BMW announces the return of the 8 Series name with a conceptual teaser, due to make its global debut later this month
BMW has confirmed that the short-lived 8 Series name will make a return in production form in 2018, and has unveiled a teaser of the conceptual model that will appear at this month’s Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este.
Reviving the name that was originally produced between 1989 and 1998, the new BMW 8 Series is set to rival the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe, with many speculating that an M-division performance model could also be in the works to rival the Mercedes-AMG S63 Coupe.
The move also marks a rejig of BMW’s current GT line-up, with many expecting the established 6 Series – hitherto a larger highway cruiser – to be brought in-line with the Porsche 911 and the Mercedes-AMG GT. The new BMW 8 Series Coupe meanwhile would embody “uncompromising dynamics and contemporary luxury” and it strives to “underpin [BMW’s] claim to leadership in the luxury segment,” as stated by BMW head Harald Krüger.
Few details have emerged concerning the production model, though many believe the 4.4-litre TwinPower Turbo V8 used in the current 750Li could make the jump to the 8 Series Coupe and the mooted M8. Design-wise, the teaser suggests a long, rakish roofline a la the 6 Series, stronger rear haunches and a ducktail lip on the boot lid hinting at a future performance platform.
