JUST when you thought it was safe to assume BMW was done launching new variants of the ultra-cool 8 Series, a four-door sports car has been added to the range with the launch of the new BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe.
With its standalone body concept, plus power train and chassis technology designed squarely to engender supreme dynamic ability, the new BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe embodies a brand of sporting flair unique in the luxury segment.
Joining the already launched 8 Series coupe and convertible as the third model in the range, the Gran Coupe has a character all of its own, combining smile-inducing performance with significantly increased spaciousness for passengers in the rear seats.
The Gran Coupe is the only model in its segment derived directly from a two-door sports car. Its resultant dynamic potential, plus a longer wheelbase and model-specific chassis tuning, create an unmistakable balance between sports performance and ride comfort.
Four model variants will be available at launch (later this year), including the M850i xDrive Gran Coupe, which is powered by a V8 petrol engine which delivers its 390kW in imposing style.
The 840d xDrive Gran Coupe underscores the four-door model’s qualities as a consummate long-distance machine with its 235kW 6-cylinder in-line diesel engine.
The final two variants, the 840i Gran Coupe and its xDrive twin, will enjoy the services of a high-revving six-cylinder in-line petrol engine with maximum output of 250kW.
The world premiere of the BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe will be one of the highlights of the inaugural BMW Group #NEXTGen event in Munich. The worldwide launch of the new car will commence just a few months later, in September 2019.
Local availability, pricing and specifications are not yet known for the 2020 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe.
In other news, BMW Australia has announced the expansion of the 3 Series range, with the addition of the BMW 320i, 330e and M340i xDrive, with the new models to be available from September.
Three new variants of the iconic BMW 3 Series sedan arrive to flesh out the range: BMW 320i, 330e and M340i xDrive.
Priced from $64,900 plus on-roads, the 320i introduces the range and is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 135kW of power and 300Nm of torque.
From $75,900, again plus on-roads, the 330e plug-in hybrid combines a four-cylinder petrol engine with a synchronous electric motor to produce 185kW of power and 420Nm of torque, with a a new XtraBoost function and new lithium-ion battery technology.
The range topping M340i xDrive, to be priced at $99,900 plus on-roads, features the latest-generation 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that delivers 285kW and 500Nm to all four wheels, via an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Adaptive M Suspension, M Sport differential and M Sport brakes come standard on the M340i xDrive, while the basic M Sport package comes as standard across the entire 3 Series range, with Luxury Line trim a no-cost option (with the exception of the M340i).
