The new BMW 8-Series Coupé opens a new chapter in BMW’s proud history of making iconic sports cars. With outstanding performance, striking design, state-of-the-art luxury and advanced equipment technology, the BMW 8-Series is one of the most exciting new models to emerge in recent years. The primary development objective for the new BMW 8-Series was thrilling driving dynamics. Body, powertrain and suspension were consistently honed to achieve the best agility, precision and poise expected of a top-class sports car. In the process, remarkably powerful engines were combined with the BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system and BMW EfficientLightweight design measures. The car was developed alongside the BMW M8 GTE – a race car that has already proven its potential in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) long-distance races and in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship (IWSC) held in North America. The exterior design exudes sporting appeal, with a clear link to the BMW Concept 8-Series first unveiled at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in 2017. It shows a new styling language focusing on clarity, modernity and emotional engagement.Its low-slung design has an elongated silhouette with a slim window graphic and a roofline flowing elegantly into the powerfully shaped rear with distinctive “double-bubble” contours. With exterior dimensions of 4,843mm in length, 1,902mm in width, 1,341mm in height and a wheelbase of 2,822mm, the two-door coupé has a powerful stance on the road.
With extra-large air intakes in the front apron, a prominently contoured rear apron and specially designed side skirts, there is a host of design features that bring dynamics to the fore. The interior creates a harmonious balance between driver- focused dynamics and luxurious elegance. The seamless transition between the instrument panel and door trim is made smoother by the coordinated surface textures and a careful choice of materials. At the same time, all lines point lengthways, automatically directing the gaze forward towards the road and emphasising the focus on sporty driving. This is particularly true of the car’s wide centre console, which rises up towards the instrument panel at the front, separating the driver and front passenger. The new multifunctional sports seats in Extended Merino leather upholstery offer high levels of long-distance comfort and excellent lateral support during fast cornering. The headrests are integrated into the backrests and can be adjusted as required both for height and fore/aft positioning. The seat position is adjusted electrically, while a memory function for driver and front passenger comes as standard.
There are large door pockets, a roomy glove compartment, two cupholders and a large storage compartment under the armrest’s divided cover flaps for stowing travel accessories, beverages and other items. Thanks to the low seating position of both rear seats, it has been possible to design the head restraints as an integral part of the backrests. The backrest sections can be folded down either individually or together in order to further increase the load capacity of the 420-litre luggage compartment. The folding mechanism is released by means of levers inside the luggage compartment. Automatic boot lid operation is also a standard feature, while the standard Comfort Access furthermore permits hands-free opening and closing of the boot lid.
The BMW M850i xDrive is a true sporting flagship. Under the bonnet is a 530hp V8 twin-turbocharged petrol engine. This is the latest generation of BMW’s award-winning 4.4-litre eight-cylinder and has been radically revised. Two twin-scroll turbochargers with charge air cooling, High Precision Injection, VALVETRONIC fully variable valve control and Double-VANOS variable camshaft timing all form part of the M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology, whose extensive overhaul has given a substantial boost to maximum output, torque and efficiency. The changes serve up an enthralling blend of power delivery and an equally impressive soundtrack, which is enhanced by the flap-controlled sports exhaust system. The Driving Performance Control switch can be used to activate an extremely sporty and a distinctly comfort-oriented powertrain set-up. In the SPORT and SPORT+ modes, accelerator response as well as the V8 engine’s power delivery and acoustics – which take on a particularly distinctive note in the SPORT+ setting – are all configured for a dynamic driving experience. The crankcase is another of the new components. A new alloy has been used to increase robustness and wire-arc sprayed iron coating for the cylinder walls reduces frictional losses. Reinforced, Grafal-coated pistons and optimised piston rings are designed to endure strain on the crank drive that comes with extra output and torque.
Thanks to a 68hp increase in output with no impact on weight compared to the engine it replaces, the new V8 unit is now able to generate 530hp. At the same time, maximum torque has been raised by 100Nm to 750Nm, which is available over a wide rev range. The new M850i xDrive Coupé accelerates from zero to 62mph in just 3.7 seconds. The combined fuel consumption of 29.1mpg and the combined CO2 emissions of 221g/km clearly demonstrate that the increase in the eight-cylinder engine’s power has gone hand in hand with improvements to its efficiency too. The new 840d xDrive Coupé produces an enthrallingmix of pulling power and excellent fuel economy. The 3.0-litre six-cylinder in-line diesel with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology delivers a maximum output of 320hp and peak torque of 680Nm. The engine employs multi-stage turbocharging technology and its performance characteristics permit relaxed cruising at low engine speeds, while also enabling the car to sprint to 62mph from rest in only 4.9 seconds.
Average fuel consumption comes in at a frugal 46.3mpg, equating to CO2 emissions of 160g/km. The system of emission control incorporating BMW BluePerformance technology comprises a particulate filter, an oxidation catalyst, a NOX adsorption catalyst, as well as an SCR catalyst with AdBlue injection for further reduction of nitrogen oxide emissions. Both engines use an improved version of the eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission, with reduced weight, a newly developed controller and a gear ratio spread that has been increased from 7.07 to 8.59. As a result, it is possible to achieve significant efficiency gains with reduced engine speeds, particularly when driving in higher gears. Shift paddles on the steering wheel are included for manual gear selection, while the transmission features a Launch Control function for accelerating from a standing start with maximum power and traction. The Steptronic transmission’s controller is able to adapt shift strategy to the current driving situation by means of intelligent networking with the standard Professional Navigation system, enabling it to take the planned route into account. Navigation data is used, for example, to shift down early when approaching a junction in order to use engine braking to slow the car down.
The BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system operates more efficiently than ever before. With its rapid, precise and fully variable distribution of torque between the front and rear wheels, it maximises traction and handling stability not just when driving in adverse road conditions, but in highly dynamic driving situations too. Power is split in accordance with demands at all times using an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch that is networked with the powertrain and chassis systems. To increase efficiency, all of the torque is directed to the rear wheels in situations in which all-wheel drive is not needed. The rear-biased set-up, which is even notable in challenging driving situations, guarantees the sort of driving experience for which BMW sports cars are renowned. When taking corners at speed, for example, just the right amount of extra drive force is transferred to the rear wheels to help the car turn in to the bend with supreme accuracy. For a more focussed and sporty handling, Integral Active Steering is fitted as standard to reduce the turning circle when manoeuvring. This also increases agility at moderate speeds and optimises poise and assurance when changing lanes and cornering at high speeds. It becomes more direct as the speed builds but allows the driver to manoeuvre at low speeds with minimal steering wheel movement.
2019 BMW 8-Series Coupe
