8 - The gentlemans racer

The New BMW 8 Series Coupe

The presentation of the all-new BMW 8 Series Coupe adds a brand new chapter to the Bavarian premium carmakers long history of sensational sports cars – and gets its current model offensive in the luxury segment off to a particularly dynamic start.

The presentation of the new BMW 8 Series Coupe adds a brand new chapter to the Bavarian premium carmakers long history of sensational sports cars – and gets its current model offensive in the luxury segment off to a particularly dynamic start. The BMW 8 Series Coupe is a dream car boasting outstanding performance, emotion-stirring design, state-of-the-art luxury and exceptionally advanced equipment features when it comes to display and control technology, driver assistance and connectivity.

The primary development objective for the BMW 8 Series Coupe was thrilling driving dynamics. The body, powertrain and suspension were consistently honed to achieve the supreme agility, precision and poise expected of a top-class sports car. In the process, remarkably powerful engines were combined with the BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system and BMW EfficientLightweight design measures. The new model came through its baptism of fire in the guise of the BMW M8 GTE at the FIA WEC endurance races and in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship (IWSC) held in North America. The production car now makes it possible to experience outstandingly dynamic performance in an exceedingly luxurious setting.

Exterior design: new design language generates sporting appeal

The exterior design of the BMW 8 Series Coupe exudes a very modern form of sporting appeal, beautifully blended with an air of exclusiveness and sensual allure. The production model therefore lives up to all the expectations engendered by the BMW Concept 8 Series. Its unique aura is the result of a new styling language focusing on clarity, modernity and emotional engagement. The expressive surface design of the exterior body shell emphasizes the dynamic character of the new BMW 8 Series Coupe with greater intensity than on any of the brands previous models. The expansive surfaces are structured using pared-down, crisp character lines. The cars low-slung design, an elongated silhouette with a slim window graphic and a roofline flowing elegantly into the rear with distinctive double-bubble contouring, a long wheelbase and a wide track are the defining elements of the BMW 8 Series Coupes proportions. With exterior dimensions of 4,843 mm in length, 1,902 mm in width, 1,341 mm in height and a wheelbase of 2,822 mm, the two-door car adopts an extremely powerful stance on the road.

The sports cars immense drive power is visualized to stunning effect by the elaborate, jutting design of the front apron, the large air intakes – which assume an even more imposing appearance on the BMW M850i xDrive Coupe and in conjunction with the M Sport package – and the precise contours of the bonnet. The low-down BMW kidney grille is hexagonal in shape, with its elements framed by a single-piece surround. The LED headlights are the slimmest of any BMW model to date. BMW Laserlight with variable road illumination and Selective Beam is optionally available.

Whilst the surfaces curve inwards on the far side of the front wheels, they flare outwards again in powerful fashion in the vicinity of the rear wheels. This combines with the strikingly tapered glasshouse to create a muscular shoulderline. At the rear, the interplay of horizontal and diagonal lines emphasizes the cars width and low centre of gravity. The LED taillights add to this effect by extending deep into the flanks.

Precise details optimize aerodynamics and weight

An almost fully sealed underbody, active air flap control and Air Curtains including Air Breathers help to reduce the aerodynamic drag of the new BMW 8 Series Coupes streamlined body. Narrow exterior mirror bases also help smooth the airflow. On the BMW M850i xDrive Coupe, an additional front spoiler further minimizes lift at the front axle at high speeds. The roof of the new BMW 8 Series Coupe takes a leaf from the book of traditional sports car design by featuring a central cutout that recalls the double-bubble styling of classic racing cars.

This distinctive contouring also graces the optional carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) roof, which is available for the first time on a series-production model from the core BMW brand and lowers the cars centre of gravity even further. The air intake bars, exterior mirror caps, rear spoiler and rear diffuser of the optional Carbon package are likewise all made from CFRP.

Interior: sporty driving experience, relaxed and luxurious ambience

The modern and minimalistic exterior design language is continued inside the new BMW 8 Series Coupe, creating a relaxingly luxurious ambience. At the same time, all lines point lengthways, automatically directing the gaze to the front and emphasizing the focus on sporty driving. All control elements are clearly arranged. A concise surface design lets the high-quality materials really stand out. The use of trim finishers, for instance, is restricted to the sports car-style transition between the centre console and the instrument panel.

