BMW's new 8 Series has been revealed at the Le-Mans 24 hour race this weekend. The new super coupe will gradually replace the 6 Series and will be available in Ireland on special order.
The 8 Series will be formally launched on the market next November but the car had its first full public reveal this weekend after several teaser previews over the past year. The first versions of the car - and there are expected to be several - will be the M850i xDrive Coupe M Performance model with a new, 530hp V8 engine and BMW 840d xDrive Coupe with six-cylinder in-line diesel unit developing 320hp. With these kind of statistics and the more upmarket profile of the car, there is the inevitable high cost. Prices in Ireland will start at €125,725. Much of the car is based on the existing 5 and 7 Series models, where the X-Drive four wheel drive systems and the engines have already been proven.
The first two versions of the 8 Series will be among several other variations to come.
It looks like a very elegant design with just the right balance of long-nosed presence and a very smooth rear, without a bulked profile. The LED headlights are the slimmest of any BMW to date.
BMW says the car has a low centre of gravity, well-balanced weight distribution, lightweight construction using aluminium, magnesium and carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic, "aerodynamically optimised and virtually lift-free body, powerful engines, sports exhaust system, rear axle differential lock, extremely stiff body and suspension structure."
Adaptive M suspension, Integral Active Steering and mixed-size tyres all come as standard.
The 8 Series version of the BMW Head-Up Display has a 16 per cent larger projection surface, optimised 3D graphics and additional display content.
Standard equipment includes new BMW Operating System 7.0 display and control concept. BMW Live Cockpit Professional including fully digital instrument cluster and 10.25-inch Control Display with new graphics. There's a flat, touch-oriented menu structure "for fast access to settings and functions and customisable display adapts to the situation at hand and provides the driver with the right information at the right time".
A digital key is used for access to the vehicle and the engine can be started by smartphone, software updates are effected "over the air" and there is also Microsoft Office 365 and Skype for Business.
There is also a big range of safety features, from steering and lane control to a cross-traffic warning system. However, prospective buyers will need to look carefully at what comes as standard and what comes as an option.
