Back in the 1980s when the E24 BMW 6-Series stopped with the production, the carmaker decided to move the big coupe upmarket by replacing the 6 with an 8 based on the 7-series sedan. When it was introduced, the impressive 8-series sported the V12 engine only, but its price was also sky-high and many customers couldn’t or wouldn’t give all that money for the new vehicle. The company had to do something, so they had to discontinue the 8-series in 1999 and bring back the 6 four years later. The time has come once again for the German brand to lift the vehicle upmarket.
BMW 8-Series Concept Design
The BMW sedans all look similar to each other, but the new 8-series concept which was presented at the Concorso d’Eleganza on the shores of Italy’s Lake Como earlier this year indicates that we can expect a different look. We can see prominent design cues and lines, while the longitudinal-engine architecture is emphasized by the bold proportions. The brand’s signature kidney grille will be featured, but the concept actually has an aggressive and intimidating appearance.
Moreover, the vehicle is equipped with protruding taillights which evoke the design of the i8 whereas the mammoth cutouts in the front and rear bumper remind us of the M2 model. Also, the gimmicky trapezoidal exhaust touches of the 8-series concept are similar to those of the ongoing 5-series model. The edges and the aggressive aspect of the concept will be toned down on the production version, but we clearly see BMW’s intentions.
The Cabin
The new 8-series will be above the 7-series, but don’t expect an abundance of space inside. The cabin will look even smaller than it actually is, with low seating position and a high center console. There will be no interface revolution, but we have to point out that Swarovski glass is used for the iDrive controller and gear selector. They might reach production as well, considering that the crystals from the jewelry company have made it to the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, so why shouldn’t they be in the BMW as well?
Platform and Engines of new 8-Series
Even though BMW’s larger odd-numbered sedans share some of the elements, the new 8-series will look more like a 5-series than the 7-series. Compared to the 6-series, the new range-topping model will be shorter and about 200 pounds lighter due to the chassis which is made out of steel and aluminum and small amounts of magnesium. Rear-wheel steering will be optional, and if you are looking for the spacious 8-series, it will be on sale in the Gran Coupe form.
The company is going to offer the 840i version with a 3.0-liter turbocharged I6 engine and an 850i with a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8. BMW will try to chase the Mercedes-Benz S65, but the minuscule take rate of 12-cylinder S-classes will keep BMW from bothering. Connected to the engine is the ZF’s eight-speed automatic transmission which is the only choice, whereas all of the trims except for the entry-level will come with an AWD configuration.
BMW 8-series Pricing and Release Date
The BMW 8-series will hit the market in late 2018 as the 2019 model year. Considering that it will compete against the upscale vehicle, we expect the six-cylinder models to start below $100,000, but the ones with the V8 powerplant will probably go north of $100,000. The primary rivals of this one will be the Lexus LC and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe. We need to mention that Porsche isn’t in a rush to produce the long-anticipated Panamera coupe which could be another rival of the 8-series. Rumor has it that Daimler will give up on the luxurious S-Class and try to bring the next E-Class upmarket.
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