The newly developed sports seats are upholstered as standard in Vernasca leather. The fulled leather trim for the door shoulders and instrument panel is also standard. Thanks to the low seating position of both rear seats, it has been possible to design the head restraints as an integral part of the backrests. The rear backrest can be split 50:50 as standard and folded down to increase the capacity of the 420-litre luggage compartment.

The luxurious character of the new BMW 8 Series Coupe can be further enhanced by a number of top-quality optional extras. The range includes the BMW Display Key, telephony with wireless charging, climate seats, the Bowers and Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System, as well as glass applications for selected controls. Moreover, there is a choice of model-specific options from BMW Individual.

New V8 engine with incredible power delivery and acoustics

A new V8 power unit is making its debut in the BMW M850i xDrive Coupe. The 4.4-litre engine with M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology serves up an intoxicating blend of prodigious power delivery and an equally impressive soundtrack, which is further enhanced by the flap-controlled sports exhaust system. The turbochargers located within the V-shaped space between the cylinder banks, the direct petrol injection system, the thermal shielding, the cooling circulation system, as well as the ignition and engine electronics are just some of the features that have been extensively redeveloped, along with the crankcase. To ensure both supreme performance characteristics and robustness, the new eight-cylinder engine was subject to an exhaustive programme of testing encompassing all potential load situations – from fatigue tests at idle speed to highly dynamic calibration drives on the Nurburgring Nordschleife circuit. Emissions performance has been optimized by the inclusion of a gasoline particulate filter and meets the Euro 6d-TEMP standard.

Thanks to a 50 kW/68 hp increase in output with no impact on weight compared to the engine it replaces, the new V8 is now able to generate 390 kW/530 hp, which is on tap between 5,500 and 6,000 rpm. Maximum torque of 750 Nm (553 lb-ft) is available over a wide rev range from 1,800 to 4,600 rpm for prolonged forward thrust. The new BMW M850i xDrive Coupe accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 3.7 seconds.

Efficient straight-six diesel engine with tremendous pulling power. The new BMW 840d xDrive Coupe provides another highly distinctive take on the sports car genre. The unprecedented use of a diesel engine in this segment produces a delightful mix of supreme pulling power and excellent fuel economy. The 3.0-litre six-cylinder in-line diesel unit with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology delivers a maximum output of 235 kW/320 hp and peak torque of 680 Nm (501 lb-ft), which is available as low down as 1,750 rpm.

The engine employs multi-stage turbocharging technology and its performance characteristics permit relaxed cruising at low engine speeds, while also enabling the car to sprint to 100 km/h (62 mph) from rest in only 4.9 seconds. Pressing the accelerator hard prompts a distinctive acoustic accompaniment from the sports exhaust system that has been specially configured for this model. The engines exemplary efficiency reinforces the character of the new BMW 8 Series Coupe as a sports car eminently suitable for long-distance travel, and guarantees non-stop driving pleasure even after hundreds of miles without refuelling. The system of emission control including SCR catalytic converter with urea injection complies with the Euro 6d-TEMP standard.

Swift and precise power transfer: eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission, BMW xDrive, electronically controlled differential lock

The engine transfers power to a new, improved version of the eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission, whose increased ratio spread, new transmission management and optimized hydraulic control produce sportier gear shifts while also enhancing its efficiency and smoothness. Shift paddles on the steering wheel are included as standard for manual gear selection.

The BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system likewise operates more efficiently than ever before. With its rapid, precise and fully variable distribution of torque between the front and rear wheels, it maximizes traction and handling stability even in highly dynamic driving situations. At the same time, the rear-biased set-up guarantees the sort of driving experience for which BMW sports cars are renowned. The electronically controlled rear differential lock fitted as standard on the BMW M850i xDrive Coupe gives the car an even sportier edge. The locking effect generated by an electric motor limits speed compensation between the inside and outside rear wheel when cornering, making it possible to power out of bends with eye-catching dynamic verve.

