BMW 8 Series Gran Coupé Set For Local Debut In Q4 2019

BMW 850I Gran Coupe front

  • The all new BMW 8 Series Gran Coupé will launch with two variants: 840i and M850i xDrive
  • Combines four-door practicality with luxury driving and sporting dynamics
  • 4 + 1 seating arrangement with two integrated rear sport seats
  • Showcasing the latest BMW technology including Caring Car programmes
  • 840i features a 3.0-litre inline 6-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with 250kW of output and 500Nm peak torque
  • Range topping M850i xDrive showcases a 4.4-litre V8 turbocharged petrol engine capable of producing 390kW of power and 750Nm of torque
  • Additionally, M850i Gran Coupé is equipped with the M Performance specific xDrive all-wheel drive system, Adaptive M Suspension Professional with Active Roll stabilisation and M Technology Package to further its dynamic potential

The all-new BMW 8 Series Gran Coupé is poised to make its Australian debut in the fourth quarter of 2019 following the launch of the BMW 8 Series Coupé and new BMW 8 Series Convertible variants earlier this year.

“Breathtaking design, unparalleled ride quality and exemplary sporting performance are all qualities showcased in the latest BMW 8 Series,” said Vikram Pawah, CEO of BMW Group Australia.

“We are excited to expand the range with the first-ever BMW 8 Series Gran Coupé, which combines engaging dynamic qualities and innovative driver assistance while also delivering enhanced practicality for everyday use.

“It is the only model in its segment to be derived directly from a two-door sports car, making the 8 Series Gran Coupé the perfect blend of luxury and performance.”

BMW 850I Gran Coupe driving

Vivacious and thrilling driving dynamics

The BMW 8 Series Gran Coupé showcases a range of powerful engines combined with BMW M technology that create the performance characteristic of the ‘ultimate driving machine’.

Housed in the 840i is a 3.0-litre six-cylinder in-line turbocharged petrol engine capable of delivering 250kW of power and 500Nm of torque. It completes the standard sprint in just 5.2 seconds.

The M850i’s unmistakable exhaust acoustics are the product of an impressive 4.4-litre V8 dual turbo petrol engine. Generating a remarkable 390kW of power and 750Nm of torque, the car accelerates from 0-100km/h in an astounding 3.9 seconds.

Both engines are coupled with an eight-speed sports automatic transmission with shifter paddles for added gear shifting control.

A stiff chassis structure, combined with M suspension components such as Integral Active Steering, M Sport differential and Adaptive M Suspension, ensures maximum traction around corners.

Furthermore, the M850i receives the xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system with a pronounced rear bias, and Adaptive M Suspension Professional with an active anti-roll stabilisation system. The amalgamation of suspension and chassis components allow for enhanced stability and manoeuvrability, creating a supreme luxury sports car drive.

BMW 850I Gran Coupe profile

8 Series Gran Coupé: a captivating silhouette

The BMW 8 Series Gran Coupé features an elegant swooping coupe roofline with added four door capacity.

With an increase of around 20 centimetres for the wheelbase compared with its Coupé and Convertible siblings, the total length of the vehicle exceeds five metres. Together with the eye-catching kidney grille and slender BMW Laserlights, the BMW 8 Series Gran Coupé exudes confidence and demands attention.

A Hofmeister kink defines the side panel and seamlessly integrates with the L-shaped tail lights. Similar to its coupé stablemate, the rear features a tucked in glasshouse complemented by flared wheel arches and trapezoidal exhaust pipes that accentuate its muscular structure.

The M Carbon Exterior package can be optionally fitted to augment its dynamic aesthetic. This includes various M Performance carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) accessories such as M carbon Air Curtain, M carbon mirror caps and single-piece carbon finishers around the tailpipes.

BMW 850I Gran Coupe interior

Sporty, stylish and spacious

The generous cabin space and interior styling convey its dynamic intention and grand touring comfort while providing an inviting ambience.

Bespoke details such as full leather dashboard, electroplated buttons for controls and CraftedClarity glass application (standard for M850i xDrive) decorate the cabin, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship and emphasising the luxury interior environment.

Multifunctional seats with integrated headrests provide the driver and front passenger with additional adjustment functions for superior comfort, and are trimmed in BMW Individual Extended leather ‘Merino’ upholstery. Customers have access to the BMW Individual Extended catalogue for further customisation.

The two rear seat design exhibits a sporty single-seat character and provides a high level of lateral support during cornering.

440 litres of luggage capacity means ample boot space for all gear and luggage requirements on a weekend getaway. Further expansion is possible with folding rear seat backrests with a 40/20/40 split, which can be folded independently of each other to accommodate additional items.

The centre console extends all the way to the rear, which emphasises the division of the rear seats. A fifth passenger can be accommodated on short journeys in the middle rear seat.

