The BMW 8 Series is a grand tourer produced by German luxury automobile manufacturer BMW from 1990 to 1999 and revived in 2019. It was initially designed as a concept car called the E31, which debuted at the 1989 Frankfurt Motor Show.
First Generation (E31, 1990-1999)
The production version of the 8 Series was unveiled in September 1990 and was available with inline-six or V12 engines. The 850i model featured a 5.0-liter M70 engine producing 300 horsepower, while the 840Ci had an aluminum-block 4.0-liter M60 engine generating 286 horsepower.
Characterized by its sleek, wedge-shaped design, pop-up headlights, and aggressive stance, the E31 was aimed at a younger demographic looking for a powerful and dynamic driving experience. However, its high price point and reliability issues limited its sales success, selling only around 30,000 units during its nine-year production run.
Second Generation (G15/G13, 2019-present)
The new 8 Series made its debut at the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show as a concept car called the Z4/8 Concept and was later renamed to M850i xDrive Coupe. The production version premiered in June 2018.
Featuring a sleeker design with gull-wing doors, the G15/G13 is based on the BMW Cluster Architecture (BSC) platform shared with the larger X7 SUV. Engine options include an inline-six M50I engine producing 523 horsepower and an optional V8 B58 engine with a dual-turbo setup, also producing 523 horsepower.
The new 8 Series focuses on comfort, technology, and driving dynamics, incorporating features like active steering, adaptive suspension, and a reworked chassis. The cabin boasts premium materials, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), and an extensive infotainment suite. The G15/G13 is available as a coupe or convertible, with the former featuring a retractable hardtop.
Key Features
- Sleek, aerodynamic design
- Powerful engine options, including V12 in early models
- Advanced technology features, such as active steering and adaptive suspension
- Premium interior materials and advanced infotainment systems
- Available as a coupe or convertible with the latter featuring a retractable hardtop
Key Statistics
- Length: 4,841 mm (190.2 in) (G15/G13), 4,775 mm (188.2 in) (E31)
- Width: 1,847 mm (72.7 in) (G15/G13), 1,845 mm (72.6 in) (E31)
- Height: 1,357 mm (53.4 in) (G15/G13), 1,345 mm (52.9 in) (E31)
- Wheelbase: 2,791 mm (109.8 in) (G15/G13), 2,755 mm (108.5 in) (E31)
- Curb weight: 1,985 kg (4,379 lb) (G15/G13), 1,815 kg (3,999 lb) (E31)
Price Range
The BMW 8 Series price varies depending on the market and trim level but starts around $120,000 for the base model in the United States.
