BMW Group Malaysia has launched the all-new 8 Series Coupé in a sole M850i xDrive variant. The new 8 Series is the second generation for the brand, and marks a return of the Grand tourer after 19 years when the first generation ended production in 1999.
What’s special about the 8 Series?
The number 8 is a significant one for BMW and has held a number of firsts over the years. In the first ever BMW 8 Series in 1989, the car was the first BMW to introduce electronic drive-by-wire throttle, Dynamic Stability Control and Integral Active Steering with the use of multi-link rear axle technology.
As for modern day BMWs, the i8 launched in 2014 represented a car that brought future ideas and an inspiring design together into a vehicle that provides a degree of sustainability in terms of consumption and emission values.
As for the all-new 8 Series of today, the M850i xDrive Coupé is a representation of the next chapter for the brand. BMWs updated design language, new technologies and a new interior is showcased in this 8 Series, and will be seen in the upcoming 3 Series, X5 and X7 SUVs due later this year.
What do you mean by a new design language?
Of course not all upcoming BMWs will have the sporty and sleek coupé lines like the 8, but the most important parts which will be seen in upcoming models will be the form and three-dimensional design of the LED taillights, the bold kidney grille and the layout of the interior.
While the steering wheel will feature a familiar shape and design, the centre-console gear shifter, iDrive controller, and button layout has been refined and redesigned compared to the previous generation vehicles. Of course with this 8 Series, luxury is at the forefront. So as the current flagship car, this comes with the “Crafted Clarity” option. This adds Swarovski glass detailing to the gear shift, start/stop buttons, iDrive controller and volume knob.
What drivers will notice is also the newly designed 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that now applies geometric bands on the outer edges as opposed to the circular or ¾ circular gauges. This design allows the cluster to focus more on navigation and routing.
How about power?
We’re glad you asked. As for power, this M850i doesn’t disappoint. Within the hood lies a twin-scroll turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 that produces 523 hp and 750 Nm of torque from 1,800 to 4,600 rpm and is mated to an eight-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission with power going through BMWs xDrive all-wheel drive system. Zero to hundred times is just 3.7-seconds and is electronically limited to 250 km/h. This makes this M850i second in line when it comes to power figures alongside the current M5.
What are the cool parts in the 8?
Well as for the looks, the M performance treatment does provide some exterior goodies like the Cerrium grey finish on the kidney grille, mirror caps, M emblem, front splitter, lip spoiler, illuminated door sils and blue finished brake calipers amongst others. As for the wheels, they’re 20-inch M alloys in two-tone Cerium Grey or in Jet Black depending on the exterior colour choice. Oh and the 8 comes standard with BMWs Laserlight – the slimmest headlights on any BMW model to date.
As for the interior, the central Control Display is 10.25-inches in size and runs on the latest OS 7. Live Cockpit Professional includes an adaptive navigation system, a hard-drive based multimedia system with 20GB of memory, two USB ports, Bluetooth and Wifi interfaces. There’s also a Wireless Charging tray for compatible Qi smartphones.
Drivers can benefit from the built-in SIM card with unlimited data. This allows for the use of the Intelligent Emergency Call to automatically summon swift assistance in an emergence and receive regular updates for the navigations system’s maps. Of course Concierge Service and Remote Services is in as well.
The coolest part for the 8 is the introduction of BMWs Intelligent Personal Assistant, a digital assistant that responds, learns routines, habits and is able to apply them in the appropriate context. The standard prompt of “Hey BMW” can be personalised to respond to other names for better individuality.
The 8 also comes with the BMW Digital Key for the first time that employs NFC technology that allows the user and up to five people to unlock the vehicle from their smartphones when placed near the door handle.
Finally, what’s the price and ownership like?
The M850i xDrive Coupé costs RM 1,088,800 on the road without insurance and comes with BMW’s 5-year unlimited mileage warranty, free scheduled service programme and tyre warranty programme.
TL;DR Highlights
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