BMW unveils new 8-Series

By Staff Writers, June 18 2018
BMW unveils new 8-Series

BMW has unveiled the new 2018 8-Series, reviving the model for the 21st century since production of the original 8-Series ended in 1999.

Classed as a Grand Tourer, the new 8-Series was teased in concept form earlier this year with the M8 Gran Coupe. While the production version has its differences, the spirit of the concept is represented well with a long, low-slung body and aggressive styling to emphasise the new 8-Series’ sportiness.

The styling follows BMW's new design language, with an emphasis on the kidney-grille shape and raked back headlights, a stark difference to the original 8-Series that had a slim, low-slung bonnet and pop-up headlights:

The original BMW 8-Series of the 1990s
The original BMW 8-Series of the 1990s

While no Australian arrival date has been announced yet, the new 8-Series is expected to go on sale in Europe late this year, and should arrive to Australian shores after that.

In Europe, there will be two variants of the 8-Series: the high-powered petrol version named the M850i xDrive, and a diesel-version named the 840d xDrive.

The flagship petrol variant packs a 4.4L twin-turbo V8, churning out 390kW of power and 750Nm of torque – enough to complete the 0-100km/h sprint in just 3.7 seconds.

Meanwhile, the diesel version offers up 235kW and 680Nm of torque from its 3.0L inline-6 turbo engine. With a 0-100km/h time of 4.9 seconds, the 840d xDrive is more of a grand tourer than an all-out sports car, although both models do offer BMW’s all-wheel-drive system for improved stability and handling.

While the new 8-Series has all the hallmarks of a serious performance car, it also has some business focused features for road warriors – namely integrating with Microsoft Office 365 and Skype for Business. That means that you’ll be able to access your email account from the car and manage appointments and contacts. You can also have your emails read out to you, and give voice commands to send new messages while on the move.

Microsoft Office 365 users can also use Skype for Business in the car - upcoming Skype meetings are automatically detected and you can join the teleconference while you drive.

Pricing and availability for the new 8-Series has yet to be announced. 

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

11 Dec 2017

Total posts 51

I’ve always felt as though cars are the final frontier of FF programs. Obviously QF have had various partnerships previously (ie Trivett), but an expansion into lux car brands could easily benefit both parties.


An offer of instant QF Platinum could easily sway a decision between an S Class coupe or 8 series in this instance. Alternatively being able to rack up Velocity points through a lease might be the necessary cherry on the cake to get me to buy new as opposed to second-hand!

sgb
sgb

Emirates Airlines - Skywards

30 Nov 2015

Total posts 731

I remember the old pop up head lights. Nothing looked so clapped out as when one went bung and one wouldn't go down. Yuck.

Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards

14 Mar 2017

Total posts 152

The original 8 was a design masterpiece that had presence even at the time, and made its competitor, the Mercedes 560SEL, look dated (though it took them a few years to catch it in the engine department).


By contrast, this one looks like a knock-off built by a lesser competitor. Half-Mustang, half-Lexus.

Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards

14 Mar 2017

Total posts 152

Whoops. That should have been SEC, in case anyone cares.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

02 Jul 2011

Total posts 1378

I like the back, the front meh.

I don't know why manufacturers keep bothering with their own navigation systems that look like crap and cost a fortune to keep updated - just give me AndroidAuto or AppleCarPlay - much simpler and easier to use, and continuously updated

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