The new BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe
Edited by Shereen Shabnam
The new BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe embodies a brand of sporting flair unique in the luxury segment as it is the only model in its division derived directly from a two-door sports car and comes with a dynamic potential, a much longer wheelbase and model-specific chassis tuning.
The standalone body concept with the powertrain and chassis technology is designed squarely to engender supreme dynamic ability and hence creates an unmistakable balance between sports performance and ride comfort.
For buyers who have an adventure streak in them but need everyday practicality, the new BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe has mile-covering ability and comfort rolled into a car that looks good and performs dynamically with a maximum output of 390 kW/530 hp and peak torque of 750 Nm (553 lb-ft).
The imposing power delivery of the 4.4-litre V8 engine in the new BMW M850i xDrive Gran Coupe is accompanied by a character-rich soundtrack further amplified by the M Sport exhaust system. With its the new V8 engine, the BMW M850i xDrive Gran Coupe accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.9 seconds.
The four-door coupe concept has been translated into a body of standout pomp and progressiveness. The wide, low-slung front end exudes sporting intent and a confident presence and adaptive LED headlights are fitted as standard.
The distinctive style of the new BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe is also expressed in the design of its interior. The driving experience in both the front and rear is defined by a flawless symbiosis of dynamism and luxury.
The lengthy wheelbase and generously sized door apertures give passengers in the rear unprecedented legroom for a BMW coupe. They are able to get in and out more easily than ever.
Passengers seated at the back also benefit from substantially greater shoulder room and headroom than in the two-door version of the new BMW 8 Series, making the second-row seats more comfortable to travel in.
One of the first places I look when checkoing out a new car is the boot – the car’s luggage-carrying setup can be customised with the greatest of ease courtesy of the 40 : 20 : 40 split/folding rear backrest.
Individual sections can be folded down from the boot using a lever. With a capacity of 440 litres, the boot is big enough to accommodate naturally my shoe rack and gym bag but also for more outgoing sport enthusiasts, the car can accommodate up to three golf bags.
With different drive modes and smooth power delivery, the drive experience of the new BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe certainly promises to be superb.
