Crash Of BMW 8 Series Prototype Claims Life Of Passenger

A 53-year-old woman who was riding in the passenger seat of a 2019 BMW 8 Series prototype died after its driver lost control on a country road in southern Germany and crashed on Sunday night, just days before the car's formal unveiling at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in France, according to local news reports.

Police told Bayerischer Rundfunk that the driver of the 8 Series—presumably a BMW employee, considering the car is still a pre-production prototype wrapped in the typical dazzle camouflage—appears to have been speeding along a rural B-road between the villages of Bonbruck and Buch when the accident occurred. The car sailed off a right-hand curve and struck several trees, while images from the scene show the impact crushed in the roof over the right seat.

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carloslassiter - 6/12/2018 2:53:52 PM

+2 Boost

Yikes.

MDarringer - 6/12/2018 3:47:31 PM

-1 Boost

Definitely a tragic loss of life.

But why was a "civilian" riding in the prototype? Yes, I know manufacturers do rides and drives with non-employees, but that's a specific and controlled situation.

From what I've read, the (presumably) BMW employee was not a part of a ride and drive event at the time of the loss of control of the prototype.

The criminal negligence is palpable.

TomM - 6/12/2018 4:07:33 PM

+3 Boost

From the information given - I would suggest that a SUNDAY NIGHT crash - means that the car was given to a company driver for the weekend - and that the driver either had a acquaintance or spouse in the car at the time.

WE are given no real information regarding the crash - other than it appears they were speeding - although in many rural areas of Germany - th term "speeding" might take on a different meaning - like simply going too fast for conditions.

mre30 - 6/12/2018 4:20:43 PM

-3 Boost

I'm superstitious and I think this is a further bad omen for the 8-series - a "me-too" car in a very weak (and tiny) segment - two door luxo-gran turismo coupes.

Somebody at BMW got their ego in a twist in an effort to get this car to production and I remain doubtful how this vehicle makes financial sense. There are only so many folks in the demographic who have (a) MB S-class coupe; (b) Bentley Continental; (c) RR Wraith; (d) Ferrari Portofino; (e) Maserati Gran Turismo; (f) and perhaps a few Porsche's to choose from.

Silly - the 6-series was irrelevant and the 8-series may be even more irrelevant.

atc98092 - 6/12/2018 5:58:57 PM

+6 Boost

Come on people. Actually click the link and read the article. The passenger was reportedly the mother of the driver's girl friend. So yes, it was not a sanctioned event and yes, it was most likely an unauthorized ride. I'm sure it will put a crimp in his relationship with his girlfriend. Condolences to the family.

randy3023 - 6/12/2018 11:35:22 PM

+4 Boost

DON'T DRIVE RECKLESSLY

skytop - 6/13/2018 8:04:11 AM

-2 Boost

The definitive word in the report is "speeding." I wouldn't also be surprised if any 'schnaps' was involved as well.