The BMW 8-Series lineup is growing as the company
has unveiled the all-new Gran Coupe variant. The 8-Series has a familiar front
fascia that closely echoes the standard model.
As a result, the car has a wide grille that is flanked by adaptive LED
headlights with laserlights.
The Gran Coupe has a
less rakish windscreen and a taller roof. The model also has two rear doors and
a pronounced shoulder line. A panoramic
glass moonroof will come standard, but the M850i xDrive Gran Coupe will
eventually be offered with an optional carbon fiber roof. Compared to the Coupe, the Gran
Coupe is 228.6 mm longer, 30.5 mm wider and 55.9 mm taller. The wheelbase has also been stretched by
200.7 mm)to allow for more practical rear seats. Speaking of the latter, the model
has an extra 86.4 mm of rear seat headroom as well as an additional 180.3 mm of legroom. Rear
shoulder room also improves by 195.5 mm, while trunk space climbs by 19.8
liters.
The cabin largely carries over and drivers will find
a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster as well as 10.25-inch infotainment
system. Other highlights include heated
front sport seats, ambient lighting and a 40:20:40 split folding rear
seat. There’s also a head-up display, a
wireless smartphone charger and a 16-speaker Harman-Kardon audio system.
An assortment of options will be available including
a Driving Assistance Professional package. It includes Active Cruise Control,
Active Blind Spot Detection, Lane Departure Warning, Surround View Camera,
Parking Assistant, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Speed Limit Information.
At launch, the model will be offered with an
assortment of different engines including a 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo
six-cylinder that produces 335 hp and 500 Nm of
torque. It is connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission which can be
paired to an optional all-wheel drive system. With the latter option checked,
the car can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds, before
hitting a limited top speed of 250 km/h.
Diesel fans can opt for the 840d xDrive Gran Coupe
which has a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine producing 316 hp and 680 Nm of torque. It is paired exclusively to an eight-speed
automatic transmission and a standard all-wheel drive system. This allows the
model to run from 0-100 km/h in 5.1 seconds and onto a limited top
speed of 250 km/h.
Driving looking for something more powerful can wait
for the M8 Gran Coupe or settle for the M850i xDrive. The latter has a
4.4-liter TwinPower Turbo V8 developing 523 hp and 750 Nm of torque. Thanks to the extra power, the dash to 100 km/h is
cut to 3.9 seconds while the top speed remains unchanged.
The United States won’t get the diesel-powered
variant, but customers can opt for the 840i, 840i xDrive or M850i xDrive. They
will arrive in America this September and pricing starts at US$ 84,900. All-wheel
drive adds US$ 2,900 to the base price, while the M850i xDrive Gran Coupe will
begin at US$ 108,900.