20 years after the last BMW 8 Series rolled off the production line, the second generation 8 Series is back again, which BMW promises to be a grand tourer that offers thrilling driving dynamics.
The BMW 8 Series looks sleek and dynamic, with its low roof, wide stance, and short overhangs. The wide kidney grilles emphasize the 8 Series’ wide proportions. Measuring in at 4,843 mm long, 1,902 mm wide, and 1,341 mm tall, with a 2,822 mm long wheelbase, the BMW 8 Series’ proportions give it a very dynamic stance on the road. Its dimensions put it somewhere in between the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe and Porsche 911, in which BMW thinks there is a market for a luxurious grand tourer that offers a dynamic driving experience. BMW Laserlight with Adaptive LED Headlights provide bright illumination on the road, while the chiseled rear design gives the BMW 8 Series a purposeful look with its three-dimensional L-shaped LED tail lights.
Likewise, the interior focuses heavily on giving a sporty atmosphere. Inside, driver’s will be greeted to a 12.3-inch TFT LCD instrument cluster, complemented by a 10.25-inch touch screen LCD with a controller knob mounted beside the gear lever. These components fall under the newest version of BMW’s iDrive infotainment system called BMW Operating System 7.0. Being a grand tourer with sports car driving dynamics, the interior design features a shoulder that gives a clear separation between the driver and front passenger. Being one of the flagship BMWs, the 8 Series can be specified with interior trims that range from stainless steel trims in mesh design, and a glass gear lever.
In conjunction with the BMW Operating System 7.0, the BMW 8 Series is equipped with NFC (near field communication) in the door handles and the wireless charging pad, which means you can use your NFC-equipped smartphone to unlock, lock, and start the car, rather than use the BMW Display Key. Part of the new infotainment system is the ability for the car to provide over-the-air updates. Whether at home, the mall, or the office, all the car needs is a Wi-Fi connection in order for the updates to reach the car.
Powering the BMW 8 Series are two engine choices depending on where you live. The 8 Series range kicks off with the 840d xDrive, which features a 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo inline-6 diesel engine, producing 315 hp and 680 Nm of torque. 0-100 kph is achieved in 4.9 seconds. The other engine choice is the M850i xDrive, which is powered by a new twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8, producing 523 hp and 750 Nm of torque. 0-100 kph is achieved in a very quick 3.7 seconds. An 8-speed automatic comes as standard, as well as the aforementioned xDrive all wheel drive system that defaults to RWD under normal circumstances. It only sends power to the front wheels once the system detects slip.
Cementing its role as a sporty grand tourer are standard features that include the Adaptive M Suspension with electronically controlled dampers mated to the double wishbone front suspension and five-link rear suspension. It also has Integral Active Steering, which steers the rear wheels slightly for better stability and agility.
As expected, the 8 Series can be fitted with a slew of active driver assist and convenience features, the highlight of which is the Driving Assistant Professional, which features semi-autonomous features that include Traffic Jam Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Steering Assist, Lane Control Assist, and Automatic Speed Limit Assist.
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