BMW 8 Series

New BMW 8 Series Coupé: concept vs. production

Now that the new BMW 8 Series Coupé has been officially revealed (find all the details here), we’ve decided to take a closer look at exactly how closely the production version of the low-slung luxury sportscar resembles the Concept 8 Series that debuted at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in May 2017.

Placing the two side-by-side (concept on the left and production on the right, if you weren’t sure) reveals a handful of key similarities and differences, each of which we’ll outline below.

From front on, the most noticeable difference is the size of the headlamps and side-mirrors, both of which have been enlarged on the production model. The shape of BMW’s kidney grille is virtually unchanged (note that the production model pictured here features the optional carbon package), although the design of the lower air intakes is vastly different.

Looking at the two from a front three-quarter angle, it’s interesting to note that the deep creases running from just aft of the front wheelarch through the door have been retained, as has the general shape of the side glass. The production model has, of course, gained an exterior door handle.

From the back, the numberplate area has grown in size, while both the shape and placement of the exhaust outlets have been altered (he diffuser treatment, too, is different). While the rear lighting signature of the production model doesn’t stray far from that of the concept, the former gains reverse lights and a more conventional (flatter) cluster design.


Taking a look from the rear three-quarter angle, it’s clear that the boot lip is not quite as pronounced on the production version of the 8 Series Coupé as it is on the concept. The production car also gains a fuel flap.

In profile, while the concept clearly has a far pointier nose and the production model’s tail-lamps wrap slightly further round in the body, the sleek shape has been carried over without much change. Even the alloy wheels are similar in design and size.

Inside, the concept’s deep-dished (almost square) steering wheel has been replaced by a more conventional item, while the air-vents gain a completely different shape. But the general design of the centre console arrangement as well as that of the digital instrument display and centrally sited screen have made it through to production.

http://www.carmag.co.za/news/new-bmw-8-series-coupe-concept-vs-production/

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BMW 8 Series Officially Revealed: Coming to SA in 2019

BMW has officially taken the covers off its new 8 Series; after an all-too-brief appearance in the South African market in 1991, BMW's first class coupe will return to the local market in 2019. As ever, its looks are head-turning – it's overtly sportier than the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe.

The BMW 8 Series has finally been revealed in production form. Focused on performance, luxury and state-of-the-art technology, The G15-generation 8 Series will be manufactured at BMW's Dingolfing factory, which also assembles the 7 Series. BMW SA has confirmed that we'll be getting the new 8 Series in 850i xDrive specification.

As these images demonstrate, the new 8 Series is low-slung and looks both exotic and muscular, yet the newcomer has an elongated sinuousness to it. It's not a small car either, with measuring 4 843 mm in length, 1 902 mm in width, 1 341 mm in height and a wheelbase of 2 822 mm.

Because its '80s precursor was heavily criticised for being grand but not particularly entertaining to drive, this BMW would be judged a failure if it didn't offer engaging driving dynamics. Overseas, there's a diesel 840d xDrive, which is a 3.0-litre 6-cylinder turbodiesel pushing out 235 kW and 680 Nm. It'll do 0-100 kph in a claimed 4.9 seconds, but despite its performance ambitions, it'll consume around 6.0 L/100 km.

However, the headline engine features in the M850i xDrive, which is destined for our market. It is a new 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 motor that produces 390 kW and 750 Nm, which is said to propel the big coupe from standstill to 100 kph in a claimed 3.7 seconds. It is claimed to consumed an average of 10.0 L of petrol per 100 km.

In both derivatives, power goes to all four wheels via BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system. The transmission is a new version of the 8-speed Steptronic and features shift paddles on the steering wheel. In the SA-bound 850i xDrive, the 8 Series features a rear-wheel drive bias, a performance-tuned rear differential lock and a launch control system.

The 8 Series cabin does not look dramatically different to those of contemporary large BMWs, but the luxury details are exquisite.

