BMW has launched the 8 Series Gran Coupe in Singapore.
The 8 Series model line is at the top of BMW’s model range. Initial variants in this lineup were a coupe (8 Series Coupe) and cabriolet (8 Series Convertible).
The lineup is now joined by the 8 Series Gran Coupe, which is actually a “four-door coupe”. It replaces the previous 6 Series Gran Coupe.
To create the 8 Series Gran Coupe, BMW didn’t just attach two extra doors. They also lengthened the wheelbase, so that it’s now 201mm longer than the Coupe’s.
And to give the car a grander presence, it was also widened by 30mm and made 61mm taller.
WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE?
The 8 Series Gran Coupe is marketed as a 4+1. Technically, you can fit three adults in the backseat. But this may not be so feasible, considering the extensive centre console.
Extending rearwards from the front, the middle occupant will have to sit with his or her legs apart.
Legroom is good for most passengers up to 1.75m tall. But if you’re 1.8m tall, legroom will be adequate and headroom a bit tight.
Up front, it’s a tech-fest for the driver and front passenger. There’s a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch infotainment display. As expected, BMW’s voice assistant is standard.
Other cool touches include a meaty steering wheel and “bejewelled” gearshift lever, which befits this car’s status.
PERFORMANCE FIGURES
The 8 Series Gran Coupe is currently available in two versions: the 840i and M850i xDrive.
Between the two, the former is powered by a turbocharged 3-litre inline-6 that produces 340hp and 500Nm. It is rear-wheel-drive and does the century sprint in 5.2 seconds.
The M850i xDrive gets a turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 that delivers 523hp (390kW) and 750Nm. With all-wheel-drive, it does zero to 100km/h in 3.9 seconds.
GRAN COUPE RIVALS
If the 8 Series Gran Coupe is not quite your cup of tea, don’t worry. There are other contenders in this segment.
You could consider the Mercedes-Benz CLS, Mercedes-AMG GT Four-Door, Audi A7 and Porsche Panamera.
BMW 840i Gran Coupe 3.0 (A)
ENGINE 2998cc, 24-valves, inline-6, turbocharged
MAX POWER 340hp at 5000rpm
MAX TORQUE 500Nm at 1600-4500rpm
GEARBOX 8-speed automatic with manual select
0-100KM/H 5.2 seconds
TOP SPEED 250km/h
CONSUMPTION 13.3km/L
PRICE INCL. COE To be announced
AGENT Performance Motors Limited
BMW M850i xDrive Gran Coupe 4.4 (A)
ENGINE 4395cc, 32-valves, V8, turbocharged
MAX POWER 530hp at 5500-6000rpm
MAX TORQUE 750Nm at 1800-4600rpm
GEARBOX 8-speed automatic with manual select
0-100KM/H 3.9 seconds
TOP SPEED 250km/h
CONSUMPTION 9.3km/L
PRICE INCL. COE $605,888 (after $20k VES surcharge)
AGENT Performance Motors Limited
