BMW 8 Series production stirs up rumors of 600-hp M8

Last month we caught our first glimpse of the upcoming BMW 8 Series wearing camouflage and testing in Germany. Though it won’t make its debut until the 2018 or 2019 model year, early reports are already suggesting that a high-horsepower M8 could debut along with it.

The proposed M8 would feature either a 4.0-liter biturbo V8, or a more potent V12, and come with the choice of either rear-wheel drive, or an optional xDrive four-wheel drive setup. The two engines could produce as much as 600 horsepower each, and propel the M8 to 60 mph in “well under 4.0 seconds.” With that type of performance, it would be squarely in competition with cars like the Mercedes-AMG S63 Coupe, the Bentley Continental GT, and others.
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TheSteve - 11/2/2016 4:36:13 PM

+2 Boost

The Mercedes-AMG S63 won’t be threatened by this new BMW offering.

Although this BMW’s profile looks good, it’s interrupted by the detracting hockey stick contour aft of the front wheel wells. The tail’s treatments, with lots of steel and a skinny light strip that doesn’t look well thought out, seems like a misstep, harkening back to the opening volley of BMW’s ill-fated “Flame Surface” days. The face is a total loss -- a “smug mug” car caricature from the Pixar movie, “Cars.” It just doesn’t work, on any level. The interior? Luxurious, high-quality materials applied to Ikea-like starkness, and a dash with a convex bulge. What ever happened to “wrapping around” or “enveloping” the driver? Or ergonomics? This is a case of Fashion over Form, or letting a “theme” trump usability.

Over all, I get the sense that this specific BMW is like Mercedes’ little brother: trying way too hard to get noticed, and to prove he’s deserving of Big Bro’s attention… but not being able to pull it off, and looking a tad embarrassing in the process.

Carry on, MB-AMG S63. There’s nothing here to worry about.

nguyenvuminh - 11/2/2016 4:59:33 PM

+1 Boost

a “smug mug” car caricature from the Pixar movie, “Cars.” - hahaha, good observation and an even better description, TheSteve.

I kinda like the exterior design, a good and noticeable deviation from the current BMW look. I especially like the new interpretation of the C-pillar. I don't think it will win over too many MB customers but I think it will defend its turf quite successfully.

MDarringer - 11/2/2016 6:55:51 PM

+2 Boost

BMW has shown beautiful concepts, but production cars as of late have been DULL. If BMW can create a coupe with gotta-have styling and if they can match Mercedes' opulence, then it will be game on. If it's another waste of breath like the 7 and 5 Series new models then Mercedes has nothing to worry about.

I find it quite interesting that Audi has nothing to compete with the big Mercedes coupe.

PUGPROUD - 11/3/2016 8:27:08 AM

0 Boost

By the time this BMW reaches the market Mustangs, Camaros and Challengers will be pushing 800 horsepower out of the box. Time for BMW to put on its big boy lederhosen and get ahead of the pack instead of playing catch up. Ultimate driving machine...really?