At the end of 2018, the BMW 8 Series returns to the model portfolio of the Bavarian brand as a the ultimate weapon against Mercedes’ own S-Class Cabrio. First pictures and information about the upper-class two-door.
As early as March 2016, BMW development board member Klaus Fröhlich confirmed that the company wants to close the gap between the 7 Series and the Rolls-Royce with a new model series, the reborn BMW 8 Series. The Bayern aim specifically at Mercedes, which has seen decent success with the S-Class Coupe and the S-Class Convertible.
The BMW 8 Series will come to the market from 2019 initially as a Coupe (G15) and later – 2020 – also as a convertible (G14). The open two-door vehicle will use a fabric hood. Under the sheet metal dress, the technology from the new 7 Series is used. Underneath the long hood, there are different variants of the 4.4-liter V8 twin-turbo engine. The power spectrum is expected to range from 460 to just over 600 hp.
Technically feasible, but unlikely is the use of six-cylinder engines. The same applies to diesel and hybrid powertrains. Four-wheel drive will be available as an option. The eight-speed automatic is standard. Quite plausible would be a version with the V12 engine from the BMW M760i. Although this would not bring more power (600 hp and 800 Nm), but significantly more prestige. A factor that stands out in this segment.
The abbreviation M8 has been protected by the Bavarians. Now for the first time the potent sports version of the 8 Series was caught with the biturbo V8 from the new M5. It will have 600 hp and 750 Nm of torque and is combined with an eight-speed sports automatic and extremely dynamic driving designed M xDrive all-wheel drive.
The prices for the 8 Series Convertible are expected to start at around 160,000 euros, the M8 version from around 190,000 euros, just in line with the Mercedes S-Class Cabrio.
Photo: auto-motor-und-sport.de
