BMW Brings Back 8 Series with 2 All-New Models

Nearly 20 years after the last of the previous-generation BMW 8 Series coupe rolled out off the factory floor, the German carmaker has revived the nameplate by revealing two of the all-new models which will be launched in November. To be built at BMW's Dingolfing plant in Germany, which is also where the 7 Series luxury sedan is made, the two new models are the 840d xDrive and the flagship M850i xDrive. The design of the 8 Series is based on the new styling language that first appeared in the BMW Concept 8 Series which debuted at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in 2017. Its low-slung design has an elongated silhouette with a slim window graphic and a roofline flowing elegantly into the rear with distinctive "double-bubble" contours. The sports car’s performance is set-off by an elaborate, jutting design of the front apron, large air intakes, and the precise contours of the bonnet. It comes as standard with LED headlights--the slimmest lamps of any BMW model to date. Both light tubes are used to generate the daytime driving lights as well as the low and high beam, thereby creating the signature brand look at all times while blue accents inside the trademark twin headlights are the hint at its presence.

The glass area tapers at the rear, accentuating the shoulderline, while the side window graphic terminates in a very tightly-angled version of the signature Hofmeister kink. The rear end emphasizes the car's width and low center of gravity. The slender all-LED rear light clusters extend deep into the flanks while also emphasizing the wide shoulders, while trapezoid rear exhaust pipes complete the look. An almost fully-sealed underbody, active air flap control with adjustable kidney grille slats and Air Curtains including Air Breathers help to reduce aerodynamic drag. Narrow exterior mirror bases are mounted directly on the side window weather strips to further enhance the airflow. Powering the flagship M850i xDrive  is a 530 hp, V8 twin-turbocharged petrol engine that puts out 750 Nm of torque and is the latest generation of BMW's award-winning 4.4-liter eight-cylinder that has been radically revised and features two twin-scroll turbochargers with charge air cooling that allow it to accelerate from zero to 100 kph in 3.7 seconds. The 840d xDrive Coupé, meanwhile, has a 3.0-liter, inline-six diesel engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and produces 320hp and 680 Nm of torque and sprints from a standstill to the 100 kph in 4.9 seconds. Both engines use an improved version of the eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission, with reduced weight, a newly developed controller and a gear ratio spread that has been increased from 7.07 to 8.59. As a result, it is possible to achieve significant efficiency gains with reduced engine speeds, particularly when driving in higher gears. Shift paddles on the steering wheel are included for manual gear selection, while the transmission features a Launch Control function for accelerating from a standing start with maximum power and traction. As denoted in its names, both 8 Series coupes have BMW's xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system as standard. To increase efficiency, all of the torque is directed to the rear wheels in situations in which all-wheel drive is not needed. The rear-biased set-up, which is even notable in challenging driving situations, guarantees the sort of driving experience for which BMW sports cars are renowned. No news yet as to if and when local BMW distributor SMC Asia Car Distributors Corporation will launch the all-new BMW 8 Series for the Philippine market.