A year after showcasing the 8 Series concept, BMW has unveiled the production version on Friday evening. Also, the M8 GTE will make its Le Mans 24h race debut this weekend.
At launch, there’ll be two models on offer – M850i xDrive Coupe (petrol) and 840d xDrive Coupe (diesel).
Based on the Cluster Architecture (CLAR) modular platform, the 8 Series is built with aluminium, magnesium and carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP). Unladen weight stands at 1,890-1,965 kg (4,167-4,332 lbs).
As for the dimensions, the new 8 Series measures 4,851 mm in length, 1,902 mm in width and 1,346 mm in height. Wheelbase measures 2,822 mm and the ground clearance is at 128 mm.
Exterior design features include slimmest LED headlights of any BMW model, single-piece kidney grille in new design language, “double-bubble” roof, slim LED taillights that extend into the flanks, M rear spoiler and large trapezoidal exhaust pipes.
Adaptive LED headlights and Laserlight technology with high beam range of up to 600 metres are available as an option.
The M850i rides on a massive 20-inch light alloy-wheels shod with tyres measuring 245/35 at front and 275/30 at the rear. This model also gets a 19-inch M Sport braking system.
Interiors get M leather steering wheel with multifunction buttons, multifunction seats, head-up display, and Live Cockpit Professional (12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster and 10.25-inch display).
Wireless charging, 1,375-watt Bowers & Wilkins diamond surround sound system, glass trim for specific control elements (such as the gear selector and iDrive controller), BMW Display Key are all in the options list.
Vernasca leather trim and automatic boot lid operation comes as standard. Luggage capacity measures 420 litres.
There is also the Carbon Package where the air intake slats, exterior mirror covers, rear spoiler and rear diffuser are made of CFRP.
Carbon Package interiors
Driver assistance systems
Driving Assistant Professional includes Active Cruise Control and Stop & Go function, Steering and lane control assistant, Lane Change Warning and Lane Departure Warning, side collision protection, evasion aid, distance information, Crossing traffic warning, Priority warning and Wrong-way warning.
Also on offer is Parking Assistant, Reversing Assistant, Parking Assistant Plus with Surround View, Top View, Panorama View and Remote 3D View, and full range of services from BMW ConnectedDrive.
As mentioned earlier, there’ll be only two variants on offer initially.
M850i xDrive Coupe
Powered by a 4,395 cc V8 twin-turbo petrol, delivering 390 kW/523 bhp between 5,500–6,000 rpm and 750 Nm (553 lb-ft) of torque between 1,800–4,600 rpm. A 0-100 km/h (62 mph) sprint happens in 3.7 seconds and top speed is limited to 250 km/h (155 mph).
M840d xDrive Coupe
This model is powered by a 2,993 cc inline-six turbo diesel, delivering an output of 235 kW/315 bhp at 4,400 rpm and 680 Nm (502 lb-ft) of torque between 1,750–2,250 rpm. The diesel can sprint from 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.9 seconds and top speed is limited to 250 km/h (155 mph).
These are the same set of engines that also power the new X5, albeit different state of tunes. Both engines are paired to an 8-speed Steptronic transmission.
The company said that the gear ratio spread has been increased from 7.07 to 8.59 in order to achieve efficiency gains with reduced engine speeds, particularly when driving in higher gears.
Also, the transmission controller uses the navigation data to shift down early when approaching a junction, in order to use the engine braking effect to slow the car down. Reminds you of Rolls-Royce?
The Driving Experience Control switch offers five modes – Adaptive, Comfort, Eco Pro, Sport and Sport+. The car features a Sports exhaust system with flap control.
Also standard on the M850i is an electronically controlled rear differential lock governed by the Driving Stability Control (DSC) system.
Adaptive M suspension and Integral Active Steering comes as standard while Active roll stabilisation is an option.
Also Read: BMW M8 Gran Coupe will be ready in 2019
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