Before unveiling the car in full, BMW has just revealed images and details of one of the many variants that will form the BMW 8 Series Coupe line up, the BMW M850i xDrive Coupe. Powered by a “completely redeveloped” V8 engine, the M850i was last seen in Wales, United Kingdom undergoing final stages of real-world test drives before the series production begins.
The company has confirmed that the new engine will be based off an existing unit, likely to be the N63 4.4-litre TwinPower Turbo V8 that powers other 50i variants of BMW models. In the M850i’s application, the motor will develop 530 hp while max torque of 750 Nm is available from 1,800 rpm.
Head of Drive System Integration, Christian Billig said: “The new V8 engine offers exactly the right balance between performance and emotion, which is what also sets the new BMW 8 Series Coupe apart.”
BMW has also confirmed that the M850i will adopt an extensively redeveloped eight-speed Steptronic sport transmission. Key performance figures like century sprint time and top speed remains a corporate secret for now.
One of the highlights of the M850i is its broad spectrum of driving characteristics as the engineers have calibrated the engine, transmission, damping, stability control system and the xDrive all-wheel-drive system precisely to the drive mode selected whether is Comfort, Sport or Sport+ Mode. This allows the drivers to exploit the 8 Series Coupe as the perfect all-rounder for leisure cruises, track driving and everything in between.
BMW 8 Series Project Manager, Markus Flasch commented: “The thing that always impresses when test driving the new BMW 8 Series Coupe is its adaptability. Whether a driver expresses his or her wishes with regard to comfort and sportiness using the accelerator pedal or by pressing a button, the vehicle immediately adapts perfectly to each setting.”
Other technical highlights of the M850i include a rear-biased xDrive set up, active rear axle differential lock, adaptive M suspension Professional with active roll stabilisation and Integral Active Steering, electronically controlled dampers and mixed tyres with the rear tyres being wider than the fronts.
Malaysians were treated to a pleasant surprise when BMW Malaysia hosted the maiden debut of the BMW Concept 8 Series right here in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. Could it be that BMW Malaysia is keen to introduce the 8 Series Coupe to our local market? All we can say is, it would give the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe a good run for its money.
IMAGE GALLERY
BMW M850i xDrive Coupe
