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AN OVERVIEW OF THE BMW 8 SERIES.
BMW M8 Coupé
BMW M8 Gran Coupé
BMW 8 SERIES OVERVIEW.
At the end of the 80s, the successor to the BMW 6 series (E24) took the experts by surprise. Now the coupé is called the BMW 8 series. It is significantly larger, sports a completely new body shape and boasts the latest technology. The BMW 8 series coupé combines technical advances with maximum driving dynamics and performance, with the exclusivity of a high-end luxury car.
Almost 20 years later, the current generation is based on the same principle. A completely overhauled design with revolutionary styling meets the latest evolution in engineering – including the most powerful engine ever in a BMW production vehicle. These precise, unsurpassed dynamics can be seen in the drive, control and performance. Aesthetics, comfort and power are fully demonstrated in three body shapes – Coupé, Convertible and Gran Coupé.
5 CHARACTERISTICS OF THE BMW 8 SERIES.
- 01 Uncompromising driving dynamics
- 02 Design that combines style and perfection
- 03 Exclusive materials, exceptional paint finishes: Each BMW 8 series is unique
- 04 Compelling vehicle editions: BMW 8 Series Coupé, 8 Series Convertible or 8 Series Gran Coupé
- 05 The luxury of progress: Always at the forefront of safety and assistance systems
A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE BMW 8 SERIES.
Discover the history of the BMW 8 series models and encounter the latest coupés – together with the origins of these elegant, powerful luxury sports cars.
A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE BMW 8 SERIES.
Discover the history of the BMW 8 series models and encounter the latest coupés – together with the origins of these elegant, powerful luxury sports cars.
THE FIRST GENERATION BMW 8 SERIES.
(E31)
At its launch at the 1989 International Motor Show (IAA) in Germany, the effective successor to the BMW 6 series (E24) is so well received that 5,000 have been pre-ordered before the first BMW 850i has even been delivered. The wedge-shaped body with the long hood and the steep rear is designed by Klaus Kapitza. Its flat front is reminiscent of the BMW M1. The flowing, exceptionally elegant lines promise a performance that is easily delivered by the V12-cylinder engine with its five liter displacement and an output of 220 kW.
Its many technical innovations also make this car the most modern vehicle built by BMW at the end of the 80s. Updates include the optional self-steering rear axle and new assistance systems, such as the DSC stability system, variable-speed power steering and the Electronic Damper Control (EDC) available on the BMW 850i. The 8 series is the first BMW to have a Cd value of less than 0.3 and a multiplex system for networking the various control systems.
1992 sees the launch of an even more powerful version – the 850Csi – generating 380 kW of output with a 5.6 liter displacement. A year later, a 4.0 liter 8-cylinder engine with a power output of 210 kW completes the range of engines. Another version of the 12-cylinder unit, the BMW 850Ci, is available in 1994 and produces 240 kW with a 5.4 liter displacement. The BMW 840 is also available in a Ci version in 1995. The BMW 8 series combines the best of technology, aerodynamics and design. Avant-garde elegance and exclusive luxury unite with outstanding performance – features that are revived by the 2018 BMW 8 series (G14, G15, G16). By the end of production in 1999, more than 30,000 units of the luxury coupé have rolled off the assembly line.
Production period: 1989–1999
Engines: 4.0–5.6 liters (160–280 kW), 8- & 12-cylinder
Length/width/height: 4,780 mm/1,885 mm/1,340 mm.
THE SECOND GENERATION BMW 8 SERIES.
(G15)
The successor to the BMW 6 series (F13) is the ideal combination of the highest quality and maximum performance. The unique design already shows the ambition of the luxury sports coupé. The flat headlamps with optional laser lighting underline the flat, low-lying silhouette and represent a new aesthetic form. The clearly-drawn lines, muscular shoulder areas and the flat roof line combine the character of a sports car with the BMW luxury class's aspiration.
The interior thrills with its progressive styling, in which everything points in one direction: forwards. The luxurious materials inside, such as the interior trims made of high-grade wood and the individual BMW leather fittings, keep the promise of an extraordinary feel. And the multitude of unique paintwork finishes means it expresses individual preferences perfectly.
The digital sports car cockpit ensures reliable control over the vehicle’s power and the BMW 8 series always features innovative technologies such as the latest safety and assistance systems.
The uncompromising driving dynamics are taken directly from motor sport, as are the xDrive all-wheel-drive system, the M sport differential and the electromechanical roll stabilization. Together with the characteristic highly efficient and powerful drive systems, the BMW 8 series Coupé delivers maximum power – up to 390 kW in the M850i xDrive Coupé – from a double turbocharged 8-cylinder engine.
Production period: 2018–today
Engines: 3.0–4.4 liters (245–390 kW), 6- & 8-cylinder
Length/width/height: 4,851 mm/1,902 mm/1,346 mm
(G14)
Available since 2019, the BMW 8 series Convertible offers a unique open-air experience. The fabric top folds back like a coupé and takes less than 15 seconds to open, while a wind deflector ensures undisturbed driving pleasure. Thanks to its engine power, the BMW M850i xDrive Convertible accelerates from a standing start to 100 km/h in just 4.1 seconds. The precisely tuned chassis with an active self-steering rear axle facilitates dynamic cornering. The vehicle’s self-confident design speaks for itself and promises breathtaking, sensual sportiness with its sleek silhouette and powerful tail.
The interior, a perfect symbiosis of luxury and performance, is crafted from exquisite materials such as the optional “Merino” leather upholstery with contrasting quilting. Another highlight is the optional “Crafted Clarity” glass application. Its handmade glass elements on the gear selector, iDrive controller and start/stop button elevate the interior’s appearance and feel.
The BMW 8 series Convertible is always an unparalleled, exclusive experience. It comes as either a BMW M850i xDrive Convertible with an BMW TwinPower Turbo 8-cylinder engine, or as a 6-cylinder engine option.
Production period: 2019–today
Engines: 3.0–4.4 liters (245–390 kW), 6- & 8-cylinder
Length/width/height: 4,851 mm/1,902 mm/1,345 mm
(G16)
Also available since 2019, the four-door BMW 8 Series Gran Coupé combines the extravagant luxury and sensational driving performance of the BMW 8 series coupés with an impressive amount of space. The long wheelbase and the slightly raised roof line provides generous head and leg room. The panoramic glass roof allows plenty of light and, if needed, fresh air into the vehicle with the slide and lift function. What’s more, it creates an unobstructed view from the front to the rear window.
Inside, the first-class finish and high-quality leather – which can be hand-sewn on request – delight the senses. The interior can be customized down to the smallest detail, like the BMW Live Cockpit Professional, which features a high-resolution instrument display, the control display in the center console and the BMW Head-Up Display. They can be operated by touch or via the iDrive controller, as well as with gesture or voice commands.
From the outside, the luxury sports coupé revolutionizes styling within its class with an athletic front, flowing silhouette and striking tail. The elegant side sections show off the extraordinary paint finishes which feature special shine and shimmer effects.
Powerful twin power turbo gasoline engines and a double turbo-charged common-rail diesel engine give the BMW 8 series Gran Coupé a unique agility and driving dynamics that place the vehicle at the forefront of its class. These are accentuated by the low center of gravity and the body’s high rigidity.
The BMW 8 series Gran Coupé guarantees a supreme ride in the city, on the highway and along winding country roads. And is the ideal partner for long-distance road trips and journeys.
Production period: 2019–today
Engines: 3.0–4.4 liters (245–390 kW), 6- & 8-cylinder
Length/width/height: 5,082 mm/1,932 mm/1,407mm