2019 BMW 8-Series Wants To Be The Sports Car The E31 Never Was (89 Photos & Videos)

BMW has finally pulled the wraps off the new 8-Series Coupe at Le Mans, following various leaks, countless scoops and reports on the new Bavarian flagship model.

BMW is keen to point out that the new 8-Series Coupe’s primary objective is to offer thrilling driving dynamics. The chassis, powertrain and suspension were honed to offer “supreme agility, precision and poise expected of a topclass sports car”, which sounds pretty bold if you consider that the 8-Series is also considered a luxury coupe as well.

Perhaps this is why BMW chose Le Mans to unveil the new 8-Series, in order to establish the sporty credentials of its new flagship coupe.

The exterior design of the new 8-Series is sleek and dynamic, blending muscular surfaces in a cleaner package that looks and feels 100 percent BMW. Of course, the huge kidney grille helps bystanders into figuring out rather quickly its Bavarian roots.

The new BMW 8-Series measures 4,843mm in length, 1,902mm in width, 1,341mm in height and features a 2,822mm long wheelbase. These dimensions give the new BMW a very dynamic stance on the road.

Two engines to choose from (in Europe)

At launch, the new BMW 8-Series will be available with two engine options. The 840d xDrive is powered by a 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo diesel six-cylinder unit with 315hp (320PS) and 580lb-ft (680Nm) of peak torque from just 1,750rpm. BMW says it’ll do 0-62mph (100km/h) in 4.9 seconds and it’ll be the cheaper option of the range, at least for customers in Europe.

The other version is the M850i xDrive, which is powered by a new twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 with 523hp (530PS) and 553lb-ft (750Nm) of peak torque from 1,800rpm. The new BMW M850i xDrive is capable of pulling a 0-62mph (100km/h) in a very impressive 3.7 seconds.

Both models are paired to an improved version of the eight-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission, which features new management software and optimised hydraulic control in order to offer not only sportier gear shifts but better efficiency and smoothness as well.

Adaptive suspension as standard, active roll bars an option

Standard equipment includes the Adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers on both models, as well as BMW’s Integral Active Steering. Those who will opt for the M850i xDrive will get to choose active roll stabilization between the options. A full range of active safety systems is also present, and includes things like Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, the Steering and Lane control assistant, the Lane Keeping Assistant with side collision protection, Parking Assistant, and the list goes on.

Get inside and the new BMW flagship welcomes you with the latest “Operating System 7.0 display and control concept”, which is the company’s name for the displays in the instrument cluster and on the dashboard. The latter measures 10.25 inches in diameter and is operated by touch, voice or the iDrive controller. The digital instrument cluster measures 12.3 inches in diameter and offers several settings and graphics to suit every mood. Options include a new gear selector made out of glass.

Sitting between the S-Class Coupe and the 911

BMW thinks there’s a gap between the Mercedes S-Class Coupe and the Porsche 911 and the new 8-Series claims to offer the best of both worlds: a thrilling sports car driving experience paired to a luxurious cabin that never stops to impress.