BMW Asia and Performance Munich Autos have launched the all new BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe at the Tanah Merah Golf Club, adding another captivating sports car into the ranks of the 8 Series range.

The new BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe combines the dynamic prowess expected of a BMW with the luxurious aura of a four-door body, delivering a far more spacious rear passenger compartment.

Available with two engine options, the BMW M850i xDrive Gran Coupe features a twin-turbocharged V8 that generates 523bhp and 750Nm of torque, while the BMW 840i Gran Coupe receives a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder producing 335bhp and 500Nm of torque.

Power is delivered for both engines through an eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission, while the BMW M850i also receives the latest generation of BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive that ensures that drive power is channelled onto the road with supreme dynamism and assurance.

All that power allows the BMW M850i xDrive Gran Coupe to race from 0-100km/h in 3.9 seconds, while the 840i Gran Coupe completes the same sprint in 5.2 seconds.

Design-wise, the Gran Coupe's front section is identical to the BMW 8 Series Coupe up to the A-pillars, following which a more upright windscreen frame allows the roofline to reach a greater height, adding headroom in both the front and rear. At the rear, the roofline merges smoothly into the tail in a graceful sweep emphasising the car's elongated silhouette.

BMW's Laserlight is standard on the 8 Series Gran Coupe with variable road illumination and Selective Beam, which produces a high-beam range of around 600m. Blue accents inside the twin headlight cluster help identify the sophisticated lighting technology.

Also at the front is the twin-kidney grille with adjustable slats. This combines with the completely sealed underbody and the additional front spoiler lip on the BMW M850i xDrive Gran Coupe to hone the aerodynamic properties of the car.

Intelligent aerodynamics also pairs with lightweight design in the 8 Series Gran Coupe. Extensive use of aluminium in the doors and the outer skin of the roof, as well as carbon fibre-reinforced plastic in the centre tunnel, help to keep the four-door version's weight penalty over BMW 8 Series Coupe to just 70kg.

Fitting the optional carbon-fibre roof lowers the car's centre of gravity even further, and there is also the option of a Carbon package comprising air intake bars, exterior mirror caps and a rear diffuser insert all made from Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymers.

Exclusive to the BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe model are the individual rear seats. Featuring contours and seam patterns modelled on the sports seats in the front, they have been designed to allow their occupants to also share in that sports car feel.

The extra 201mm wheelbase over the BMW 8 Series Coupe and the generously sized door apertures also ensure that passengers in the rear will enjoy unprecedented legroom for a BMW coupe, while also being able to get in and out more easily than ever.

BMW Individual Merino leather trim is standard specification in the 8 Series Gran Coupe for all seats and is available in Black, Cognac and Ivory White, as well as a variety of particularly striking two-tone colour schemes, including the new combinations of Midnight Blue and Ivory White or Tartufo with Ivory White.

The car's luggage-carrying setup can be varied with the greatest of ease courtesy of the 40:20:40 split/folding rear backrest. A large loading aperture, low loading sill, flat boot floor and uniform lighting all serve to improve loading comfort. With a capacity of 440 litres, the boot is big enough to accommodate three golf bags.