BMW has taken the wraps off the new 8 Series Concept. It is a new design study from Bavarian carmaker which will spawn the production 8 Series Coupe in the coming years. The 8 Series Concept will make its debut in metal at this year’s Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este on the shores of Lake Como, Italy.
The new 8 Series Coupe is promised to arrive next year and will take its cues from this design study. BMW has resurrected the 8 Series moniker after a humble run between 1989 and 1999. The 8 Series of old was a Grand Tourer, but the forthcoming model is meant to be a “luxurious sports car which embodies both unadulterated dynamics and modern luxury.”
The overly large and protruding kidney grille is chrome-laden and completely contrary to the E31 8 Series. No pop-up headlamps here, unfortunately. However, the sleek laser headlights on the concept are uber cool and futuristic. The large bumper vents have mesh grille and 8 Series insignia upfront. The large wheel arches and side air vents complements the ‘long-hood-sloping roof’ silhouette of the Coupe. The mirrors are sleek, the chrome lined window is complemented by 21-inch chrome wheels. Move to rear, the sleek LED tail lights sits atop the bumper vents, integrated into a curvaceous lip spoiler. The chrome exhaust tips are uniquely shaped. The overall profile of the car is low-slung and quite sporty. The roof has a sculpted roofline similar to the one seen on the M4 Coupe.
Step inside, and the interior – in a true concept fashion – is very minimalistic. The Merino leather upholstery is classy with brushed aluminium inserts all around the cabin. The contrasting red accents and stitching adds a sporty flair to the interior.
When in production, the 8 Series Coupe will be based on the new CLAR platform which currently underpins the new 5 and 7 Series. BMW remains tight-lipped about the powertrain options for the new 8 Series Coupe. We expect the production Coupe to have a 3.0-litre straight six or 4.4-litre V8 engine option at entry level, while the top-of-the-line will have the bonkers 6.6-litre V12 from the M760Li under the long sculpted hood.
BMW has also trademarked the 825, 830, 835, 850, 845, 860 and M850 monikers, indicating the variants which will be available in the forthcoming 8 Series line-up. Prototypes of the new 8 Series have been spotted already as well.
The new 8 Series Coupe is a part of BMW Group’s biggest modern offensive plan ever with 40 new models arriving by 2019. BMW plans to strengthen their position in the luxury class with the arrival of the new 8 Coupe. When launched, the BMW 8 Series will pose a serious competition to the Mercedes-Benz S63 Coupe.
