The new 8-series is slightly wider, lower, and shorter than the 6-series coupe and will offer a similar powertrain portfolio. In the United States, BMW will launch the lineup with a single model, the M850i xDrive. An M8 is sure to follow, and its powertrain will be shared with the current M5.
The M850i, meanwhile, is powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8 in a lower state of tune. However, for the 850i, the crankcase is entirely redesigned, the injection system operates with far higher pressure, the ignition system is beefed up, and the turbochargers have been optimized for better acoustics. The result: Power is up to 523 horsepower (available from 5500 to 6000 rpm) from 444 hp in the 650i. Maximum torque is now rated at 553 lb-ft served up from 1800 to 4600 rpm, as opposed to the predecessor’s 480 lb-ft.
Torque is sent to all four wheels through the only available transmission, a ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic, which, as always, executes quick, impeccable shifts. The six-speed manual once available on the 6-series is gone. BMW claims the zero-to-60-mph sprint takes a mere 3.6 seconds, and top speed is governed at 155 mph. BMW buyers who actually want to push their car beyond this threshold can always opt for the M8.
The new 8-series makes use of a clever mix of materials that consists mostly of aluminum and steel but includes magnesium for the cross-car beam that the dashboard attaches to and carbon fiber for the center tunnel. The double-bubble roof can be specified in carbon fiber as well. All of this could only partially offset the weight increase dictated by comfort and regulatory requirements: At a claimed 4478 pounds, the M850i xDrive eclipses BMW’s claimed weight for its direct predecessor, the 650i xDrive. (The last one of those that we tested weighed 4247 pounds.)
The sophisticated chassis includes a multilink rear suspension, adaptive dampers, and an electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential. Staggered-size tires, 245/35R-20s up front and 275/30R-20s in the rear, are standard. All-season rubber will be available, but for the U.S. market, BMW is pushing hard to make a Bridgestone Potenza summer performance tire standard, since that is the tire the chassis is specifically tuned to.
With its chiseled, busy shape, the 8-series looks more extreme than both the 6-series and the historic 8-series. The front kidney grilles, connected with a chrome strip, assume a novel shape; the headlights are thinner than ever; the flanks are highlighted by air outlets and character lines; and the sloping rear end is graced with a thin spoiler and three-dimensional taillights that evoke the look of the i8 plug-in hybrid.