After an absence of almost 20 long years, the 8-Series has finally returned to the BMW product line-up. Meet the 2019 M850i xDrive, the two-door performance-oriented coupe revealed as the first model of the all-new 8-Series. The German automaker chose the 24 Hours of Le Mans race as the venue to launch the new car; the M8 GTE race car which is based on the it also took part in the iconic endurance race for the first time. Visually, the new flagship car has stayed true to the concept version which debuted at the Villa d’Este Concorso d’Eleganza last year. Most of the design elements are dramatic and have been styled to look aggressive. According to BMW, the new 8 Series ushers in a new design language for the brand that will slowly percolate down to all the other models.
In terms of design, the Bavarian carmaker went with a cleaner, more contemporary styling. The headlights and taillights are slimmer and sleeker than ever and the LED lamps on the front can be optioned up to use laser lights. The prominent kidney grille uses active aero aids which along with ‘almost fully-sealed underbody’ makes the body more aerodynamically efficient. To make the car as light as possible, aluminum and CFRP (carbon-fiber reinforced plastic) has been extensively used along with the option to spec more parts in carbon fiber.
Powering the M850i is a “radically revised” version of BMW’s award-winning 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine that produces 523 horsepower between 5,500 and 6,000 rpm, and 553 pound-feet of torque from 1,800 to 4,600 rpm. The power is sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission with a wider spread of gear ratios. While the top speed is limited to 155mph, the M850i xDrive is capable of doing the 0-60 sprint in just 3.6 seconds. The all-new 8-series will go on sale later in June 2018 with the deliveries beginning in November 2018. The US pricing is yet to be announced, but it has been launched in Europe with a starting price of £100,045 (roughly $132,00)
[Via:Autoblog]
