2018 BMW 8-series coupe

The luxurious new two-plus-two coupe is planned to return to the BMW line-up in 2018 after an almost two decade hiatus as part of what company bosses describe as the biggest model offensive in the company’s history. The Concept 8 Series is being displayed this weekend at the Concorso d’Eleganza on the shores of Lake Como in Italy, and is the first in a series of ultra-premium cars from BMW.


Design with new BMW 8-series coupe

Speaking at the Concept 8 Series unveiling, BMW board member Ian Robertson said: "We want to bring more cars into the upper luxury segment. We have already announced we are in the development phase of the X7. We are working on other products as we feel there is a lot of opportunity there. The new 8 series is part of this. In the next couple of years we will see the most comprehensive change in the history of BMW."

Set to challenge the likes of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe at the very top of BMW’s current 12 model strong line-up, the reborn 8 Series will indirectly replace the existing third-generation 6 Series, which is due to cease production in coupe and convertible guises after being superseded by a new fourth-generation liftback model in the form of the upcoming 6 Series GT later this year.

2018 BMW 8 Series interior

“The 8 Series will be the next model in the expansion of our luxury car offering and will raise the benchmark in the segment,” explained BMW chairman Harald Krüger. “It will demonstrate that razor sharp dynamics and modern luxury car go hand-in-hand, in the process strengthening our claim to leadership in the class.”

The interior blends some familiar BMW design elements with some new ones. There are lashings of carbon fibre, diamond stitched leather sports seats, a large sporty steering wheel, BMW’s iDrive infotainment system and a digital gauge cluster – replacing traditional analogue gauges.

Entry-level 8 Series models could come with a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine but the majority of sales will probably be more powerful 3.0-litre petrol and diesel versions. Those looking for a bit more oomph should be able to pick either an eight-cylinder engine or a range-topping 6.6-litre twin-turbocharged V12. A high-performance M8 variant could be released further down the car’s lifeline, rivalling the Mercedes-AMG S63 Coupe. Models could also be offered with BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system and a plug-in hybrid model could also be developed.

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