BMW 8 Series concept revealed

Here it is, our first clear look at the upcoming 2019 BMW 8 Series Coupe, in concept form.

The last time anybody in the world could stroll into a BMW showroom and lay down cash or cheque on a factory-fresh 8 Series, Fight Club and The Matrix were blowing minds and Limp Bizkit’s Nookie was driving grown-ups spare.

Now, in time for the 20th anniversary of that first-generation model’s end run – with some 32,000 examples built over 10 years – an all-new 8 Series is coming to once again usurp the throne held, for two generations now, by the older 6 Series badge.

Revealed for this year’s Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, the Concept 8 Series you see here is likely not far off the final production car due in 2018. Because, unlike most manufacturers, BMW is not known for under-delivering on the promise presented by its glossy concept cars.

“The number 8 has always represented the pinnacle of sports performance and exclusivity at BMW,” says Harald Krueger, chair of the BMW board of management.

“The forthcoming BMW 8 Series Coupe will demonstrate that razor-sharp dynamics and modern luxury can go hand-in-hand. This will be the next model in the expansion of our luxury-car offering and will raise the benchmark for coupes in the segment. In the process, we will strengthen our claim to leadership in the luxury class.”

Them’s fighting words, aimed – the brand would never admit – directly at Mercedes-Benz and its flagship S-Class Coupe.

Of course, the Concept 8 Series is just as its name suggests – a concept. Technical details, such as dimensions, power figures and game-changing technologies, are still to be revealed.

But, as a styling exercise, there’s a lot to be learned here. Clearly, this new 8er will not be an overtly obvious homage to its ’90s namesake. Apart from its forward-slanted snout, the Concept 8 Series boasts few lookbook throwbacks to its progenitor.

Amusingly, the original 8 Series wore what might have been the smallest-ever example of BMW’s iconic kidney grille design, while this new concept can’t be far off claiming the broadest.

“The design of the BMW Concept 8 Series provides a fresh interpretation of iconic BMW styling cues,” BMW design chief Adrian van Hooydonk says. “And it also showcases a new approach to the use of forms which is reflected particularly prominently in the car’s surfacing.”

“A handful of crisp lines mark out clear surfaces, and the car’s volumes are powerfully sculpted. Together, these elements make a forceful statement and create a model brimming with character. In short, this is a driver’s car.”

The press release goes on, at length, about the concept’s exterior and interior styling, but little else has been revealed at this stage.

We can certainly surmise that the 8 Series will ride on a wheelbase closer to the 2945mm footprint of the Mercedes S-Class Coupe than the current 6 Series’ 2855mm, with overall length and width to increase proportionately.

Likewise, powertrains could mirror those offered with the big 7 Series sedan, which locally includes 195kW, 240kW, 330kW and, most recently, 448kW (M760Li xDrive) options.

Of course, with the new BMW M5 now confirmed to offer “more than 450kW” from its twin-turbo V8 – a far lighter mill than the 6.6-litre V12 that powers the M760Li – there can be little doubt which unit will drive the inevitable M8 flagship.

Watch for more on the new 8 Series to surface in the months ahead, and check out our gallery for more images of the Concept 8 Series.