View
View
View
New BMW 8 Series now in SA
BMW South Africa opened a new chapter with the release this week of the all-new 8 Series Coupe — its first launch in a new luxury model offensive and slated as a dream car boasting outstanding performance, emotional design, state-of-the-art luxury and advanced technology, driver assistance and connectivity.
Topped by the new 390kW 750Nm direct petrol injection 4.4-litre biturbo V8 powered M850i xDrive Coupe, the new lump brings a 50kW power hike to deliver its power from 5500 to 6000 rpm and that mountain of torque all the way from 1800 to 4600rpm to muster 100km/h in just 3.7 seconds at 10 litres per 100km 240 g/km CO2.
The V8 turns a new hydraulically paddle shift optimised and wider ratio eight-speed Steptronic autobox and BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive with fully variable torque distribution front to rear for maximum traction and stability in a BMW-typical rear-biased set-up. An electronically controlled rear differential lock adds an even sportier edge.
Add torsion strut double-wishbone front and shear panel five-link rear Adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers and optional active roll stabilisation, M Sport brakes and mixed-sized tyres on all wheel options including the standard 20-inch M light-alloy wheels with high-performance tyres.
On the road M850i truly impressed. That big 390kW 750Nm V8 pulls like a bastard right from the bottom all the way to near the top where it ever so slightly runs out of puff — plausibly to make the M8 feel better when it comes. I love big brawny V8s that feel noting to be short shifted and this one certainly fits that description enough to remind me of a race-prepped big-block Chevy 427. Now those of you who know what I'm on about will appreciate how big a compliment that is.
Suspension feels tuned when pushed hard — race car bouncy, but oh so compliant, even if the steering is perhaps a bit wooden and lacks a button to sharpen it up like the M5 has. Suppose that too, is reserved for M8 when it comes, but that really is a tiny compromise. Most impressive is that new xDrive AWD. In an old RWD M Car you were either bouncing off the traction control, or if you were brave — or is that stupid enough, lighting up the rear end at any opportunity.
M8 instead allows you to push the limit and there is no sign of either unwelcome wheelspin or the dreaded traction control interfering and curbing progress. I always told you thad AWD was an absolute essential at north of five hundred horses and five hundred Newton-metres and here’s even more proof.
The flip side is also marvellous — M850i cruises along in a cocoon of serenity when not unnecessarily urged and not even our black sampple's 20-inch wheel and tyre option really interfered with all that. A stop to take a leak and swap drivers also revealed how pretty the new 8 is - sexy haunches recalling ‘seventies powerhouses sharpened by the thinnest LED headlights on any BMW yet, but still offering Laserlight variable road illumination with optional Selective Beam and LED taillights too.
A sporting coupe in the true sense of the word, the 4,843mm long 1902mm wide 1341mm tall Eight rides on a 2822mm wheelbase for a pleasingly powerful stance on the road. Active aerodynamics include air flap control and Air Curtains and Breathers to reduce drag and smooth airflow, while the double-bubble roof comes in optional carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic for the first time on a non-M BMW. Add exterior appointments in Cerium Grey, an M rear spoiler and illuminated door sills bearing the model name.
A minimalistic cockpit brings a relaxing and luxurious ambience focussed on driving with clearly arranged controls on concise surfaces finished in high-quality materials. Low sat Vernasca leather chairs include a 50-50 split rear backrest foldable to increase the 420-litre capacity boot.
Driver assistance systems include Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Lane Change and Lane Departure with side collision protection and evasion, BMW Night Vision, Cross Traffic, Priority and Wrong-way warnings, while Parking and Reversing Assistant can park or reverse the vehicle 80m back along the path it just drove forwards.
BMW’s Customisable 10.25-inch Control Display Operating system is run via steering wheel buttons, the iDrive Controller, touch, voice or gesture controls backed by BMW 12.3-inch Live Cockpit Professional centre dash display. The BMW Connected personal mobility assistant brings seamless connectivity between the vehicle and digital devices.
BMW 8 Series Coupe options include the BMW Display Key, wireless charging telephony, climate seats, Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound and glass applications for selected controls and myriad BMW Individual options. The BMW 850i Coupe costs 1.87 million and carries all the regular BMW advantages, while the Convertible nudges the two-bar mark, all penalties considered. There was a Convertible around, but we never drove it and the grand Coupe and M* versions of all three are also on their way.
All in all, I emerged most impressed by the new BMW M850i - it delivers very well on BMW's expectations - so much so that it leaves me even more excited as to what that new M8 will bring. But for now this common garden variety is damn good. And then some.