The BMW 8 Series is back: after almost 20 years away, the two-door coupe has revived the 8 Series Coupe nameplate and you can order one right now.
As with any new BMW, there’s a lot of marketing fluff that comes along with it but we’ve picked through the promo waffle to tell you everything you’ll really care about.
What is it?
Essentially, it’s a shortened 7 Series saloon with the two rear doors knocked out. It’s BMW’s latest attempt at creating a sporty luxury cruiser and the company looks to be onto a winner.
Engines
The 8 Series Coupe will launch with a choice of two engines: one diesel (840d) and one petrol (M850i).
Under the bonnet of the diesel will be a three-litre six-pot engine with 320bhp and 680Nm of torque.
Meanwhile, the more interesting petrol uses a 530bhp 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8. Developing 700Nm of torque, it can race from zero to 62mph in 3.7 seconds with a limited top speed of 155mph.
Both engines come linked to an eight-speed automatic gearbox and BMW’s xDrive adaptive all-wheel-drive system.
Arriving in 2019, the M8 will be the fastest and most powerful BMW ever, with its 625bhp 4.4-litre V8 capable of a 0-62mph sprint of 3.3 seconds.
Size
Stretching for 4,843mm, the 8 Series Coupe is 255mm shorter than the 7 Series. It’s a little shorter in height too, standing at 1,341mm tall, while width is identical to the 7 (1,902mm).
Rivals
In terms of competition, BMW believes the 8 Series Coupe will be a solid rival for everything from the Mercedes S-Class Coupe to the Aston Martin DB11; even the Porsche 911.
When it’s out
You can place your order for an 8 Series Coupe now, with deliveries set to begin from November.
How much will it cost?
Prices start from £76,270 for the diesel and rise to £100,045 for the M850i.
What goodies do I get?
Every 8 Series Coupe will come with BMW’s new operating system 7.0 display and control concept, as well as BMW Live Cockpit Professional, which includes a fully digital instrument cluster and 10.25-inch control display.
The coupe is just the start
While the coupe has been responsible for bringing back the 8 Series name, it’ll actually be the first of three new body styles under the 8 Series banner. By the end of 2018, we’ll get a convertible and four-door Gran Coupe too.
What do you think of the new 8 Series Coupe? Are you tempted to pick one up? Let us know down in the comments.
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