Say hello to the new face of BMW. Not just the all-new range-topping 8 Series, seen here in M850i production-trim for the first time, but a new BMW design language that will filter through the company's entire vehicle line-up.
BMW say the 8 Series Coupe will open a new chapter in the brand's long history of sports car, following in the footsteps of the the first generation 8 Series GT was discontinued in 1999.
Boasting new styling inside and out with two 'heavily updated' engines, the new 8 Series will also see the addition of BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive system throughout the range.
The 8 Series features a low-slung, flowing and futuristic design with trademark kidney grille with the slimmest LED headlight fitted to any BMW.
In the cabin there are newly developed sports seats with Vernasca leather, which leather also be found on the door shoulders and instrument panel as standard. All driving information will be displayed on a digital 10.25-inch Control Display and the rear backrest can be split 50 : 50 and folded down to increase the capacity of the 420-litre boot.
With a new fresh new look comes two equally impressive engines. The petrol-powered M850i xDrive Coupe will top the range until a full-fledged 8 Series M model is revealed later this year.
The M850i uses BMW's familiar 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8, but with new 2018 updates, output has been increased without adding any weight.
The revised V8 now produces 390kW of peak power between 5500 and 6000rpm and 750Nm of torque from 1800 to 4600rpm, in increase of 50kW over its predecessor. With the help of BMW's xDrive system, the 2-tone GT can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 3.6 seconds and onto an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h.
A diesel 8 Series was also launched, 840d xDrive Coupe, said to offer a supreme pulling power and excellent fuel economy. The 3.0-litre straight-six produces 235kW and 680Nm of toque, available from 1750rpm, and will accelerate to 100km/h in 4.9 seconds.
Both engines are paired to a improved version of BMW's 8-speed Steptronic gearbox and a rear-biased xDrive system.
Adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers, Integral Active Steering, M Sport brakes and 20-inch M light-alloy wheels will be standard equipment in the new BMW 8 Series Coupe range.
The 8 Series also sees the introduction of BMW's latest driver assistance systems with Active Cruise with Stop & Go fuction, Steering and lane control assistant, BMW Night Vision, Parking Assistant all fitted.
BMW say: “The number 8 in the model name stands for a high-ranking status within BMW’s product range. As in the past with the BMW Z8 and also with the current BMW i8, it is reserved for sporty cars that also fire the emotions.”
New Zealand pricing will be announced closer to the model's launch in Q4, 2018.
