3 minute read
TIMELY UPGRADE
from one
by Nikola Mojic
BMW gives its iconic 8-Series a timely upgrade, to coincide with the M’s 50th anniversary
In the fiftieth year since the M badge came into existence, BMW has upgraded its lineup 8-Series modes, arguably the most emblematic model series in the Bavarian automaker’s line up of M badged cars. That is a lofty accolade when we consider that the M badged cars include a long line of legendary M3s and M5s, among others.
The high status of the 8-Series within the “M” universe is based on the fact that it is the successor to the original M8 sports coupé. While the M3s, M5s and other M-badged cars were M variants of regular BMW models, the M8, like the M1 before it, was an M-only model. This is true even today. All the models in the 8-series come with an “M” prefix.
The first generation M8, with internal designation E31, made its debut at the 1989 Frankfurt Motor Show. The 850i was the first model to roll off the production line in 1990 with a 5-litre V12 engine capable of producing 296 hp. Unquestionably one of the most beautiful BMW’s ever produced, The E31 M8 is a study in minimalist beauty. Its simple, uncomplicated flow lines make the car look as contemporary today, as it did when it first debuted.
The E31 8-Series production ended in 1999, with just over 30,600 units sold globally. As there was no direct replacement, the M8 badge ceased to exist. Even though the sales figures were bearish - due to unfavourable global geopolitical and economic factors - the M8 was much loved by enthusiasts and critics alike. In fact, the low production numbers added to its desirability, making it highly soughtafter in the classic car scene.
The ever-growing cult status of the original 8-Series coupé eventually led BMW to revive the M8 badge in 2018. First came the Coupé, codenamed G15. Then came two new body styles that were not offered with the first generation M8sthe Convertible (G14) and the four-door Gran Coupé (G16).
Built on the same platform as the coupé, the Gran Coupe is slightly longer and has two extra doors. The result is a more practical car, with a sedan body style, while retaining the dynamic handling and sleek roofline of the coupé. The cabin is designed to be luxurious and comfortable, but not at the limousine-like experience of the roomier 7-series. The emphasis here is to be a driver-centric performance sedan.
For all three body styles - Coupé, Convertible and Gran Coupé - customers could choose one of three model options. The 840i is the base model powered by a 3-litre Inlinesix engine. The other two models - M850i xDrive and M8 Competition - both have the same 4.4 litre V8. However, the M850i engine produces 523hp while the M8 engine has been up-tuned to produce 617hp. All three engines have twin turbos, and are coupled with an automatic 8-speed transmission with a manual shifting mode.
There is also an Alpina B8 with a more luxurious interior, and the V8 engine produces 612 hp, marginally less than the M8. For the 2023 model year, BMW has unveiled the 8 X Jeff Koons, a very limited edition 850i xDrive Gran Coupé designed by the American artist.
In the regular 2023 model lineup, the most noticeable change in the interior space is on the dash, where we now have a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster with its 12.3inch Live Cockpit Professional display. Optional packages include carbon bucket seats and leather.
The highlight of the exterior, standard on all new 8-Series models, is a new illuminated grille featuring redesigned vertical bars. The grille illumination activates when the vehicle is unlocked or when a door is opened. The driver can manually turn off the feature.
There are five new colours to choose from - Skyscraper Grey metallic, San Remo Green metallic, Portimao Blue metallic, BMW Individual Frozen Tanzanite Blue metallic, and Frozen Pure Grey. Plus, there are two new optional wheel choices.
The M850i xDrive coupé gets a new optional ‘M Sport Package Professional,’ which adds black callipers, a black kidney grille, a black spoiler, and Shadowline headlights with dark inserts. The M850i xDrive coupé, convertible, and Gran Coupe models can now avail the M exterior mirrors that were initially designed exclusively for the M8, as well as an M badge in the grille.
Another option is the classic BMW Motorsport logo on the hood, trunk, and wheel hubs in place of the traditional BMW roundel. This special logo, commemorating 50 years of BMW M, is reminiscent of the first logo BMW used on its M racing cars in 1973.
