BMW 8 Series - Bigger, Bolder And Badder

BMW’s flagship grand tourer is back with an even more compelling design, and this time, is will also be available as a convertible and four-door coupe.

The previous BMW 8 Series breathed its last breath in 1999. After two decades, it has returned.

During its 20-year absence, the gran turismo (GT) badge of honour was passed to the second generation E63/E64 6 Series model that was produced between 2003 and 2010.

Now that the fourth generation 6 Series has morphed into a large fastback, the GT baton has been passed back to the new 8 Series, codenamed G15.

The 8 Series looks like a bigger and more muscular 4 Series Coupe. But it is more streamlined, and cuts a sleeker and sportier profile than its smaller sibling.

Its front headlamps are the slimmest in the BMW family. The signature kidney grille has been re-interpreted and refreshed.

The 8 Series roofline is contoured like a “double bubble”, as seen in some classic cars. At the rear, a pair of trapezoid tailpipes and non-functional air ducts take centre stage.

Overall, the second generation 8 Series looks more like a muscle car than the svelte third-generation 6 Series. With more presence and purpose, it provides the base for the M8 take on the aggressive-looking AMGs when it is launched.

Inside, the dashboard resembles the ones in the latest X5 and 3 Series models, albeit with subtle differences.

This is a shame given the 8 Series standing in the family hierarchy – a grand tourer should have a grand dashboard. However, this is a deliberate move as BMW wanted a minimalist design.

The front and rear seats are upholstered in BMW’s premium Merino leather as standard. The rear seat backrests can be folded to expand the 420-litre boot’s capacity.

There are two variants of the 8 Series for now: the M850i xDrive and the 840d xDrive (the latter will not be sold in Singapore). Though the M8 is still in the making, the M850i does not disappoint in the interim.