First-ever BMW 8 Series Gran Coupé set for NZ debut in Q4 2019

• The all new BMW 8 Series Gran Coupé will launch with one high-performance variant: the 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 
• 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 set to make its New Zealand 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.

“We are delighted to complement the BMW 8 Series range with the first-ever 8 Series Gran Coupé, which seamlessly brings together a commanding styling package, dynamic driving abilities and peerless driver assistance technology while also delivering enhanced practicality for everyday use,” said Karol Abrasowicz-Madej, Managing Director of BMW Group New Zealand. 

“Furthermore, it is the only vehicle in the segment to be developed from a two-door sports car, which leads to an enviable combination of heightened luxury and excellent performance.”

Vivacious and thrilling driving dynamics

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

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. 

The engine is 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.

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.

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 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 Manufaktur 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.

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.

Highlights of the extensive list of standard equipment on the M850i xDrive  Gran Coupé include:  

• 10.25-inch Control Display with BMW Operating System 7.0
• 20-inch M light alloy wheels Y-spoke style 728 M Cerium Grey with performance tyres
• 395mm M Sport Brakes
• Active Seat Ventilation, front seats
• Adaptive M Suspension Professional, including Active Roll Stabilisation
• BMW ‘CraftedClarity’ Glass Application
• BMW Carbon Core transmission tunnel
• BMW Display Key
• BMW Extended Leather ‘Merino’ upholstery
• BMW Gesture Control
• BMW Laserlight
• BMW Live Cockpit Professional with 12.3-inch digital instrument display
• BMW Night Vision with Pedestrian Recognition
• Comfort Access system, including Automatic Tailgate and Digital Key
• Driving Assistant Professional
• Eight-speed Steptronic Sport Automatic Transmission
• harman/kardon Surround Sound System, 16 speakers
• Integral Active Steering
• M Leather Steering Wheel
• M Sport Differential
• M tuning on selected elements
• Metallic Paintwork
• Multifunctional seats for driver and front passenger, including lumbar support
• Panorama Glass Sunroof
• Parking Assistant Plus
• Roller Sunblinds, electric
• Soft close doors
• Tyre Pressure Indicator
• Wireless Smartphone Charging
• xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system

Performance and efficiency  

Key Dimensions  

As with all New Zealand-new BMW vehicles, a five-year warranty, three-year service inclusive programme and five year roadside assist coverage is fully included.