The luxury-focused automaker previously indicated that its hot-looking 8 Series concept coupe would form the basis for an actual production version. The Sleuth’s sources are now confirming this and also that the car won’t be a watered-down version of the curvy concept. The new four-seater will go on sale in 2019 as a 2020 model. There’s also further scuttlebutt that a coupe-like four-door variant will be added to round out the lineup of $100,000-plus premium vehicles. The new 8 Series (a number that has been absent for at least two decades) will reportedly get the same 445-horsepower V-8 and 601-horsepower V-12 engines as the current 7 Series sedan (both twin-turbocharged), but in keeping with the times and the competition, a plug-in hybrid powertrain is also expected. The 8 Series will join a resurging luxury-coupe category that includes the Mercedes-Benz S class, Lexus LC and Maserati Gran Turismo.
Concept cars generate good press, but when it comes time for production, a lot usually gets lost in the translation. The new BMW 8 Series likely won’t stray too far from the concept (pictured), however. (PHOTO: BMW)
