Our First Impressions Of BMW’s Brand New 8-Series

If our latest film on BMW’s bastion of grand touring escaped you somehow, you can view it here to get up to speed on the original E31 8-Series and the 850CSi that sits atop the mythos of the line. Today however, that model range has been revived with the first official images of what will become the latest BMW to sign its name with “8.”

Announced months prior, the second coming of luxury GT Jesus has kept the collective car world edging ever further out out of its seat, and now we have the first gallery of images revealing the upcoming 2018 production model’s form. Of course, the angles and planes and curves will likely be corralled somewhat in the road-going version, but we can’t restrain ourselves from imagining what it might be like to see one of these gliding among the ho-hum of general traffic.

Aside from what is guaranteed to be a bountiful bevy of technological innovation and cohesiveness, the presence of this shape alone is enough to warrant stolen breath. Though the nomenclature of odds and evens and coupes and grand coupes leads to many a scratched head, there is no denying this car’s claim on the top spot in BMW’s range.

The design both harkens to its predecessor in proportion (an expansive hood, a sleek cabin set back against a brief deck lid, and long wheelbase are very much in keeping with the first car’s ethos), while also pushing the company’s evolving design to the forefront. Featuring the prominent and capacious twin kidneys of BMW’s recent concepts, a high belt line, and boldly carved spaces on the sides and rear, the design is a declarative step forward without complete separation from its genesis.

At once channeling the cutting edge amenities to be found in a stretched 7 and the svelte sweeps that make up the 6, the new 8-Series will claim its own domain. This is what happens when technology, design, and engineering harmonize in corporeal form. We will be following up with a more in-depth discussion with some of the people behind BMW’s latest 8, but for now enjoy these photos and a video showcasing the concept in action.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrwE9I1CJqw