Behold the All-New 2019 BMW 8 Series Coupe!
Based on last year’s sensational concept, the all-new 2019 BMW 8 Series Coupe has finally made its global debut in production form. It will return to the Canadian market later in 2018—two decades after the original—initially with a single configuration called M850i xDrive.
This new, exceptionally sporty flagship model will be built at the BMW Dingolfing plant in Germany alongside the 7 Series sedan, spearheading the Bavarian brand’s new luxury offensive that also includes the upcoming BMW X7 full-size crossover.
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It was developed in parallel to the BMW M8 GTE race car, which has already made its mark in the 2018 FIA World Endurance Championship long-distance races and in the 2018 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.
New design language
The unique aura of the 2019 BMW 8 Series Coupe is the result of a new design language focusing on modernity and emotional engagement. Highlights include a wide and elongated silhouette, slim window pillars, a distinctive “double-bubble” roofline, a larger and racier interpretation of the brand’s kidney grille up front and a very tightly angled version of the iconic Hofmeister kink in the rear. Full LED headlights (the slimmest of any BMW model to date) come standard with BMW LaserLight technology.
Elements like the almost fully covered underbody, active air flap control with adjustable grille slats and Air Curtains maximize aerodynamics, while a number of components including the optional Carbon Package help minimize the car’s weight.
Driver-focused interior
Inside the 2019 BMW 8 Series Coupe, the cockpit separates the driver and front passenger areas with a wide centre console that’s capped by a freestanding and frameless Control Display. A leather M sports steering wheel with paddle shifters, M pedals and ambient lighting are both standard.
The newly developed sports seats, finished in premium Merino Individual leather and featuring accent stitching, are said to offer high levels of long-distance comfort and excellent lateral support. And good news for rear passengers: A semi-electric folding function has been included for the front seat backrests to facilitate entry and exit.
If you like music, the 16-speaker Harman Kardon surround sound system will please you. However, there is also the option of a 1,375-watt Bowers & Wilkins surround sound unit with Diamond loudspeaker technology, dynamic equalizing and 16 partly illuminated speakers.
The heart of champion
Under the long hood of the 2019 BMW 8 Series Coupe lies a 4.4-litre BMW TwinPower Turbo V8 engine that has undergone extensive upgrades and refinement in order to generate 523 horsepower between 5,500 and 6,000 rpm and 553 pound-feet of torque from 1,800 to 4,600 rpm. It is mated to the latest-generation eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission that boasts a wider gear ratio spread and even sportier gear shifts.
Meanwhile, a newly improved version of BMW’s xDrive intelligent AWD system has been tuned for this specific model, preserving a rear-wheel bias to ensure maximum agility and precision in corners, and a standard flap-controlled sports exhaust system promises a captivating soundtrack, especially in Sport or Sport+ mode (Eco Pro and Comfort are the others).
The Adaptive M suspension technology on the BMW 8 Series Coupe consists of a double-wishbone front axle and a five-link rear axle as well as electronically controlled dampers. The four-wheel Integral Active Steering and exceptionally powerful M Sport braking system (recognizable by blue calipers) were developed exclusively for this new model, too. Same thing for the high-performance tires that wrap 20-inch M light-alloy wheels in the exclusive colour Frozen Cerium Grey metallic.
Bottom line
The new 2019 BMW 8 Series Coupe definitely has the potential to become a modern legend. Pricing will be announced in the fall. A convertible variant and a road-ready M8 will follow. Stay tuned for our first driving impressions!