Top 10: Facts about the 2019 BMW 8 Series
For nineteen years BMW has been without an 8 Series Coupé in its range, but that situation is about to be reversed by the arrival of a second-generation model.
Here are ten things worth knowing about the all-new 8 Series:
1. Low and wide dimensions mean purposeful proportions
At 4,843 mm (190.7”) long, the 8 Series Coupé is 93 mm (3.7”) shorter than the current 5 Series Saloon. However, the two-door car is 34 mm (1.3”) wider and 138 mm (5.4”) lower.
A bold reinterpretation of the trademark double kidney grilles and an extremely shallow angle for the rear screen are among the key styling elements.
2. Inside, there are four seats
Yes, four people can be transported, although headroom might be an issue for passengers relegated to the back row. If carrying things is a higher priority, then folding down the rear seats either individually or together increases luggage capacity.
3. A race version already exists
Generally, homologation for motorsport purposes follows the introduction of a road-going variant. Not so with the 8 Series.
The M8 GTE (developed by BMW Motorsport for the FIA World Endurance Championship and the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship) actually competed for the first time in January 2018.
4. All-wheel drive is standard
Every 8 Series Coupé is fitted with BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive. Under normal conditions, all output is sent to the rear axle only. When traction requirements dictate, an electronically-controlled multi-plate clutch is able to direct torque to the front axle too.
5. A petrol V8 engine offers the best performance
In the absence of a street-legal M8 (for now at least), the M850i xDrive is the quickest 8 Series.
The 0-62 mph (100 km/h) sprint takes just 3.7 seconds, thanks to a 4.4 litre twin-turbo V8 that generates 522 bhp (390 kW / 530 PS) with 750 Nm (553 lb/ft) of peak torque. Top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph (250 km/h).
Most prospective customers probably won’t be too bothered about fuel consumption. Nevertheless, for the record, the combined cycle figures are 28.3 mpg (10.0 l/100km) with 228 g/km of CO2 emissions.
6. A diesel straight-six engine offers the best efficiency
European car buyers are deserting diesel in their droves, so BMW’s decision to make the 840d xDrive the sole alternative to the M850i xDrive seems like a bewildering and serious misjudgement.
A 3.0 litre displacement plus turbo assistance equals 315 bhp (235 kW / 320 PS) and 680 Nm (501 lb/ft). That’s sufficient for a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time of 4.9 seconds, so it’s certainly quick enough.
Of course, 46.3 mpg (6.1 l/100km) and CO2 emissions of 160 g/km on the combined cycle are the 840d xDrive’s headline numbers. Admittedly, they’re fairly impressive, but a similarly economical result could have been achieved by using the petrol-electric plug-in hybrid powertrain from the 740e instead.
7. Only one gearbox is available
Regardless of the fuel type chosen, an enhanced eight-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission will be part of the specification. Shift paddles on the steering wheel and Launch Control should help to provide a more involved driving experience.
8. There’s a big price disparity
In the UK, the 840d xDrive costs from £76,270, while the outlay required for an M850i xDrive is £100,045. The huge variance in those amounts further supports the argument that an ‘entry level’ petrol or petrol-electric hybrid is needed in the line-up.
9. Production is taking place in Germany
The 2019 8 Series is going to be built at BMW’s factory in Dingolfing, Bavaria.
10. Deliveries are due to begin before the end of this year
November 2018 is the planned launch date for the Coupé.
Related post:
2018 BMW M8 GTE livery revealed
Here are ten things worth knowing about the all-new 8 Series:
1. Low and wide dimensions mean purposeful proportions
At 4,843 mm (190.7”) long, the 8 Series Coupé is 93 mm (3.7”) shorter than the current 5 Series Saloon. However, the two-door car is 34 mm (1.3”) wider and 138 mm (5.4”) lower.
A bold reinterpretation of the trademark double kidney grilles and an extremely shallow angle for the rear screen are among the key styling elements.
2. Inside, there are four seats
Yes, four people can be transported, although headroom might be an issue for passengers relegated to the back row. If carrying things is a higher priority, then folding down the rear seats either individually or together increases luggage capacity.
3. A race version already exists
Generally, homologation for motorsport purposes follows the introduction of a road-going variant. Not so with the 8 Series.
The M8 GTE (developed by BMW Motorsport for the FIA World Endurance Championship and the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship) actually competed for the first time in January 2018.
4. All-wheel drive is standard
Every 8 Series Coupé is fitted with BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive. Under normal conditions, all output is sent to the rear axle only. When traction requirements dictate, an electronically-controlled multi-plate clutch is able to direct torque to the front axle too.
5. A petrol V8 engine offers the best performance
In the absence of a street-legal M8 (for now at least), the M850i xDrive is the quickest 8 Series.
The 0-62 mph (100 km/h) sprint takes just 3.7 seconds, thanks to a 4.4 litre twin-turbo V8 that generates 522 bhp (390 kW / 530 PS) with 750 Nm (553 lb/ft) of peak torque. Top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph (250 km/h).
Most prospective customers probably won’t be too bothered about fuel consumption. Nevertheless, for the record, the combined cycle figures are 28.3 mpg (10.0 l/100km) with 228 g/km of CO2 emissions.
6. A diesel straight-six engine offers the best efficiency
European car buyers are deserting diesel in their droves, so BMW’s decision to make the 840d xDrive the sole alternative to the M850i xDrive seems like a bewildering and serious misjudgement.
A 3.0 litre displacement plus turbo assistance equals 315 bhp (235 kW / 320 PS) and 680 Nm (501 lb/ft). That’s sufficient for a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time of 4.9 seconds, so it’s certainly quick enough.
Of course, 46.3 mpg (6.1 l/100km) and CO2 emissions of 160 g/km on the combined cycle are the 840d xDrive’s headline numbers. Admittedly, they’re fairly impressive, but a similarly economical result could have been achieved by using the petrol-electric plug-in hybrid powertrain from the 740e instead.
7. Only one gearbox is available
Regardless of the fuel type chosen, an enhanced eight-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission will be part of the specification. Shift paddles on the steering wheel and Launch Control should help to provide a more involved driving experience.
8. There’s a big price disparity
In the UK, the 840d xDrive costs from £76,270, while the outlay required for an M850i xDrive is £100,045. The huge variance in those amounts further supports the argument that an ‘entry level’ petrol or petrol-electric hybrid is needed in the line-up.
9. Production is taking place in Germany
The 2019 8 Series is going to be built at BMW’s factory in Dingolfing, Bavaria.
10. Deliveries are due to begin before the end of this year
November 2018 is the planned launch date for the Coupé.
Related post:
2018 BMW M8 GTE livery revealed
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