The 2019, all new BMW 8-Series Coupe is arriving in Malaysia next week and the social media excitement is raging. BMW enthusiast want to see and touch this all new highway cruiser that is set to compete with the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe.
This luxury sports car will be built at the BMW Dingolfing plant, which is also home to the BMW 7-Series sedans. The digit 8 in the model name is indicative of this newcomer’s high-ranking status within BMW’s product range. As in the past with the BMW Z8 and also with the current BMW i8, it is reserved for exceptionally sporty cars that fire driving emotions.
The primary development objective for the new BMW 8-Series Coupe was thrilling driving dynamics. Body, powertrain and suspension were consistently honed to achieve the supreme agility, precision and poise expected of a top-class sports car. In the process, remarkably powerful engines were combined with the BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system and BMW EfficientLightweight design measures.
The new BMW 8-Series Coupe was developed in parallel to the BMW M8 GTE, which had already proven its potential in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) long-distance races and in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship (IWSC) held in North America. The production car now makes it possible to experience outstandingly dynamic performance in an exceedingly luxurious setting.
Power to match control
The BMW M850i xDrive is a true sporting flagship. Under the bonnet is a 530hp V8 twin-turbocharged petrol engine. This is the latest generation of BMW’s award-winning 4.4-litre eight-cylinder and has been radically revised. Two twin-scroll turbochargers with charge air cooling, High Precision Injection, VALVETRONIC fully variable valve control and Double-VANOS variable camshaft timing all form part of the M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology, whose extensive overhaul has given a substantial boost to maximum output, torque and efficiency.
The changes serve up an enthralling blend of power delivery and an equally impressive soundtrack, which is enhanced by the flap-controlled sports exhaust system. The Driving Performance Control switch can be used to activate an extremely sporty and a distinctly comfort-oriented powertrain set-up. In the SPORT and SPORT+ modes, accelerator response as well as the V8 engine’s power delivery and acoustics – which take on a particularly distinctive note in the SPORT+ setting – are all configured for a dynamic driving experience.
The crankcase is another of the new components. A new alloy has been used to increase robustness and wire-arc sprayed iron coating for the cylinder walls reduces frictional losses. Reinforced, Grafal-coated pistons and optimised piston rings are designed to endure strain on the crank drive that comes with extra output and torque.
Optimised power delivery, efficiency and emissions performance
Thanks to a 68hp increase in output with no impact on weight compared to the engine it replaces, the new V8 unit is now able to generate 530hp. At the same time, maximum torque has been raised by 100Nm to 750Nm, which is available over a wide rev range.
The new M850i xDrive Coupé accelerates from zero to 62mph in just 3.7 seconds. The combined fuel consumption of 29.1mpg and the combined CO2 emissions of 221g/km clearly demonstrate that the increase in the eight-cylinder engine’s power has gone hand in hand with improvements to its efficiency too.
The new 840d xDrive Coupé produces an enthrallingmix of pulling power and excellent fuel economy. The 3.0-litre six-cylinder in-line diesel with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology delivers a maximum output of 320hp and peak torque of 680Nm.
The engine employs multi-stage turbocharging technology and its performance characteristics permit relaxed cruising at low engine speeds, while also enabling the car to sprint to 62mph from rest in only 4.9 seconds.
Average fuel consumption comes in at a frugal 46.3mpg, equating to CO2 emissions of 160g/km. The system of emission control incorporating BMW BluePerformance technology comprises a particulate filter, an oxidation catalyst, a NOX adsorption catalyst, as well as an SCR catalyst with AdBlue injection for further reduction of nitrogen oxide emissions.
Both engines use an improved version of the eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission, with reduced weight, a newly developed controller and a gear ratio spread that has been increased from 7.07 to 8.59. As a result, it is possible to achieve significant efficiency gains with reduced engine speeds, particularly when driving in higher gears. Shift paddles on the steering wheel are included for manual gear selection, while the transmission features a Launch Control function for accelerating from a standing start with maximum power and traction.
The Steptronic transmission’s controller is able to adapt shift strategy to the current driving situation by means of intelligent networking with the standard Professional Navigation system, enabling it to take the planned route into account. Navigation data is used, for example, to shift down early when approaching a junction in order to use engine braking to slow the car down.
Four-wheel-drive as standard
The BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system operates more efficiently than ever before. With its rapid, precise and fully variable distribution of torque between the front and rear wheels, it maximises traction and handling stability not just when driving in adverse road conditions, but in highly dynamic driving situations too. Power is split in accordance with demands at all times using an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch that is networked with the powertrain and chassis systems.
To increase efficiency, all of the torque is directed to the rear wheels in situations in which all-wheel drive is not needed. The rear-biased set-up, which is even notable in challenging driving situations, guarantees the sort of driving experience for which BMW sports cars are renowned. When taking corners at speed, for example, just the right amount of extra drive force is transferred to the rear wheels to help the car turn in to the bend with supreme accuracy.
Integral Active Steering as standard
For a more focussed and sporty handling, Integral Active Steering is fitted as standard to reduce the turning circle when manoeuvring. This also increases agility at moderate speeds and optimises poise and assurance when changing lanes and cornering at high speeds. It becomes more direct as the speed builds but allows the driver to manoeuvre at low speeds with minimal steering wheel movement.
Optional active roll stabilisation further enhances the handling characteristics. Electric swivel motors on the front and rear axles ensure particularly fast and precise compensation of lateral forces.
