Forget all your nostalgic memories of a flagship BMW grand tourer with pop-up headlights; this here is the all-new BMW 8 Series Coupe and frankly, it looks a Germanized Ford Mustang.

Okay, granted it’s got some nifty stuff like the “double-bubble roof” but, man, just look at the side profile—there’s a striking resemblance to Ford’s iconic pony car right there. It’s supposed to evoke BMW’s new styling language—clear, modern, and emotional (their words), but instead it comes across as busy. Again, this ain’t the first-generation 8 Series coupe.



While it may not push the envelope of design, at least it’s got some truly avant-garde technological cues like the use of a carbon-fiber-reinforced-plastic roof—the first time BMW’s made it available on a series-production model and Laserlight headlights.

Thankfully though, BMW has given its 8 Series unparalleled opulence inside. The interior is minimalist yet luxurious, fitted with all sorts of fancy trim as standard. The standard leather is Vernasca Leather and that adorns not just seats but the door shoulders and even instrument panel hood as well. It’s also highly personable with a features list that includes wireless charging, a Bowers & Wilkins Surround Sound system, and the use of glass on some controls.


Imbued with a low center of gravity, a long wheelbase, and a wide track, the 8 Series promises “maximum sports performance.” It has a front double wishbone suspension upfront and at the back, it uses five-link struts. Adaptive suspension is available as an option, but BMW opted to gift the 8 Series with the brand’s xDrive all-wheel drive as standard.

Under the hood, the BMW 8 Series will sing with two engine choices: a straight-6 and a V8. The inline-6 engine is a 3.0-liter 6-cylinder unit (BMW 840d xDrive Coupe) making 320 horsepower and a whopping 680 Nm of torque from as low as 1,750 rpm. Compliant to Euro 6 standards, it accelerates to 100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds. Meanwhile, for those who want a gasoline engine, the BMW M850i xDrive Coupe’s 4.4-liter TwinPower Turbo generates 530 horsepower and 750 Nm of torque. This is enough for a century sprint in just 3.7 seconds. Both engines are mated to an 8-speed automatic.



Upon launch, BMW is offer its 8 Series in three “M” packages. The first is the BMW M Performance, the second is the M Sport, and the third is M Technic Sport package; all offering unique exterior and interior appointments.

Although BMW Philippines has yet to announce when the 8 Series will be made available for the local market, perhaps their sales personnel should start practicing since BMW M850i xDrive Coupe M Technic Sport or BMW 840d xDrive Coupe M Sport sound like mouthfuls.