In terms of technology, BMW's Laserlight headlights are available as an option, there's a new iDrive system and some of the new noteworthy features range from wireless charging, smart key like the one we've experienced in the 7-Series, heads-up display and an 11-speaker sound system (upgradeable to 16 speakers). Being a flagship offering, the BMW 8 Series has an opulent cabin execution: slick new-look instrumentation has debuted. The front sports seats are all-new and feature, inter alia, heating and cooling functions.

What's more, BMW has fitted the 8 Series with an array of driver assistance systems, including Personal Co-Pilot, which BMW claims, "relieves the strain on the driver in monotonous situations, such as traffic jams or slow-moving traffic. They additionally enhance comfort and safety both in urban traffic and on longer trips by providing targeted assistance in complex traffic situations." Essentially, the car will be watching for hazards when a driver's concentration is not at its highest. The new 850i xDrive features cruise control with braking functionality, as well as collision and pedestrian warning with city braking. Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go and Lane Keeping Assist and more safety features can be optionally specified.

We'll have more details about SA specification closer to the launch in early 2019. As it stands, it looks likely there will be an M8 and a convertible version of the 8 Series.

https://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/bmw-8-series-officially-revealed-coming-to-sa-in-2019/45150/
 
BMW 8 Series Configurator Shows Us That M Sport Package Is VITAL

The BMW 8 Series configurators have begun to go live around the world and up until now we have only seen the M850i xDrive version with and without the optional Carbon pack.

Ticking the option of the 840d xDrive Coupe and you will be shocked at what you see. It looks so plain and boring that it should be compulsory to get the M Sport package with any 8 Series variant you may choose.

Lucky for us in South Africa, we are only getting the M850i xDrive Coupe for now which means all these Bavarian beasts roaming our streets will be packing the crucial M Sport package.

https://www.zero2turbo.com/2018/06/...r-shows-us-that-m-sport-package-is-vital.html

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Here’s what the new BMW 8 Series looks like in base trim

When the new BMW 8 Series was revealed, the official press images showed the fresh-faced coupé in M850i xDrive guise only (along with a shot or two with the optional Carbon package fitted).

We do know, however, that an 840d xDrive will also be offered in some markets (excluding South Africa), and this derivative doesn’t wear the Bavarian brand’s M Sport package as standard. And now that the first configurator has gone live (in Belgium, interestingly enough), we have the chance to see what the 8 Series looks like in base trim.

The M Sport package (which, incidentally will be offered as an option on the 840d) brings larger air intakes in the front apron, a more aggressively contoured rear apron, an M rear spoiler and chunkier side-skirts, as well as “air breathers” finished in pearl-effect chrome and a rear diffuser (with different exhaust outlets) in grey.

The M850i furthermore features larger brakes with blue callipers as standard, along with 20-inch M alloy wheels (the 840d ships standard on 18-inch items).

Of course, you’ll likely never see a base-spec 8 Series Coupé here in South Africa seeing as only the M850i xDrive derivative will be offered locally at launch in November 2018. Still, it’s interesting to note the difference the M Sport kit makes.

http://www.carmag.co.za/news/heres-new-bmw-8-series-looks-like-base-trim/

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Now that it's official I don't know if I like it.

How much bigger will this thing be vs. a 6series? The 6series in itself is a huge car.
 
BMW kicks off production of the new 8 Series Coupé

BMW has announced the start of production of the new 8 Series Coupé at Plant Dingolfing, after investing an amount in the “low three-digit-million” euro range in the facility.

The Munich-based brand’s new flagship coupé was unveiled in mid-June, and is expected to launch in South Africa (exclusively in M850i xDrive guise) in the first quarter of 2019.

BMW says the new 8 Series is being built alongside the 5 Series and 7 Series, and features a “clever mix” of lightweight materials for the body, including steel, plastic, aluminium and carbon-fibre.

In addition to the supporting structures at the front and rear of the vehicle, other components, such as the roof, doors, bonnet and the front firewall are fashioned from aluminium. The roof, though, is also available in carbon-fibre reinforced plastic, which is manufactured at Dingolfing, too.