During the day, the panorama glass sunroof allows added light into the cabin, highlighting the considerable interior space and setting a comfortable touring feel.

Ambient lighting is available with adjustable brightness and a vast array of colour choices to provide a supreme night time driving experience.

BMW 850I Gran Coupe rear seats

Setting the benchmark for connectivity

The BMW 8 Series Gran Coupé showcases the marque’s latest technology and equipment that has revolutionised the driver experience.

As standard, the BMW Live Cockpit Professional features a 12.3-inch customisable instrument cluster and a full colour BMW Head-Up Display. Both relay valuable information to the driver, keeping them connected to the car and the road.

BMW Operating System 7.0 presents an adaptable, clean and user friendly layout on the 10.25-inch infotainment display which can be operated via the iDrive Controller, steering wheel controls, touchscreen, gesture control or voice control.

Convenience is elevated with the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, which enables interaction and command operation through voice command. Activated through the phrase ‘Hey BMW’, or a personalised moniker, the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant can provide information for vehicle functions as well as assisting with tasks including navigation or multimedia requirements.

Included with the Connected Package Professional are In-Car Experiences which enhance the occupant’s wellbeing and interior ambience. This can be controlled via the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant.

Caring Car programmes include ‘vitalise’ and ‘relax’ set ups that automatically activate vehicle functions, such as air conditioning, music and lighting, to invigorate or calm the driver. Programmes last for three minutes.

Meanwhile, Experience Modes create a tailored atmosphere to suit the mood of all occupants. Similar to Caring Car programmes, a different combination of vehicle functions and changes are activated for three selectable modes: Executive, Expressive and Wellbeing. The changes are subtle and have no time limit.

The BMW 8 Series Gran Coupé demonstrates the latest driver assistance systems with Driving Assistant Professional and Parking Assistant Plus, which greatly enhance occupant safety.

BMW 850I Gran Coupe side

Highlights of the extensive list of standard equipment on the 840i Gran Coupé include:

  • M Sport Package
  • 20-inch M light alloy wheels Y-spoke style 728 M Bicolour with runflat tyres
  • Eight-speed Steptronic Sport Automatic Transmission
  • Adaptive M Suspension
  • 374mm M Sport Brakes
  • M Sport Differential
  • Integral Active Steering
  • BMW Carbon Core transmission tunnel
  • Soft close doors
  • BMW Display Key
  • Driving Assistant Professional
  • Parking Assistant Plus
  • BMW Laserlight
  • Panorama Glass Sunroof
  • Comfort Access system, including Automatic Tailgate and Digital Key
  • BMW Live Cockpit Professional with 12.3-inch digital instrument display
  • 10.25-inch Control Display with BMW Operating System 7.0
  • Active Seat Ventilation, front seats
  • Wireless Smartphone Charging
  • M Leather Steering Wheel
  • BMW Gesture Control
  • BMW Individual Metallic Paintwork
  • harman/kardon Surround Sound System, 16 speakers
  • BMW Extended Leather ‘Merino’ upholstery
  • Roller Sunblinds, electric
  • Multifunctional seats for driver and front passenger, including lumbar support

The M850i xDrive brings further specification with the following highlights:

  • xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system
  • M tuning on selected elements
  • Adaptive M Suspension Professional, including Active Roll Stabilisation
  • 20-inch M light alloy wheels Y-spoke style 728 M Cerium Grey with performance tyres
  • BMW ‘CraftedClarity’ Glass Application
  • BMW Night Vision with Pedestrian Recognition
  • 395mm M Sport Brakes
  • Tyre Pressure Indicator

BMW 850I Gran Coupe rear

By Variant: Performance and efficiency

Model

Engine

Power/Torque

0-100km/h

Fuel Use

CO2

RRP*

840i Gran Coupe

3.0L TwinPower 6-cylinder petrol

250kW/500Nm

5.2 seconds

TBC

TBC

$199,900*

M850i xDrive Gran Coupe

4.4L twin-turbo 8-cylinder petrol

390kW/750Nm

3.9 seconds

TBC

TBC

$272,900

About Rob Fraser 2487 Articles
Rob Fraser – General dogsbody & Director Rob is the founder of the business. He constantly mutters something about way too many red wines one evening being to blame. Often known for taking the 4WD in the driveway over the sports car, he has travelled pretty much everywhere in Australia and when he is bored goes for a drive. He first learned to drive on the farm in a left hand drive WW11 Jeep when he was 11, and was hooked on 4WDriving way back then. In addition to 4WD he is an avid motoring enthusiast and has maintained a strong interest in the industry ever since his teens. He has owned way too many cars in his time as well. Having previously lived at the top of corporate life he retired in 2000 and hasn’t put a suit and tie on since. Cars are his passion so why not have a business doing what you love he figures. He has towed either a caravan or camper trailer to most parts of Australia, has run guided tours for camper trailers’ and instructed drivers in off road towing.