BMW’s fleet of cars under the 8-series badge is growing steadily. After the recent debut of the Coupé and Convertible body styles, the Bavarian marque has now revealed the saloon style of the 8 series: the Gran Coupé.
The 8-Series Gran Coupé is bigger than its Coupé and Convertible siblings on all three axes and has a 201mm longer wheelbase, which partly contributes to the rear doors. It has both petrol and diesel power train options, the highlight being the M850i xDrive which comprises of a 4.4L V8 motor issuing 530 hp to the crank.
The other powertrain options include a 3L inline-6 diesel engine (840d xDrive) making 320 hp and 680Nm of torque, and a 3L inline-6 petrol engine (840i sDrive and xDrive) producing 340 hp and 500 Nm of torque. All cars are mated to an 8-speed Steptronic gearbox. The xDrive petrol versions sport an M-sport rear differential and all 4-wheel drive cars get rear wheel steering as standard.
With the Gran Coupé announced, the full-blown 600hp M8 and 625hp M8 Competition, both powered by the 4.4L V8 with twin turbocharging are set to be unveiled later this year.
The 8 series Gran Coupé succeeds the now discontinued 6 series and is against the likes of Mercedes Benz CLS, Porsche Panamera and Audi A7. It is expected to hit international markets this September.
