2018 Geneva Motor Show: BMW reveals M8 Gran Coupe Concept

From the cold war of the German automotive industry, the BMW M8 Gran Coupe Concept is Munich's answer to the Porsche Panamera, and Mercedes-AMG’s soon-to-be-revealed GT-based sedan.

The four-door concept is one of three expected variants in the forthcoming 8-Series, alongside coupe and convertible models that are designed succeed BMW’s current 6-Series line-up and bring BMW into the realm of high-end, luxury performance coupes.

BMW says the M8 showcases an updated design language and paves the way for a new understanding of the luxury sports car.

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At first glance, the Concept M8 Gran Coupe bears some resemblance to the M2 released in 2013. The aggressively styled front end and bulging rear body lines accentuate the rear track width and, like that of the M2, hint at the cars performance capability.

The M8 stretches far longer than its smaller M counterpart. The aggressive front stance leads into the sweeping length and low slung roof profile, concluding in a lipped boot.

The gold accents surrounding the front grille carry on through the rest of the car, adorning the wheels, brakes, window surrounds and M twin exhaust tailpipes. This exclusive gold finish nods to the higher focus on luxury and exclusivity found in the 8-Series.

BMW’s four-eyed, hexagonal headlight design is present, sweeping outwards from the central kidney grills, giving the car a low presence and emphasising the focus on performance.

The M8 Gran Coupe Concept would give BMW a means to rival the anticipated AMG GT 4-Door Coupe, but also put them in clear contention with Porsche’s 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8-powered Panamera saloon.

The Concept car is finished in a rich green paint that BMW calls Salève Vert, which colour shifts to greyish blue in changing light.

It’s likely the concept car will soon spawn a production model when the 8-Series is finally revealed.