Interestingly, the brand says “a large number of digital innovations” have furthermore been integrated into the production process, including self-driving transport systems and smart devices. For example, in door assembly, parts are delivered to the line by autonomous tugger trains, while on the finish line, robots measure gaps and misalignments.

“As the plant that builds the BMW 7 Series sedans, BMW Group Plant Dingolfing has outstanding expertise in producing vehicles for the luxury segment. We are optimally prepared for production of the new BMW 8 Series Coupé. I am sure our customers around the world will love this luxury sports car,” said Dr. Andreas Wendt, head of BMW Group Plant Dingolfing.

http://www.carmag.co.za/news/bmw-kicks-off-production-new-8-series-coupe/

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2018 BMW 8 Series on course to reach UK roads in November

Production of all-new two-door coupé, which is designed to serve up 911 performance with S-Class luxury, has begun in Germany

BMW has begun production of the new 8 Series Coupé at its Dingolfing plant in Germany, meaning the first customer cars are on course to reach UK roads in November.

A BMW spokesman told Autocar that the first cars to roll off the production lines will be demonstrators and press vehicles. They will be followed by customer examples, built in one of two available launch specifications, M850i xDrive and 840d xDrive, which cost from £100,045 and £76,270 respectively.

The new two-door will offer Porsche 911 performance with the luxury of a Mercedes-Benz S-Class, according to BMW's global product manager, Sarah Lessmann. She said at the car's public debut at the 24 Hours of Le Mans last month that the brief was to “define how a sports car should be”, adding: “Everyone in the project had the vision of BMW getting back to sports cars, and not just sporty cars.”

The premium performance model, which revives the 8 Series nameplate last seen in 1999, has also been conceived to kick-start BMW’s push into the super-luxury market. Such is the importance of this model that BMW has invested heavily in the Dingolfing site to equip it with more robotic manufacturing machines and self-driving transport systems.

At launch, the range-topping M850i xDrive features a 4.4-litre V8 petrol engine that produces 523bhp with 554lb ft of torque available between 1800rpm and 4600rpm. It can achieve 0-62mph in 3.7sec, with a limited top speed of 155mph.

The V8 engine has been reworked extensively, including new enlarged twin-scroll turbochargers, increasing power by 67bhp from previous versions.

The other launch model, the 840d xDrive, is powered by a 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder diesel unit producing 316bhp and 501lb ft, with a 0-62mph time of 4.9sec.

Both models employ an eight-speed gearbox, with the gear ratios increased to boost the sporting performance. The 8 Series also features the xDrive all-wheel drive system, with a rear-biased set-up that sends all the power to the rear wheels as standard.

BMW believes that the performance focus of the 8 Series means it can fill a gap in the luxury sports car market between models such as the S-Class and the Porsche 911.

“We have a broad range of competitors; comparing the 8 Series to only one just doesn’t feel right,” said Lessmann.

“There is a big gap [between the S-Class Coupé and the 911] and we decided the 8 Series shouldn’t quite be in the middle of those; it takes the best out of everything and defines its own gap. Performance wise, we’re close to the 911, but we also offer elegant and luxurious materials to match the best of the S-Class.”

https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/2018-bmw-8-series-course-reach-uk-roads-november

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BMW Confirms 8 Series Convertible is Coming

German carmaker BMW confirmed that it will be expanding on its 8-Series portfolio, with a convertible and Gran Coupe model expected. Here's what we know so far.

*Our in-house artist's impression of what the forthcoming BMW 8 Series convertible will look like*

The BMW 8-Series is one of the finest looking products to come from the Munich-based manufacturer, but it's not stopping there. Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW Harald Kruger held a conference call to discuss the brand's financial performance for the first half of 2018 and was keen to talk about future product.

“We have another ace up our sleeve: A systematic expansion of our luxury segment,” Kruger said. “Within the new 8 series model range, production of the new BMW 8 Series Coupé is already underway. The market launch is scheduled for November. This will be followed in 2019 by the Convertible and Gran Coupé, as well as the corresponding M models.”

