New BMW M850i xDrive Coupe: First Official Details, Gets 523HP

BMW may still have the proverbial camouflage covers on their new 8-Series, but today, they uncovered details on the M850i xDrive Coupe.

Described as a perfectly harmonized package offering “fascinating sportiness and supreme comfort,” the M Performance model will be equipped with a “completely redeveloped V8 engine” that produces 530 PS (390 kW / 523 hp) and 750 Nm (553 lb-ft) of torque. Despite having 68 PS (50 kW / 67 hp) and 100 Nm (73 lb-ft) more power than the 4.4-liter V8 in the 650i, the new engine weighs the same.

The V8 will be connected to an improved eight-speed automatic transmission which has an “expanded spread and further shortened shift times.” It will send power to the ground through via a rear-biased all-wheel drive which features an active locking rear differential.

BMW isn’t ready to share full specifications yet but a previous report, which correctly predicted the model’s output, suggested the car could accelerate from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in less than four seconds. If this number pans out, the M850i xDrive would be faster than the M6 Coupe which required 4.2 seconds to complete the same task.

Regardless of how fast the coupe accelerates, the M850i xDrive comes loaded with performance-oriented equipment. Notable highlights include an integral active steering system and an adaptive M suspension with active roll stabilization. BMW also says the model will have a sports exhaust system that “authentically reflects the car’s power delivery.”

If that wasn’t enough features, the car has electronically controlled dampers and a dynamic stability control system that are “precisely oriented to the selected driving mode.” Speaking of driving modes, BMW said the Sport and Sport+ settings will make the power delivery and engine sound “become noticeably more dynamic.”

The 8-Series lineup is expected to be unveiled on June 15th and the model will go on sale before the end of the year.