autoevolution
 

BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe Spied for the First Time as M850i

That's not a BMW 8 Series, that's the new Porsche Panamera, right? Well, it is, and it's called the M850i Gran Coupe.
BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe Spied for the First Time as M850i 17 photos
Photo: CarPix
BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe Spied for the First Time as M850iBMW 8 Series Gran Coupe Spied for the First Time as M850iBMW 8 Series Gran Coupe Spied for the First Time as M850iBMW 8 Series Gran Coupe Spied for the First Time as M850iBMW 8 Series Gran Coupe Spied for the First Time as M850iBMW 8 Series Gran Coupe Spied for the First Time as M850iBMW 8 Series Gran Coupe Spied for the First Time as M850iBMW 8 Series Gran Coupe Spied for the First Time as M850iBMW 8 Series Gran Coupe Spied for the First Time as M850iBMW 8 Series Gran Coupe Spied for the First Time as M850iBMW 8 Series Gran Coupe Spied for the First Time as M850iBMW 8 Series Gran Coupe Spied for the First Time as M850iBMW 8 Series Gran Coupe Spied for the First Time as M850iBMW 8 Series Gran Coupe Spied for the First Time as M850iBMW 8 Series Gran Coupe Spied for the First Time as M850iBMW 8 Series Gran Coupe Spied for the First Time as M850i
This test prototype marks the first sighting of the 8 Series Gran Coupe, obviously excluding the M8 preview concept that was shown earlier. This is a replacement for the 6 Series 4-door model, and it will compete not only with the Panamera but also cars like the Audi A7 Sportback or the CLS and AMG GT from Mercedes.

The blue wheels, big intakes, and square exhaust tips give this away as an M Performance model. However, we could be wrong about it being the M850i. This could just as easily be the quad-turbo diesel version, as that powertrain is even going into the large X7 SUV.

But BMW is increasingly relying on its 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8, and we suspect the M760Li's V12 will even be replaced by this in 2019. For the Gran Coupe, the M-tuned engine should have the same output of 530 HP and 750 Nm of torque for a 0 to 100 km/h time of 4 seconds or under. xDrive with torque vectoring and an 8-speed auto will be standard.

Of course, it's not going to be the only engine, as BMW has already launched the 840d Coupe with 320 HP. Of course, this being a lifestyle car, the range probably won't go down into 2-liter units.

The styling is pretty much exactly what you'd expect. The GC has a trunk, unlike the 4 Series Gran Coupe that gets a hatch. This being a much bigger car, the 8er 4-door has some oversized shoulder lines and manages to make its 20-inch wheels with 275/30 R20 tires look small. Legroom in the regular 8 Series Coupe is tight, so this slightly less sexy 8er will at least offer real practicality advantages.
If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
About the author: Mihnea Radu
Mihnea Radu profile photo

Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
Full profile

 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories