The BMW Group Malaysia has introduced “The 8”, the newest member of the marque’s portfolio of luxury vehicles which it says combines powerful engine with BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive system and BMW Efficient Lightweight design measures for new benchmarks in the luxury coupe segment.
“At the BMW Group, we’ve always had our sights on the future and the First Generation BMW 8 Series is testimony to that. First introduced in 1989, we are bringing this luxurious sports coupe into the modern era to set standards for the future,” said Harald Hoelzl, managing director of BMW Group Malaysia.
The supercar was launched in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday night (March 12) with two of the power machines on full display with their ‘double-bubble’ contouring, long wheelbase and wide track width plus the flap-controlled sports exhaust system.
The 8 comes standard with the ‘BMW Laserlight’, the slimmest headlights of any BMW model to date. The side view, meanwhile, is dominated by an interplay of surfaces using character lines to trace the flow of the air exiting the ‘Air Breathers’.
From the back, the twin exhaust tailpipes with a trapezoidal contour are positioned on either side of the rear apron’s lower section to send an unmistakable message to those wondering.
The ‘M’ performance model is identified by its exclusive exterior appointments in Cerium Grey, an M rear spoiler and illuminated door sills bearing the model name. It comes standard with an additional front spoiler to minimise the lift that occurs at the front axle at high speeds.
To reduce the aerodynamic drag of the 8’s streamlined body has an almost fully sealed underbody, active air flap control with adjustable kidney grille slats and ‘Air Curtains’.
Inside, all control elements are clearly arranged with leather trim for the instrument panel. In addition to multifunction seats and the M leather steering wheel, the M Sport package includes an anthracite BMW individual headliner, M pedals, M driver’s footrest and special floor mats to inject the cabin with a sporty flair.
The newly-developed sports seats are upholstered as standard in Merino leather. The rear backrest can be split 50:50 as standard and folded down to increase the capacity of the 420-litre luggage compartment.
For the first time ever, active seat ventilation is also made available where the cooled air is sucked in from the interior then guided along the body to the seats’ built-in fans for particularly effective temperature control of the seat cushions and backrests.
The 8’s power plant has a new V8 engine at its heart. The 4.4-litre eight-cylinder unit has been revised with two twin-scroll turbochargers, ‘High Precision Injection’, Valvetronic fully variable valve control and Double-Vanos variable camshaft timing all working together for a claimed top speed of 250 km/h.
The BMW M850i xDrive Coupe delivers a maximum output of 390kW/530hp which is on tap between 5,500 – 6,000 rpm. The maximum torque of 750Nm is available from 1,800 to 4,600 rpm for forward thrust. It’ll do the century sprint in 3.7 seconds and posts a fuel consumption of 10.4 litres per 100 kilometres (manufacturer’s figures).
The V8 engine is paired with an 8-speed Steptronic sports transmission which features increased ratio spread, new transmission management and optimised hydraulic control produce for more spirited gear shifts. Shift paddles on the steering wheel are standard.
BMW says the xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system operates more efficiently than before with the electronically controlled rear differential lock fitted as standard on the BMW M850i xDrive Coupe.
The locking effect generated by an electric motor limits speed compensation between the inside and outside rear wheel when cornering, making it possible to power out of bends with dynamic verve.
In addition to the Adaptive M Suspension, the 8 comes standard with ‘Integral Active Steering’ which reduces the car’s turning circle when manoeuvring, increases agility at moderate speeds and optimises control when changing lanes and cornering at high speeds.
BMW’s ‘Driving Assistant Professional’ is standard and features Lane Departure Warning, Lane Change Warning, Pedestrian Collision Warning, Crossing Traffic Warning (front and rear), Emergency Stop Assistant, steering and lane control assistant, Lane Keeping Assistant with active side collision protection and Evasion Aid which now reacts to pedestrians.
Also standard is the BMW Live Cockpit Professional display running on the new BMW Operating System 7.0 which introduces the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, an intelligent, digital character that awaits the driver’s every command while providing casual conversation. And get this – you can name this digital character!
One unique feature over other digital assistant is that drivers can give it a name, for example, “Hey Jamie”, to lend even greater individuality and personality.
The Personal Assistant will be able to learn more preferences and favoured settings. It can even activate a combination of them to enhance well-being. For instance, “Hey BMW, I feel tired” triggers a vitality programme that adjusts the lighting mood, music and temperature, among other things, in order to make the driver feel more alert.
The 8 comes in Carbon Black metallic, Black Sapphire metallic, Sonic Speed Blue metallic, Barcelona Blue metallic, Sunset Orange metallic and Mineral White, matched with Black, Cognac or Ivory White BMW Individual Merino full leather trim sports seat.
The 8 on-the-road without insurance and with BMW Group Malaysia’s latest 5 Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty, Free Scheduled Service Programme and BMW Tyre Warranty Programme for The 8 is RM1,088,800.00
Selected highlights:
- BMW M850i xDRIVE Coupé
- Belt force limiter for front seats
- Dynamic Braking Lights with Flashing Function
- Knee airbags for driver and front passenger
- Rain Sensor, Automatic Activation Control for Windscreen Wipersand Driving Lights
- Driving Experience Control with ‘Adaptive’ mode for individual driving behaviour
- Comfort Access System with contactless opening and closing ofthe tailgate
- Soft-close function for doors
- BMW Gesture Control, use of simple hand gestures to interact withthe infotainment system
- Harman Kardon surround sound system with digital amplifier (464w,16 speakers)
