On the eve of one of the most iconic races in the world, BMW revealed its new 2019 8 Series Coupe in M850i xDrive trim with a new iteration of the brand’s twin-turbo V8 powertrain. Based on the flagship 7 Series sedan, the 8 Series will replace the 6 Series, but will elevate the coupe to higher levels of luxury and performance over the sedan, and emphasize a more athletic character and heritage of other famous and sporty eights like the i8 and Z8. After a nearly 20 year hiatus, BMW flagship 8 Series is finally back.
The design holds true to the spirit of the 8 Series Concept first shown last May, and we think it actually looks better thanks to new signature laser headlight design replacing the Concept’s pinched headlights and subdued crease work along the body. At the heart of the design is BMW’s Carbon Core lightweight construction of carbon-fiber, aluminum magnesium, and steel that also offers improved chassis rigidity on which the standard Adaptive M suspension can work its magic.
To go along with the Carbon Core mixed-material platform and body, BMW will offer a carbon-fiber roof and Carbon package to further reduce weight, thereby improving handling and agility. We're sure it will look pretty as well. Other features that aim to make this a sharper-handling coupe than its 6 Series predecessor are the underlying double-wishbone front axle and a five-link rear suspension with variable electromechanical steering, active roll stabilization (electrically adjustable anti-roll bars), torsion struts, and rear-wheel steering.
There will be no shortage of power to put down to the pavement with an updated TwinPower Turbo V8 (yes, this one is twin-turbo) engine that now produces 523 hp between 5,500 and 6,000 rpm and 553 lb-ft of torque from 1,800–4,600 rpm, routed through an updated eight-speed Steptronic automatic and the brand’s xDrive all-wheel drive system. In the 750i this engine produces 443 hp and 479 lb-ft, so the 8 Series makes quite a leap in power. BMW was vigilant with weight, as the M850i is 145 pounds lighter than the 750i (4478 lbs vs 4623 lbs), so it can rocket to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds.
As with any new car, there will be ever increasing autonomous capability through BMW’s Driving Assistant Professional, which adds various avoidance maneuvers to its adaptive cruise and lane keeping functions. Further tech to help with the driving includes parking assistance and cameras, Night Vision, head-up display and more, all while surrounded by sumptuous leathers and restrained, yet high-tech design, with a gorgeous, crystal-bodied shift lever shown in the press photos. Pricing will be announced closer to its arrival this fall, with the Cabrio, Gran Coupe and M8 models to follow. Stay tuned for a more comprehensive First Look that digs deeper into all the details.
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