The 8 Series is an important car for BMW; not only does it resurrect an iconic badge not seen for more than two decades, it also wears the brand's halo as a flagship sports car and establishes BMW presence in a yet more expensive sector. No pressure, then...
Following its debut appearance at Geneva for the M8 Gran Coupe concept, an M850i four-door prototype has been spied testing on the Nordschleife. It looks to have retained much of what made the concept distinctive - as is often the way with recent BMWs - most notably at the rear where the boot incorporates a rear spoiler that links the lights. At the front, too, the shape of the kidney grilles and headlights is familiar. While the intakes, bumpers and exhausts appear less aggressive here than on the Geneva car, it's worth reasserting the idea that that 8 Series previewed a 600hp flagship - this 850i is putting out a mere 530hp...
Otherwise there's not much more to tell at the moment, what with the car being disguised and not actually yet confirmed for production. Its sheer size is notable, surely at least five metres long, as is the fact this car is seemingly using the standard iron brakes - as denoted by the blue calipers. Could it be that BMW brakes are finally up to task?
Autocar suggests that a four-door 8 Series will make production after the regular coupe, with a late 2019 on-sale date expected. Expect anticipation and excitement for this car to run as high as the two-door - more news when we have it!
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