The stunning BMW 8 Series Coupe is now in production – but it’s just the start of BMW’s new model onslaught. We already know the gorgeous grand tourer will spawn Gran Coupe and Convertible variants, and while we were expecting to see the 8 Series drop its top in either the LA or Paris Auto Show later this year, Motor1 reports that BMW’s chairman Harald Kruger confirmed that both the 8 Series Gran Coupe and 8 Series Convertible will be unveiled in 2019 during a conference. Before then, BMW is expected to unveil the full-fat M8 version of the 8 Series Coupe as well as a new, and presumably electric, iNEXT concept car later this year.
Then there’s the long-awaited new BMW Z4, which looks like it will break cover in just a few weeks at Pebble Beach, and the full-size X7 SUV is also expected to be revealed in the next few months. If that sounds hectic, 2019 is already shaping up to be a very busy year for the Bavarian automaker.
In addition to the 8 Series Gran Coupe and 8 Series Convertible, BMW will also launch one of its most important models next year: the new 3 Series, which rumors suggest will debut at this year’s Paris Auto Show in October. 2019 will also see the launch of the new X6, 7 Series facelift, and possibly M versions of the X3 and X4.
Going back to the 8 Series Gran Coupe and 8 Series Convertible, prototypes of both models were recently spotted by our spy photographers undergoing testing. The Gran Coupe will, of course, be based on the 8 Series Coupe, but its longer platform and two additional doors will allow BMW to go after the Porsche Panamera. Expect it to share the same twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 as its Coupe counterpart that produces 523 hp.
As for the Convertible, we already have a good idea what the topless 8 Series will look like as a prototype was recently spotted without any camouflage. It will come with a soft top rather than a retractable roof to save weight, but as with any convertible, it will still be heavier than the standard coupe, which will no doubt make it slightly slower in the 0-62 mph sprint.
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