BMW today revealed the Concept M8 Gran Coupe at the Geneva auto show, previewing what the company calls the "most exotic and alluring" variant of its forthcoming 8 Series flagship.
Like other Gran Coupe models, the Concept M8 transforms the 8 Series coupe into what is effectively a sedan with a rakish roofline. More than any other BMW, this concept shows BMW wants a slice of the pie that the Audi A7 and Porsche Panamera are already enjoying.
In explaining how the M8 Gran Coupe "embodies a new facet of luxury," BMW also tells us that M now stands for "more," suggesting a further dilution of a label previously reserved for vehicles with links to the brand's motorsports mission. Indeed, at one point, the M actually stood for motorsport.
Nonetheless, BMW says the M8 Gran Coupe's front end was designed to evoke notions of "dynamic talent," with headlights that echo those of the M8 GTE endurance racer and big, carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) air intakes. The roof is made of the same lightweight material in order to lower the car's centre of gravity.
Look for styling cues seen here to make their way to other BMW models, as these 8 Series cars are pioneers for the brand's latest design language. BMW says the 8 Series and M8 Gran Coupe models will reach showrooms in 2019, following the market launch of the 8 Series coupe later this year.
You may also like
