The new "8 Series" debuted at the 2018 24 Hours of Le Mans. We test-drove BMW's new-generation flagship coupé, which was also introduced in Japan in November of the same year.

The BMW flagship coupé, the "8 Series," made its Japanese debut in November 2018 in Ginza, Tokyo. At the launch event, the beautiful exterior design of the new model was emphasized, but due to the relatively small venue, we couldn't get a good look at the overall form from a distance.

The venue for this test drive was the familiar winding roads of Hakone. Bathed in early summer sunlight, the new 8 Series Coupé, parked in the lot, showcased its flowing style to our hearts' content, delighting us journalists.

When one mentions the BMW 8 Series Coupé, many will recall the E31 model, launched in 1990 as the successor to the E24 6 Series Coupé, which was called "the most beautiful coupé in the world," characterized by its V12 engine and retractable headlights.

Its successors were the E63 model, which debuted in 2003, and the F13 6 Series in 2010. The current G15 8 Series is a further successor to these models. While the numerical progression from 6 to 8 and back to 6 and then 8 might be confusing, the point is that this is BMW's flagship two-door coupé.

The new model's body dimensions are 4,885mm in length, 1,900mm in width, and 1,345mm in height. Compared to the first generation, it is 105mm longer, 45mm wider, and 15mm taller. These dimensions don't represent a drastic change, suggesting this is the optimal size for a full-size two-door coupé.

However, the wheelbase has increased by 136mm, making it clear that the wheels are positioned further towards the corners.

With its sharp, four-eyed headlights positioned on the sides of the body, a dignified front face featuring a wide, near one-motion kidney grille, a long hood with the V8 turbo set close to the cabin, a bubble roof line that gently slopes towards the rear from the driver's head, and broadly flared rear fenders, along with a slightly upturned tail – viewed from a short distance, it's a perfect and beautiful silhouette that makes you want to exclaim, "This is a two-door coupé!"

This is explained as being achieved through a new combination of body panels: a high-strength carbon center tunnel, lightweight aluminum for the hood and doors, and deep-drawn steel sheets with excellent formability for the roofline and rear fenders.

The model we tested was the "M850i xDrive" Coupé. Its 4.4-liter V8 twin-turbo engine produces a maximum output of 530ps (390kW) at 5,500–6,000rpm and a peak torque of 750Nm at 1,800–4,600rpm.

This engine, with 149ps more than the first-generation V12 and 68ps more than the previous model, drives all four wheels via an 8-speed AT with extended gear ratios and the xDrive 4WD system. Its acceleration performance is on par with super sports cars, capable of reaching 100km/h from a standstill in just 3.7 seconds.

And indeed it is. As soon as we entered the familiar winding roads, it handled ascents and descents with ease. When pressing the accelerator on a straight, the wide gear ratios and flat torque (750Nm from just 1,800rpm!) provide long, sustained acceleration. Applying strong brakes before a corner brings the nearly 2-ton body to a swift halt, allowing it to turn towards the apex of the intended corner.

The changes in attitude, both longitudinally and laterally, are remarkably minimal, conveying a sense of reserve power far beyond what this large coupé is currently exerting. And when you surrender to the sheer confidence it inspires, the speedometer needle will have climbed to astonishing speeds, requiring the driver to possess the courage for considerable self-restraint.

This driving experience is largely thanks to BMW's unique xDrive all-wheel-drive system, which prioritizes power distribution to the rear. However, it's also realized through the standard equipment of adaptive M suspension combining electronically controlled active stabilizers and dampers to adjust roll characteristics, the integrated active steering system with rear-wheel steering, the M sport differential for maximum traction, and powerful M sport brakes.

Even at slower speeds, the excellence of this coupé is fully apparent. Despite the wide run-flat tires (245/35 front, 275/30 rear, 20-inch), the ride comfort is excellent, suggesting that occupants can enjoy fatigue-free driving whether in the city or on long journeys.

The interior of the test car, in a two-tone black and brown specification, exudes an understated elegance typical of BMW, and is quite lovely. The Crafted Clarity crystal gear shifter, with the number "8" appearing within the transparent crystal, is likely to satisfy the pride of an owner driving a flagship coupé.

The new 8 Series Coupé incorporates various innovations, such as a full digital instrument panel displaying navigation information between meters that rotate in opposite directions, voice control functions, and a reverse assist function that accurately retraces the route up to 50 meters. Furthermore, it has been announced that from summer onwards, the "Traffic Jam Assistant with Hands-Off Functionality" will be introduced for the first time in a Japanese model.

This function allows the driver to continue driving on highways at speeds below 60 km/h, following the vehicle ahead, without their hands on the steering wheel, as permitted by traffic laws. It is a Level 2 assistance system, not autonomous driving, meaning the driver is always responsible and must be in a state to immediately grasp the steering wheel and operate it reliably in response to the surrounding conditions.

With existing traffic jam following systems, a warning is issued after about 10 seconds of hands off the wheel, and the ACC is canceled if you don't resume control. However, with BMW's new hands-off function, you can follow at a relaxed pace with your hands off the wheel, reducing driving load.

According to Yasunari Mitate, Product Manager at BMW Japan, who explained the function, system engineers were brought from Germany to Japan for thorough testing to obtain approval, experiencing what he described as "labor pains." Particularly on the Tokyo Metropolitan Expressway's C1 loop in the city center, where cars constantly merge from both sides, there are numerous points where the system's operating conditions are not met.

Regarding the activation of the hands-off function, the system constantly checks if the operating conditions are met by using GPS to determine the vehicle's location. If conditions are met, the driver presses a button on the left side of the steering wheel, and the green indicators on both pillars illuminate to indicate that it is active.

The hands-off function has been realized by meeting the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism's "International Standards for Lane Keeping Support Systems." It will be equipped in the current 8 Series, which features a triple-camera system, as well as the new 3 Series and new X5.

While the number of equipped models will gradually expand, existing 8 and 3 Series vehicles are also "vehicles equipped with this function," meaning they can use it via a software update. Overconfidence is not advised, and careful attention is required during use, but it is undoubtedly a compelling feature that one would want to experience soon.

Spec
BMW M850i xDrive
Body | Length 4,855 × Width 1,900 × Height 1,345 mm
Wheelbase | 2,820 mm
Engine | 4,394cc V8
Max Output | 390 kW (530 ps) / 5,500 rpm
Max Torque | 750 Nm (76.5 kgm) / 1,800–4,600 rpm
Transmission | 8-speed AT
Drivetrain | 4WD
Tires Front | 245/35R20
Tires Rear | 275/30R20
Fuel Economy (JC08 mode) | 9.9 km/ℓ
Trunk Capacity | 420 liters
Seating Capacity | 4
Price (incl. tax) | ¥17,140,000