BMW’s new 8 Series Coupe tops out at 530 horsepower
Two-door will take on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe
BMW finally took the covers off its new 8 Series Coupe mid-June, revealing a stylish two-door available — at least in Europe — with a straightsix diesel engine or a twinturbo V8.
Fitted standard with xDrive AWD and an eight-speed automatic transmission, the 8 Series will nail 100 km/h from zero in 3.7 seconds in M850i trim with the 530-horsepower V8 and launch control, or 4.9 seconds with the 320-hp (and 501-pound-feet-of-torque) 3.0-litre diesel in the 840d.
The automaker’s keeping the coupe’s weight down with aluminum and carbon-fibre components, and uses active chassis tech and rear-wheel steering to keep the car well-balanced in terms of handling and the 20-inch wheels pointed where you want them.
The 8 Series Coupe is wider and lower than its chief rival, the MercedesBenz S-Class Coupe, aiming for the sportier side of the GT segment. The exterior styling is aggressive, while the cabin is rather subtle, with a dash dominated by two 12.3- and 10.25-inch displays.
Word is a more powerful 600-plus horsepower M8 is already in the works, so BMW can target the Aston Martin DB11 V8 and Mercedes-AMG S63. When it arrives, that car will take on the role of BMW’s flagship, and a rumoured convertible and four-door Gran Coupe would fill out the range.
Canadian pricing and availability have not yet been revealed, but deliveries of the first production cars are expected before the end of the year, so the 8 Series Coupe should arrive in BMW dealerships soon.