The BMW 8 Series is on the way back – the German brand has revealed a concept version of the 2+2 coupe that will go on sale in 2018.
The Concept 8 Series, on show this week at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este at Lake Como in Italy, revives a model line last marketed almost 20 years ago. According to BMW bosses, the production version will aim to significantly increase the brand’s luxury class offerings as part of ‘Number-One’ Next’, the biggest model offensive in BMW’s history.
Industry sources suggest that the BMW 8 Series line-up will replace the coupe and convertible versions of the current 6 Series, and target the likes of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe. It will be a two-door car and will be offered first in coupe form, the convertible following a year later with very likely a fabric – rather than metal – folding roof.
Bold visuals
While production versions of the 8 Series are expected to differ in details to the concept, a bold exterior look will be an essential element of the new car. “The forthcoming BMW 8 Series Coupe will demonstrate that razor-sharp dynamics and modern luxury can go hand-in-hand,” says BMW chairman Harald Krüger.
“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.”
No details have yet been released of the car’s mechanical makeup or powertrains, though it is expected to use the latest lightweight chassis construction already seen in the 7 Series, and be available in both rear-wheel and all-wheel-drive form.