Chassis: perfect overall package for maximum performance

The construction principle and tuning of the BMW 8 Series Coupes chassis are designed to harness the dynamic potential of its powertrain technology – and make best use of the cars underlying concept to achieve maximum sports performance. Optimized weight, a low centre of gravity, well-balanced axle load distribution, ideal wheelbase length and a wide track, plus a rigid body structure and favourable aerodynamic properties provide all the right ingredients to this end. All standard and optional light-alloy wheels are fitted with mixed-size tyres, whose traction-enhancing effect was factored into the tuning of the chassis. Torsion struts on the double-wishbone front axle and a shear panel fitted to the five-link rear axle optimize stiffness and the chassis components connection to the body. The maximized camber settings on both axles, meanwhile, increase power transfer potential at high cornering speeds.

The standard equipment for the new BMW 8 Series Coupe includes the Adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers. This allows the action of the springs and dampers to be regulated with great precision so that the driver receives no more than the necessary feedback on the road surface. Integral Active Steering is also standard; it reduces the turning circle when manoeuvring, increases agility and makes changing lanes or taking corners at high speeds even more effortless. The optional active roll stabilization feature for the new BMW M850i xDrive Coupe endows the car with even sportier handling characteristics, as it enables particularly swift and accurate compensation of body roll during high-speed driving manoeuvres, thus improving agility and handling stability both when entering and exiting corners. The system has the additional effect of increasing comfort when driving in a straight line, by actively countering the vibrations triggered by unevenness on one side of the road with its electronic servomotors.

BMW M Performance model, M Sport package and M Technic Sport Package with specific equipment features

The standard specification for the BMW M850i xDrive Coupe also includes exceptionally powerful M Sport brakes along with 20-inch M light-alloy wheels with high-performance tyres. This BMW M Performance model is also instantly recognizable by its exclusive exterior appointments in Cerium Grey, an M rear spoiler and illuminated door sills bearing the model name. These are complemented by equipment features that also form part of the M Sport package available for the new BMW 840d xDrive Coupe, including multifunction seats, M leather steering wheel and interior trim strips in a stainless steel mesh design. The M Sport package additionally comprises 19-inch M light-alloy wheels, M Sport brakes and illuminated door sills with M logo. The M Technic Sport Package is available as a further option for the BMW 840d xDrive Coupe and adds, among other things, 20-inch M light-alloy wheels with high-performance tyres, an even more powerful M Sport braking system, the electronically controlled differential lock, the M rear spoiler and extended BMW Individual high-gloss Shadow Line trim.

Wide choice of advanced driver assistance systems

Numerous cutting-edge driver assistance systems are available to boost the comfort and safety of the new BMW 8 Series Coupe, in particular. The line-up includes Active Cruise Control with Stop and Go function, the Steering and lane control assistant, the Lane Change Warning and Lane Departure Warning systems, the Lane Keeping Assistant with side collision protection and evasion aid, BMW Night Vision, as well as the Crossing traffic warning, Priority warning and Wrong-way warning systems.

Besides steering, the Parking Assistant takes over the job of controlling the accelerator and brakes. The system also comprises the Reversing Assistant, which makes it possible to reverse easily for a distance of up to 50 metres by steering the vehicle back along the exact path it recently drove forwards.

The new BMW Operating System 7.0 display and control concept

The inclusion of the BMW Operating System 7.0 display and control concept as standard on the new BMW 8 Series Coupe makes sure the driver is supplied with the right information at the right time. Customizable and personalized displays can be called up in both the instrument cluster and the 10.25-inch Control Display. A flat menu structure that has been optimized for touch control permits fast access to all settings and functions. The situation-based content includes visualizing lateral acceleration during high-speed cornering. To enable multimodal interaction, the driver has a choice of using the buttons on the steering wheel, the iDrive Controller, the touch display, voice control or BMW gesture control. The BMW Live Cockpit Professional comes as standard and comprises a fully digital instrument cluster with a 12.3-inch display, in the centre of which a specific section of the navigation map can be shown, for example. Thanks to the consistent design of the graphics, it forms a harmonious display cluster together with the Control Display. The further improved BMW Head-Up Display can also be found on the list of standard equipment and features a larger projection area, new content and optimized graphics.

The BMW Connected personal mobility assistant is available for seamless connectivity between the vehicle and digital devices. The digital services available for use in the new BMW 8 Series Coupe include hazard warnings obtained from interconnectivity with other BMW vehicles, over-the-air software upgrading, the integration of Microsoft Office 365 and Skype for Business, as well as the BMW Digital Key, which allows customers to unlock the vehicle and start the engine using a smartphone.