Elegant and Sensual Design

The new model, appearing after approximately 20 years, boasts refined beauty and honed driving performance as BMW's ultimate coupe, embodying "THE 8" with cutting-edge technology. Presenting the car was the company's president, Peter Kronschabl.

He began by stating, "In BMW, the number '8' represents the extraordinary and excitement. You can see this in the Z8 roadster, the first-generation 8 Series Coupe, and the current plug-in hybrid sports model, the i8. The new 8 Series Coupe is a crucial element of BMW's strategy for the luxury segment, as defined by our 'Number One Next' initiative."



He further commented, "The development project was highly specialized, with the initial mission being the racing model, the M8 GTE. Its exceptional performance in the WEC has been incorporated into the production car, allowing us to finally experience it on public roads. The new 8 Series is a dream car that offers outstanding performance, emotionally stimulating design, the latest in luxury and technology, along with a highly advanced display and operating system, Driving Assistant Plus, and connectivity."

The "M850i xDrive" unveiled in a deep aquamarine color features a typical long-hood, short-deck silhouette with a stretched exterior. Its dimensions are 4,855mm in length, 1,900mm in width, and 1,345mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,820mm. The effective use of carbon fiber for internal structural components and aluminum for body panels results in a lightweight yet highly rigid body, keeping the curb weight under 2,000kg at 1,990kg.



A striking exterior feature is the large kidney grille, framed by a single surround and positioned low. The BMW Laserlight headlights on either side incorporate blue accents in the center, harmonizing with the overall silhouette. The body side panels behind the front wheels create an impression of slicing through the air, while the area around the rear wheels is designed with powerful, flared contours symbolizing driving force, emphasizing a low center of gravity and a substantial presence. The roofline adopts a double-bubble design, reminiscent of classic racing models, further enhancing its unique character.

The interior, equipped as standard with ventilated Merino leather seats, a Harman Kardon audio system, and ambient lighting, introduces the new display and control concept, "BMW Operating System 7.0." With a 10.25-inch Control Display, a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster capable of showing navigation and other information between the speedometer and tachometer, and an improved Head-Up Display, drivers can receive necessary information while remaining focused on driving. Additionally, the shift lever features a Crafted Clarity crystal finish, with the number "8" appearing to float within it.

0-100km/h in 3.7 Seconds

The new 4.4-liter V8 TwinPower Turbo engine, housed in the long nose, produces a maximum output of 390 kW (530 ps) at 5,500-6,000 rpm and a peak torque of 750 Nm at 1,800-4,600 rpm. This represents a 50 kW (68 ps) increase in output compared to the previous engine. The ample torque, delivered across a wide rev range, ensures sustained propulsion and comfortable cruising. Combined with an 8-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission featuring an expanded gear ratio range and an optimized hydraulic control system, and the xDrive all-wheel-drive system with continuously variable torque distribution, the car achieves a sports car-like acceleration of 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.7 seconds.

The suspension system utilizes the "Adaptive M Suspension Professional," which combines conventional dampers with electronically controlled active stabilizers. The Integrated Active Steering, which enables excellent maneuverability with a small turning radius and precise handling, along with the M Sport Differential and M Sport brakes, delivers superior agility, accuracy, and performance.



The advanced driver assistance systems include Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, Lane Change and Lane Departure Warning systems, Steering and Lane Control Assistant, and Collision and Damage Mitigation Braking with Active Collision Avoidance. For the first time, the "Parking Assistant" incorporates a Reversing Assistant function. This system remembers the vehicle's path for up to 50 meters when it was previously driven forward and can accurately retrace that path in reverse. This feature is particularly useful for safely and precisely navigating back out of Japan's many narrow roads.

Deliveries of the new 8 Series Coupe in Japan are scheduled to begin in January 2019. However, the first 30 units will be part of a special "Christmas Surprise," with deliveries planned for December 25th of this year. Furthermore, BMW announced that the "Gran Coupe" and "Convertible" versions of the 8 Series will debut in 2019, with M models available for all of them, a welcome piece of news for M enthusiasts. Additionally, the availability of BMW Individual and the launch of the online "BMW Pre-Order" system were announced. Through the pre-order system, customers can reserve the "X7," set to be released in mid-next year, and secure one of the first production slots.

The only grade announced for the 8 Series Coupe is the M850i xDrive, priced at 17,140,000 yen.