The hits keep coming for the new BMW 8 Series with the addition of this: the new BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe (GC).
Like the 6 Series (and the 4 Series) Gran Coupe before it, the 8 Series version is not a coupe in the traditional sense in that it actually has four doors. Like the 4, the 8 Series GC receives a traditional trunk, as opposed to a hatchback as seen on the 6 Series GC. The rear window however, actually has more rake than does the Coupe as this allows for a larger trunk opening. BMW says the decision to eschew the hatch is because the fixed rear glass increases torsional rigidity and doesn’t allow as much noise to enter the cabin. It also provides for unique hand-finished flying buttress-style C-pillars.
While the 8 Series GC will be offered in three trims in the US (840i, 840i xDrive and M850i xDrive), Canada will only receive the M850i; there's no word at this juncture as to whether we'll see either of the 840 variants, though BMW Canada did say that the RWD version coming to Canada is highly unlikely.
Power for the two “840” models is rated at 335 hp and 368 lb-ft of torque from a 3.0L turbo inline-6, while the M850i gets a 4.4L V8 good for 523 hp and 553 lb-ft. According to BMW, that’s good for a 3.9-second 0-100 km/h time, and the V8 also gets a flap-controlled, modifiable exhaust system. All 8 Series GC models, meanwhile, receive an 8-speed automatic as standard. There’s no word at this juncture as to whether or not we’ll be seeing a full-pull M8 version of the GC, though a concept M8 GC did appear at the Geneva Auto Show in 2018.
Rather than just adding a rear door, the GC is 227 mm longer, 30.6 mm wider, 56 mm taller and sees its wheelbase extended by 200 mm. That helps increase interior space as does a more upright windshield, which provides more headroom for both front and rear passengers. While they tried to mitigate weight gain with things like aluminum doors, hood and roof, the top-spec M850i weighs in at 2,158 kilos. Opting for the RWD 840 has you just below the 2000 kg mark. BMW says that the longer and wider platform, meanwhile, makes for better ride comfort and stability at high speed.
Inside, a panoramic moonroof comes as standard, with an optional carbon fibre roof for the M850i available starting November. Standard Nappa leather ups the ante in the luxury department, and that can be boosted even further on the 840 models with the addition of optional Merino leather, a standard feature of the M850i.
Tech-wise, the M850i comes with iDrive 7 and its 10.25” infotainment display as standard. That’s paired with a 12.3” digital gauge cluster, each being able to be customized by the driver.
The 2020 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe goes on sale this September; look for Canadian pricing closer to that date.
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