Previewed by a couple of spy shots last week, BMW's new Gran Coupe vehicle just made its official debut at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show. Believed to be a four-door version of the upcoming 8 Series, the vehicle was confirmed as the M8 Gran Coupe. BMW is basically using the same strategy as it did with the 8 Series, which was previewed by an 8 Series Coupe concept. At the same time, BMW confirms that the M8 Gran Coupe show car will be followed by production versions in both M8 and 8 Series guises in 2019.
“The BMW 8 Series will take over as the new flagship model of the BMW line-up and, as such, combines unsurpassed sportiness and elegance,” said Adrian van Hooydonk, senior vice president of BMW Group Design. “The BMW Concept M8 Gran Coupe offers a look ahead to the most exotic and alluring variant of the new BMW 8 Series.”
Sporting most of the new features seen on the coupe version, the M8 Gran Coupe is gorgeous to look at. Up front, we can see the same radiator grille kidneys that broaden as they descend towards the road, while the aggressive headlamps extend close to the wheel arches. The gold-colored kidney surround gives the car an exclusive look, as do the headlamps taken off the M8 GTE endurance racer. The air intakes below are made from carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP), a composite that BMW is using in production cars for a few years now.
The profile brings together the aggressive features of the 8 Series Coupe and four-door configuration of the 7 Series. However, the coupe-style roof gives it a sporty stance. Interestingly enough for a concept, the car sports conventional side mirrors. On the flipside, there are no door handles. Just like the front grille, the window trim is finished in gold. The same hue can be seen on the wheels, which also have an intricate twin-spoke design.
The rear end is again similar to the coupe concept, but the features are more production friendly. The taillights, for instance, have a more down-to-earth design, as does the diffuser like element and the quad-exhaust layout. However, the M8 Gran Coupe showcases a couple of flamboyant cues, such as the big spoiler integrated into the trunk lid and the gold tailpipe trim. Finally, it's wrapped in a special paint called Saleve Vert that changes from green to greyish blue in different lights. This color works well with the gold detailing, but don't expect it to become an option on the production model.
BMW gives no details about what's inside or under the hood, but it should share everything with the coupe. When the two-door model breaks cover, we'll find out more about the upcoming Gran Coupe too. Meanwhile, stay tuned for a full review of the concept car.
References
BMW 8 Series
Read our full speculative re view on the 2019 BMW 8 Series.
BMW M8
Read our full speculative review on the BMW M8.
BMW 8 Series Concept Coupe
Read our full review on the BMW 8 Series Concept Coupe.
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