BMW has pulled the wraps off a new sedan version of its 8-Series. Oops, make that a Gran Coupe version, the distinctive moniker the Bavarian maker is using for four-door versions of its coupes.
Though it picks up on the basic shape of the two-door 8-Series model, which launched just a year ago, the Gran Coupe is longer, taller, wider and roomier. It’s also being offered with a new, inline-six engine, as well as the 523-horsepower twin-turbo V-8 found in the two-door version of the 8-Series.
Set to start at just over $85,000 when it reaches U.S. showrooms next autumn, the 2018 8-Series Gran Coupe can push well over six figures with options such as performance tires, a carbon fiber roof, night vision, and a 1,400-watt Bowers & Wilkins audio system.
At first glance, you might not even notice the differences between the 8-Series and Gran Coupe. The immediate clue, of course, is the addition of two rear doors. The windshield, meanwhile, is more upright, and there are large air scoops up front with the M450i version with its big V-8.
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The Gran Coupe, however, is bigger in most key dimensions, adding 7.9 inches to the two-door’s wheelbase, for one thing, and 9.0 inches to overall length. The Gran Coupe also gains 1.2 inches in width and stands 2.2 inches taller, those number translating into a cabin roomy enough to allow adults to sit in the rear without bumping elbows or banging heads whenever the car hits a pothole.
Two versions will be offered. The “base” model is the rear-wheel-drive 840i – and all-wheel-drive 840i xDrive. It draws power from that new, turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six. It’s no slouch, making 335 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque. Which, BMW estimates, will be enough to get you from 0 to 60 in 4.6 seconds for the xDrive model, and 4.9 for the rear-drive package. Top speed is 130 mph with regular, all-season tires, and 155 mph when driving on performance tires.
The M850i gets the same 523-hp twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 found in the two-door 8-Series. The coupe is able to launch from 0 to 60 in under 3.5 seconds. The heavier Gran Coupe, BMW estimates, will need about 3.7 seconds to get there.
Both the 840i and M850i share an eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
Both models also come with a standard panoramic moonroof, though shortly after launch, the M850i will also start offering an optional carbon-fiber roof to reduce overall weight and lower the Gran Coupe’s center of gravity. The body itself uses a mix of materials to hold down mass, including aluminum doors and hood and a dent-plastic resistant trunk lid.
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As one might expect of the BMW flagship, even a base model is lavishly equipped, with standard leather seating and trim, though buyers can opt up to a two-tone leather package, as well. Unlike the two-door model, the Gran Coupe features a wide center console running the length of the cabin to divide it into four seating sections. The rear seats can be folded in a 40/20/40 configuration to open up more cargo space.
The Gran Coupe will offer a range of high-tech features, from the Laserlight-enhanced headlamps to the USB-C ports for backseat passengers, as well as the latest version of the familiar BMW iDrive.
There are also a number of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems available through various option packages. That includes the Driving Assistance Professional Package that includes:
- Extended Traffic Jam Assistant for limited access highways,
- Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Extended Frontal Collision Warning & Mitigation with full braking,
- Active Blind Spot Protection with steering,
- Active Lane Keeping Assist with Side-Collision Avoidance,
- Evasion Aid including pedestrians,
- Junction/Intersection warning, and
- Emergency Stop Assistant.
The Gran Coupe gets a double-wishbone front suspension and a five-link rear. An active steering system is meant to increase the car’s agility, especially during high-speed cornering.
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When it reaches U.S. showrooms, expect a starting price of $85,895 for the 840i, and $88,705 for the 840i xDrive. The M850i will start at $109,895.
