Those of you hoping that the production version of the all-new BMW 8-Series wouldn’t stray too far from the Concept when it comes to looks, can finally rest easy.
Of course, the grille isn’t as massive, and the headlights aren’t as sleek, but those types of changes were to be expected. As for the rear, it almost looks like a more aggressive take on the 8 Series Concept’s tail-end.
Aside from the leaked images, courtesy of AutoReview, we also have an official video teaser from BMW themselves, as the Bavarian automaker prepares to race at Le Mans with two new M8 GTE cars. As for the road-going 8er, on their Facebook page, BMW simply states: “The all-new BMW 8 Series is coming tonight” – meaning we’re just hours away from the full unveiling.
By now, you probably noticed the M850i xDrive markings on the rear, which means that underneath the bonnet lies a 4.4-liter V8 unit, producing 530 PS (523 HP) and 750 Nm (553 lb-ft), as detailed by BMW last month. To put that into perspective, it’s 68 PS (67 HP) and 100 Nm (73 lb-ft) more than what you got in the old 650i.
Add the available xDrive all-wheel drive system and it’s plausible that the M850i could accelerate to 100 km/h (62 mph) in under 4 seconds flat, possibly even 3.5 seconds if you’re just counting to 60 mph (96 km/h).
According to project leader Markus Flasch, the new 8-Series is derived from the M8 GTE and has been designed with driving pleasure in mind, while also being sufficiently comfortable so as to make an excellent daily driver.
Features include internal active steering, an active rear differential, active roll stabilization system and an all-wheel steering system for increased maneuverability.
What about the interior?
An image of the all-new 8-Series’ cabin made its way online at the beginning of last month, showing a fully digital instrument cluster as well as a widescreen infotainment display which we expect will find its way into the facelifted 7-Series and the upcoming X7.
What’s equally interesting is the fact that BMW doesn’t appear to be ready to move on from an abundance of physical buttons when it comes to their car interiors.
Is the M8 getting unveiled too?
Eventually, yes. As of right now, we have no way of knowing if the flagship M8 version will join the M850i during the unveiling. In the end, BMW will launch the 8-Series not just with multiple engine choices, but also body styles as the Coupe will later be joined by a Cabriolet and a four-door Gran Coupe version.