BMW announces new generation 8 Series Coupe

THE 8 SERIES badge is making a comeback according to an announcement made by the Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW, Harald Kruger, at the Group’s Annual General Meeting.

Scheduled to debut on May 26 at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, the production 8 Series won’t actually arrive in showrooms until sometime in 2018.

As a precursor to the “exclusive look” later this month, BMW has teased us with a silhouette sketch of the concept version, which shows a sweeping roofline, fat rear wheel arches and some stylistic cues taken from its 6 Series sibling.

The German carmaker said the concept car “embodies uncompromising dynamics and contemporary luxury – the essence of a modern BMW coupe.”

Rumours of the 8 Series revival have done the rounds since last year, and spy shots of a coupe have been circulated with speculation on whether it would be the 8 Series or a replacement for the 6 Series two door.

“The BMW 8 Series Coupe will build on our tradition of luxurious sports coupes and add a genuine dream car to our line-up – a slice of pure automotive fascination,” Krüger said.

“[It] will underpin our claim to leadership in the luxury segment. I can tell you today that this will be a true luxury sports coupe.”

With the 8 Series return, we anticipate the 6 Series will take on a new battle with the Porsche 911.

The new BMW 8 Series would end the nameplate’s 20 year hiatus, with the last example sold in Australia in 1999.