As promised, BMW has revealed the return of the 8 Series badge in a concept form today. The “study car” as BMW likes to call it will be on display at this year’s Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. The production model 8 Series Coupe is slated for launch in 2018.
At first glance, the design appears to be an evolution of the Gran Lusso Coupe. BMW says the classic BMW template has a fresh interpretation here, taking the company’s design language in a different direction. For example, the two kidneys are very low to the road and spread broadly across the front end. Taking inspiration from BMW coupes of years past, the kidneys are brought together by an unbroken frame to form a single large element. The grille widens as it extends downwards. Together with super-slim laser headlights and the hexagonal take on the “twin circular” theme, it brings a focused look to the front end. The large side air intakes in the front apron intensify the car’s width.
The rear is defined by the interplay between volumes and lines, which extend around from the flanks and shape the rear section of the car. The L-shaped blades (lights) emphasize the width of the car. Rounding off the sporty rear design is a dark, stylized carbon-fibre diffuser and trapezoidal exhaust tailpipes.
The carbon-fibre-shell interior has this “fluid transition” from the instrument panel into the doors. BMW says all of the driver’s contact points with the car are brimming with sporting character.
This particular example is finished in ‘Barcelona Grey Liquid’, a greyish-blue with iridescent pigments and wears a large 21-inch light-alloy wheels which has aero elements. On the inside, the steering wheel has hand-polished aluminium spokes and red-anodised shift paddles. There is Merino leather in Dark Brown and Fjord White lending the interior a high-quality ambience. There are carbon fibre, aluminium accents creating a contrast. Plus, a gearshift lever and the iDrive Controller made from Swarovski glass.
“The BMW Concept 8 Series is our take on a full-blooded high-end driving machine,” says Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design. “It is a luxurious sports car which embodies both unadulterated dynamics and modern luxury like arguably no other. For me, it’s a slice of pure automotive fascination.”
“The design of the BMW Concept 8 Series provides a fresh interpretation of iconic BMW styling cues,” adds van Hooydonk. “And it also showcases a new approach to the use of forms which is reflected particularly prominently in the car’s surfacing. A handful of crisp lines mark out clear surfaces, and the car’s volumes are powerfully sculpted. Together, these elements make a forceful statement and create a model brimming with character. In short, this is a driver’s car.”
“The BMW Concept 8 Series is a preview of a model which BMW is set to introduce in a similar form in the coming year”, added the company.
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