By Mike Torpey on 2018-06-18 - Driving Force news editor and responsible for organising our daily output. He was staff motoring editor of the Liverpool Echo for 20 years.
Coupe heralds new
chapter for BMW
BMW has lifted the wraps on its new 8 Series Coupe, which will cost from £76,270 when it hits the streets in November.
The German brand describes the newcomer as one of the most exciting new models to emerge in recent years, one which heralds a new chapter in the company's history of producing sports cars.
It will be built at the Dingolfing plant in southern Bavaria - also home to the 7 Series Saloon - a facility with a strong track record in luxury motoring.
As in the past with the Z8 and also with the current i8, the number 8 is reserved for sporty cars with a high- ranking status within BMW's product range.
Topping a two-model line-up at £100,045 is the M850i xDrive variant featuring a radically revised version of BMW's 4.4-litre V8 twin turbo engine producing 530bhp.
It boasts a 68bhp increase in output plus an extra 100Nm of torque compared to the engine it replaces and can scorch from 0-62mph in a fleeting 3.7 seconds.
Efficiency is also improved with combined fuel consumption of 28.3mpg allied to CO2 emissions of 228g/km.
BMW insists that the second new 8 Series model, the 840d xDrive Coupe will produce "a delightful mix of pulling power and excellent fuel economy" from its 3.0-litre six-cylinder TwinPower Turbo diesel unit.
This 320bhp model can sprint to 62mph from rest in 4.9 seconds and return an average 46.3mpg and CO2 emissions of 160g/km.
Both engines use an improved version of the prestige brand's eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission, and BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive is standard.
Styling-wise, the car shows a new design language for BMW, with a clear link to the Concept 8 Series first unveiled at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este in 2017.
It has a low-slung style with a slim roofline flowing a powerfully shaped rear with distinctive "double-bubble" contours and comes as standard with LED headlights - the slimmest lamps of any BMW model to date - and active steering.
Inside there are new multifunctional electric sports seats in Extended Merino leather with headrests integrated into the backrests, large door pockets, roomy glove compartment, two cupholders and a large storage compartment under the armrest's divided cover flaps.
Standard kit also includes cruise control with braking function, collision and pedestrian warning with city braking, a head-up display and active park distance control with front and rear sensors.
There's also a pair of 12.3in and 10.25in BMW Live Cockpit Professional high-res displays.
AN all-electric estate car will be part of a new BMW 5 Series line up due to be...
DESPITE its rather frumpy looks, the Active Tourer has been a good product for...
BMW's Z4 roadster has been updated to include a fresh design to the exterior...
Choose from one or more of the options to find the car for you.
Based on your search find the dealership
nearest to you.