(June 16, 2018) WOODCLIFF LKE, N.J. — BMW has introduced the all-new 2019 BMW 8 Series Coupe. Initially available as the BMW M850i xDrive variant, the coupe makes its return to the U.S. after 20 years and writes a new chapter in the luxury sports coupe’s story of outstanding performance, beautiful design and state of the art technology.

The new luxury sports coupe will be built at the BMW Dingolfing plant in Germany, home to BMW 7 Series sedan production. The number ‘8’ in the model name indicates the new vehicle’s high-ranking status within BMW’s product range.

As in the past with the BMW Z8 and with the current BMW i8, it is reserved for exceptionally sporty cars that stir the emotions. The all-new BMW 8 Series Coupe is the first key component of the Munich-based brand’s luxury segment model offensive.

The launch of the all-new BMW M850i xDrive Coupe also marks the premiere of a new BMW TwinPower Turbo V8 engine. The latest generation of the 4.4-liter eight-cylinder engine has been radically revised with numerous detailed improvements. Two twin-scroll turbochargers with charge air cooling located within the V-shaped space between the cylinder banks, High Precision Injection, VALVETRONIC fully variable valve control and Double-VANOS variable camshaft timing all form part of the M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology, whose extensive overhaul has given a substantial boost to maximum power, torque and efficiency.

The new V8 engine serves up an enthralling soundtrack, which is enhanced by the standard flap-controlled sports exhaust system. It boasts a wonderfully versatile character that can also adapt itself to effortlessly relaxed cruising. The Driving Experience Control switch can be used to activate both extremely sporty and distinctly comfort-oriented powertrain settings. In the SPORT and SPORT+ modes, accelerator response as well as the V8 engine’s power delivery and acoustics – which take on a particularly distinctive note in the SPORT+ setting – are all configured for an exhilarating driving experience.

The new BMW TwinPower Turbo V8 engine now generates 523 horsepower between 5,500 and 6,000 rpm and 553 lb-ft of torque from 1,800 to 4,600 rpm. 0-60 mph is achieved in 3.6 seconds with a limited top speed of 155 mph.

The directive for the all-new BMW 8 Series Coupe’s design was to provide a thrilling driving experience. Body, powertrain and suspension were honed to achieve the agility, precision and poise expected of a top-class luxury sports coupe. The all-new BMW 8 Series Coupe was developed in parallel to the BMW M8 GTE race car, which has already proven its potential in the 2018 FIA World Endurance Championship long-distance races and in the 2018 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.

The exterior design of the all-new BMW 8 Series Coupe exudes a very modern form of sporting appeal beautifully blended with an air of exclusiveness and sensual allure. The production model lives up to the expectations engendered by the BMW Concept 8 Series first unveiled at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in 2017. Its unique aura is the result of a new styling language focusing on modernity and emotional engagement.

The car’s low-slung design, an elongated silhouette with a slim window pillars, a roofline with a distinctive “double-bubble” contouring, a long wheelbase and wide track are the defining elements of the all-new BMW 8 Series Coupe’s proportions.

The luxury sports coupe’s promise of performance is visualized in dramatic effect by the elaborate, jutting design of the front of the vehicle, with large air intakes assuming an even more imposing appearance on the BMW M850i xDrive Coupe with the optional M Sport package. The BMW kidney grill showcases its increased proportions and features a hexagonal outline that widens towards the bottom and a single-piece surround that encompasses its various elements. The all-new BMW 8 Series Coupe comes features standard Full LED headlights with BMW LaserLight technology that are the slimmest headlights of any BMW model to date. Both light tubes are used to generate the daytime driving lights as well as the low and high beam, thereby creating the signature brand look at all times.

The greenhouse is sharply tapered at the rear, accentuating the muscular shoulder line. The elongated quarter windows terminate in a very tightly-angled version of the iconic Hofmeister kink “counter-swing”. The long, heavily raked rear window is a classic design feature of high performance luxury sports coupes of yesterday.

The rear end is composed of sculptured, emotive surfaces that emphasize the car’s width and low center of gravity. The slender all-LED rear light clusters extend deep into the flanks and add to the effect. The taillights light up uniformly in a distinctive ‘L’ shape. Twin exhaust tailpipes with a trapezoidal contour are positioned either side of the rear lower section.

An almost fully covered underbody, active air flap control with adjustable kidney grille slats and Air Curtains including Air Breathers help to reduce the aerodynamic drag of the all-new BMW 8 Series Coupe. Narrow exterior mirror bases, mounted directly on the side window weather strips help smooth the airflow.

The roof of the all-new BMW 8 Series Coupe mimics the design of the traditional sports coupes by featuring a central cut-out that recalls the “double-bubble” styling of classic racing cars.

This distinctive contouring is also available on the optional carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) roof which lowers the center of gravity enhancing the luxury sports coupe’s agility. Further weight savings can be achieved with the optional Carbon Package comprising air intake bars, exterior mirror caps, a rear spoiler and a rear diffuser insert all made from CFRP.

The interior has been designed to help the driver focus on the road ahead and enjoy the experience of driving.  The car’s wide center console rises up towards the instrument panel at the front, separating the driver and front passenger areas. This center space encompasses the audio control unit and its function buttons, the air conditioning control panel and air vents as well as the freestanding and frameless Control Display, all arranged above each other in a clear, horizontally partitioned structure.

The clear arrangement of the controls helps the driver to focus on what’s happening ahead. Apart from the gear selector and the iDrive Controller, the center console also accommodates the Driving Experience Control switch and the engine start/stop button, all arranged within a newly designed function cluster with active haptic feedback.

The control unit for the light functions is new and now consists of buttons positioned at the bottom of the instrument panel between the steering wheel and the driver’s door. A leather M sports steering wheel with multifunction buttons and shift paddles for manual gear selection is standard. 

The 8 Series will go on sale in the U.S. this fall.