We expect the BMW 8-Series range to be expanded to a convertible and a four-door Gran Coupe model. There will also be the BMW M8, both in coupe and convertible bodystyle too. In terms of engine, there's the petrol M850i and the oil-burning 840d, and we think the M5 motor will find its way into the M8. It's going to be a busy two years for BMW as it will also launching facelifted many new models, ranging from the all-new 3 Series, a new Z4, facelifted X2, X4, all-new X5 and X7.

https://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/bmw-confirms-8-series-convertible-is-coming/45374/

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BMW 9 Series, anyone? Design boss hints at fresh flagship

BMW’s head of design has dropped a not-so-subtle hint that the Munich-based brand is considering creating a new 9 Series flagship to slot in above the 8 Series and take the fight to Mercedes-Maybach.

Speaking to Autocar, BMW design director Adrian van Hooydonk said that his team has “a lot of plans”.
“Let’s say this: we won’t stop here [with the new 8 Series]. Obviously, our job is to have more ideas than the company can build, because the other way round would be very bad,” Van Hooydonk said.

“My team and I are now looking at 2021 and beyond – as far out as 2030. We have a lot of plans.”

According to the British publication, the 9 Series would be positioned to rival the Mercedes-Maybach S600.

The Bavarian automaker has already started production of its new 8 Series at Plant Dingolfing, after unveiling the flagship coupé in mid-June. A high-performance M8 as well as an 8 Series Gran Coupé are expected to follow.

http://www.carmag.co.za/news/bmw-9-series-anyone-design-boss-hints-at-fresh-flagship/
 
BMW drops first official images of new 8 Series Convertible

BMW has revealed the first official images of its new 8 Series Convertible, showing a camouflaged version of upcoming drop-top undergoing “intensive” testing between Las Vegas and Death Valley in the United States.

The Munich-based brand says its new model will combine “stylish elegance, exclusiveness and individuality” with “cutting edge equipment features in the areas of driver assistance, operation and networking”. It adds that the convertible’s character will be “enhanced by high-quality drive and suspension technology” from the coupé.

The automaker says the results of its latest batch of hot climate testing in the US provide insights into the functional safety of mechanical and electronic components under extreme weather conditions. In addition, BMW says the trip put the “dust-proofness” of the multi-layer soft-top and the roof mechanism to the test.

The new 8 Series Convertible has also undergone winter testing in Sweden, as well as “intensive” test drives on BMW’s proving ground in Miramas in France and on the Nürburgring in Germany.

The Bavarian automaker has already started production of its new 8 Series at Plant Dingolfing, after unveiling the flagship coupé in mid-June. A high-performance M8 as well as an 8 Series Gran Coupé are expected to follow.

BMW’s head of design also recently dropped a not-so-subtle hint that the brand is considering creating a new 9 Series flagship to slot in above the 8 Series and take the fight to Mercedes-Maybach.

http://www.carmag.co.za/news/bmw-drops-first-official-images-8-series-convertible/

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BMW 8 Series coming to SA: We have M850i price

We have the price for the all-new BMW 8 Series, which is due to make landfall in South Africa around March 2019. Check how much this gorgeous coupe will cost.

BMW has officially taken the covers off its new 8 Series; after an all-too-brief appearance in the South African market in 1991, BMW's first class coupe will return to the local market in March 2019. As ever, its looks are head-turning – it's overtly sportier than the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe.

The BMW 8 Series has finally been revealed in production form. Focused on performance, luxury and state-of-the-art technology, The G15-generation 8 Series will be manufactured at BMW's Dingolfing factory, which also assembles the 7 Series. BMW SA has confirmed that we'll be getting the new 8 Series in 850i xDrive specification.

As these images demonstrate, the new 8 Series is low-slung and looks both exotic and muscular, yet the newcomer has an elongated sinuousness to it. It's not a small car either, with measuring 4 843 mm in length, 1 902 mm in width, 1 341 mm in height and a wheelbase of 2 822 mm.

