8 Series Coupe is Coming Next Year, BMW Finally Confirms
It once sat at the pinnacle of BMW’s model podium, but cutting-edge technology, German opulence and a choice of eight or twelve cylinders couldn’t keep the 8 Series in production. It was only rival Mercedes-Benz’s decision to push the S-Class into the luxury stratosphere that compelled the Munich automaker to consider climbing the luxury ladder again.
Now, a year after the automaker trademarked a slew of 8 Series model names and insider sources assured us of its return, BMW has officially confirmed it. The 8 Series will reappear next year.
Before we get a look at the successor to the gorgeous 1989-1999 8 Series, we’ll first have to wait as BMW parades around a design concept. That show car — meant as an “exclusive look ahead” to the upcoming model — will appear at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este on May 26.
Until then, there’s a teaser photo to mull over.
“The BMW 8 Series Coupe will build on our tradition of luxurious sports coupes and add a genuine dream car to our line-up – a slice of pure automotive fascination,” said Harald Krüger, BMW AG’s board chairman, in a statement. “The 8 Series Coupe will underpin our claim to leadership in the luxury segment. I can tell you today that this will be a true luxury sports coupe.”
Going by what we can see of the design concept, BMW is going for sleek athleticism with the resurrected 8 Series. The model is expected to appear in coupe form in late 2018. A convertible should follow, along with sportier M variants.
Because of the wide range of trademarked model names, it’s safe to assume well-heeled buyers will have some choice in powerplants. A 12-cylinder option is expected to return — after all, what’s the point in owning Rolls-Royce if you can’t spread around components? One thing is for certain: the 8 Series will certainly not come cheap, given its status as a bridge between BMW’s 7 Series and the Rolls range.
A source tells Automotive News Europe pricing will start around $165,000.
[Image: BMW AG]
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This should make the Gen I 850i V12 more than merely cheap - it should be free! There's one in my area but I'm too busy to own one.
In my town (and probably in many, many others), the most inconsiderate, self-absorbed and infraction-committing I'm-in-a-hurry-so-screw-all-of-you drivers are in Mustangs and BMWs. The Mustangs are driven by the children of the wealthy, and I don't know, or care to know, who are driving the BMWs. So the announcement of another line of expensive, opulent and fast BMWs is about as exciting as a 2-for-1 sale at the Piggly Wiggly on cottage cheese. It's automotive news, sure, but for 99% of real people it's irrelevant and just a tad bit annoying.