BMW is getting ready to throw the covers off the
four-door GranCoupe bodystyle of the 8-Series, with our spies spotting an
almost undisguised example on the back of a truck. This gives a first chance to have
a real-life look around the lines of the extended bodywork of the upcoming
8-Series GranCoupe, which in a way replaces the old 6-Series GranCoupe in BMW’s
lineup.
Just like its Coupe sibling, the new 8-Series
GranCoupe features aggressive but subtle details all around, with angular
cutouts for the bumpers to dynamic character lines on the sides. There’s even a
new interpretation of the Hofmeister kink, if you’re in for details like this.
The interior will retain basically the same
dashboard design with the Coupe and Convertible models, featuring BMW’s latest
Live Cockpit system that includes a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a
10.25-inch touchscreen display for the infotainment system. The wide center console will also
be present, hosting the controls for the drive modes and the iDrive system, as
well as the (optionally made from crystal) gear selector.
The engine range will be shared in full with the
existing 8-Series models and will include the latest addition of a base
3.0-liter straight-six turbo petrol in the 840i model, making 335 hp.
The rest of the range features a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 with 523 hp in
the M850i xDrive and a 3.0-liter straight-six diesel with 315 hp.
Of course the highlight of the range will be the
wildly anticipated M8, featuring the same twin-turbo V8 powertrain with the M5.
Power is expected to surpass the 600 hp mark but the key feature of the new M8
will be its new Setup button that will allow the driver to tailor the car
almost completely to his/hers preferences. Apart from the classic engine
response, steering and suspension options, BMW’s new Setup option will also
allow you to adjust the brakes and how much pressure on the pedal you prefer
when braking. There will also be a Track mode that will be exclusive to Competition
models.