Because its '80s precursor was heavily criticised for being grand but not particularly entertaining to drive, this BMW would be judged a failure if it didn't offer engaging driving dynamics. Overseas, there's a diesel 840d xDrive, which is a 3.0-litre 6-cylinder turbodiesel pushing out 235 kW and 680 Nm. It'll do 0-100 kph in a claimed 4.9 seconds, but despite its performance ambitions, it'll consume around 6.0 L/100 km.

However, the headline engine features in the M850i xDrive, which is destined for our market. It is a new 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 motor that produces 390 kW and 750 Nm, which is said to propel the big coupe from standstill to 100 kph in a claimed 3.7 seconds. It is claimed to consumed an average of 10.0 L of petrol per 100 km.

In both derivatives, power goes to all four wheels via BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system. The transmission is a new version of the 8-speed Steptronic and features shift paddles on the steering wheel. In the SA-bound 850i xDrive, the 8 Series features a rear-wheel drive bias, a performance-tuned rear differential lock and a launch control system.

In terms of technology, BMW's Laserlight headlights are available as an option, there's a new iDrive system and some of the new noteworthy features range from wireless charging, smart key like the one we've experienced in the 7-Series, heads-up display and an 11-speaker sound system (upgradeable to 16 speakers). Being a flagship offering, the BMW 8 Series has an opulent cabin execution: slick new-look instrumentation has debuted. The front sports seats are all-new and feature, inter alia, heating and cooling functions.

What's more, BMW has fitted the 8 Series with an array of driver assistance systems, including Personal Co-Pilot, which BMW claims, "relieves the strain on the driver in monotonous situations, such as traffic jams or slow-moving traffic. They additionally enhance comfort and safety both in urban traffic and on longer trips by providing targeted assistance in complex traffic situations." Essentially, the car will be watching for hazards when a driver's concentration is not at its highest. The new 850i xDrive features cruise control with braking functionality, as well as collision and pedestrian warning with city braking. Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go and Lane Keeping Assist and more safety features can be optionally specified.

We'll have more details about SA specification closer to the launch in March 2019. As it stands, it looks likely there will be an M8 and a convertible version of the 8 Series following on too.

BMW 8 Series Price in South Africa

This is the basic price, with CO2 tax included.

BMW M850i xDrive Coupe R 1 887 827

https://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/bmw-8-series-coming-to-sa-we-have-m850i-price/45150/
 
New BMW 8 Series will go rear-wheel drive … but not V12

When the new BMW 8 Series was revealed in June 2018, the Bavarian brand showed only two derivatives (the M850i xDrive and the 840d xDrive), both employing all-wheel drive. Now, however, the automaker has confirmed it will eventually also offer a rear-wheel-drive variant.

The two-door sportscar is scheduled to go on sale in South Africa in the first quarter of 2019, initially in M850i xDrive guise only. But a rear-drive derivative (as well as an M8, Gran Coupé and Convertible) is also on the cards.

“We will have something in the near future, which is also rear-wheel drive,” Carsten Groeber, BMW’s vice president of product management in the luxury class, told GoAuto.com.

Groeber also effectively ruled out the use of the BMW Group’s 6,0-litre V12 engine (which makes a whopping 448 kW in the M760Li) in the 8 Series coupé.

“Everything is possible, but we think the newly developed eight-cylinder is the perfect package,” he told the Australian publication.

“V12 is very heavy and we have a very perfect weight distribution with this car. So the package with the V8 with those technologies with the chassis and the drivetrain makes the car a proper sportscar. In our opinion, a V12 will be too heavy in the front.”

The M850i’s twin-turbo 4,4-litre V8 petrol engine is linked to an eight-speed automatic transmission, and sends 390 kW and 750 N.m to all four corners. The obligatory zero to 100 km/h dash is completed in a claimed 3,7 seconds, while top speed comes in at 250 km/h.

http://www.carmag.co.za/news/new-bmw-8-series-will-go-rear-wheel-drive-but-wont-get-v12/
 
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