BMW has confirmed that it will commence production
of the long-awaited 8-Series at its factory in Dingolfing, Germany in 2018.
The new-generation 8-Series was previewed in concept
form earlier this year and will initially hit the U.S. and European markets as
a coupe next year. Once production and deliveries of the hardtop have ramped
up, the German automaker will look to bring an 8-Series Convertible to the
market in 2019, reports Auto News.
When it reaches the road, the BMW 8-Series will
compete directly against the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe and Cabriolet models
and therefore fill a void in the brand’s line-up that’s existed for the last
few years.
The 8-Series
will be offered in a range of specifications and with numerous different
engines. Among the most likely engines to be sold will be a turbocharged
3.0-liter six-cylinder and the M760Li xDrive’s twin-turbocharged 6.6-liter V12.
Additionally, we know that the M8 will share largely the same 600 hp, 4.4-liter
twin-turbo V8 as the all-new M5.
BMW has yet to say when we will see the 8-Series
revealed in its completed form but we’re tipping a launch at March’s Geneva
Motor Show.
