BMW will unveil the all-new 8-Series on Friday but it’s shaping up to be a somber occasion as a prototype was involved in a fatal accident over the weekend.
As noticed by Motor1, BR24 is reporting the 8-Series prototype was being driven by a 37-year-old from Munich. The unidentified driver was reportedly taking his girlfriend’s mother out for a spin in the car when he lost control on a country road at around 10 pm local time.
The car was apparently traveling at a high rate of speed and hit several trees when it exited the roadway. As you can see in the video, the car suffered significant damage and eventually came to a rest on its side.
Also Read: BMW Gives A Closer Look At The M850i Coupe
The driver was able to free himself, but his passenger wasn’t as lucky. According to the report, the 53-year-old woman suffered “severe head injuries” and was pronounced dead at the scene. Two local fire departments had to use hydraulic scissors to cut the roof and remove her body from the car.
Excessive speed appears to be a factor
The accident is under investigation and the Landshut public prosecutor’s office has reportedly impounded the 8-Series. While the investigation is still ongoing, initial reports suggest the crash was caused by “significantly excessive speed.”
BMW 8-Series prototype testing
There’s no word on how fast the car was traveling but the prototype appears to be an M850i xDrive. The model features a “completely redeveloped V8 engine” that produces 530 PS (390 kW / 523 hp) and 750 Nm (553 lb-ft) of torque. It is connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission and a rear-biased all-wheel drive system.
BMW hasn’t released detailed specifications for the car but previous reports have suggested the M850i xDrive Coupe will be able to accelerate from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in less than four seconds.