The international media presentation of the all new BMW 8 Series Coupe took place in Estoril, Portugal, at the famed Autodromo do Estoril. The former Formula One circuit is the perfect place to highlight the 8 Series Coupe's combination of emotion-stirring design, state-of-the-art luxury, advanced technological equipment and outstanding dynamic performance.
The expressive exterior surfaces are structured using crisp character lines, while the low-slung design, elongated silhoueete and flowing roofline enhances the car's powerful stance on the road. The two-door car measures 4,843mm in length, 1,902mm in width, 1,341mm in height and has a wheelbase of 2,822mm.
Of course, with the primary objective of thrilling driving dynamics in mind, the exterior also features an almost fully sealed underbody, active air flap control and Air Curtains including Air Breathers to help reduce aerodynamic drag.
An optional Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) roof is also available for the first time on a series-production model from the core BMW brand, and lowers the car's centre of gravity even further. The air intake bars, exterior mirror caps, rear spoiler and rear diffuser of the optional Carbon package are likewise all made from CFRP.
The newly developed sports seats are upholstered as standard in Vernasca leather, while the fulled leather trim for the door shoulders and instrument panel is also standard.
The 8 Series also features the latest state-of-the-art technology. This includes the BMW Operating System 7.0 display and control concept as standard, with customisable displays available on the instrument cluster and 10.25-inch Control Display.
And to enable multimodal interaction, the driver has a choice of using the buttons on the steering wheel, the iDrive Controller, the touch display, voice control or BMW gesture control. The further improved BMW Head-Up Display also features a larger projection area, new content and optimised graphics.
The engine transfers power to an improved version of the eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission, whose increased ratio spread, new transmission management and optimised hydraulic control produce sportier gear shifts while also enhancing its efficiency and smoothness.
Power is sent to all four wheels via the xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive system, with a rear-biased setup to deliver the driving experience for which BMW sports cars are known for. The electronically controlled rear differential lock fitted as standard on the BMW M850i xDrive Coupe also gives the car an even sportier edge.
