mechanical specifications have been cemented. Speaking of which, BMW wishes to emphasise the new 8 Series as being both an accomplished grand tourer and sharp corner carver.
It’s specially tuned adaptive suspension and all-wheel drive system no doubt help it achieve these ends, of course, but so does its rear-axle transmission, active locking rear differential, and superior structural rigidity.
“The thing that always impresses when test driving the new BMW 8 Series Coupe is its adaptability,” says Markus Flasch, BMW 8 Series Project Manager. “Whether a driver expresses his or her wishes with regard to comfort and sportiness using the accelerator pedal or by pressing a button, the vehicle immediately adapts perfectly to each setting.”
Under the bonnet lies a 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine that’s quite similar at first glance to the unit used in the M550i. However, the automaker insists that the motor has been thoroughly redeveloped around the needs of the M850i xDrive.
Over the equivalent 6 Series Coupe, the new engine produces a substantial 50kW more in peak power while torque rises by 100Nm to 750Nm. With 390kW on tap, it should definitely be enough to handle anything a would-be owner might ask of it.
Later on, it will be supplanted by a more full-on motor in the inevitable M8 Coupe. Like other new-generation BMWs, this one also uses an 8-speed Steptronic transmission supplied by ZF, confirming another step away from dual-clutch units found in previous generation models.
BMW is also concurrently engaged in testing programmes for the new 8 Series in other locations, such as Sweden for cold weather, the Nurburgring circuit for high speed trials, and their own Group proving grounds in the south of France.
The automaker is stepping into a more upmarket category with the 8 Series, intending it to sit at a higher price point than the previous 6 Series, and delivering decidedly more luxurious appointments to match. Thusly, the car will face off against a new scene of competitors that should include the Mercedes-Benz SL Coupe, Bentley Continental GT, Aston Martin’s DB11 V8, and the Maserati GranTurismo.
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