BMW 8 Series Coupe to arrive late 2018, and a convertible a year later

Without a doubt, BMW is preparing a new 8 Series flagship model. Over the last few months, increased chatter coming from Munich have hinted at a new, high-end BMW to sit atop the entire current lineup. The new BMW 8 Series coupe is expected to fill the gap between the 7 series and Rolls-Royce Wraith in the “150,000 euros-plus” range.

With Mercedes-Benz pushing the S Class Coupe and Cabriolet, BMW needed something to fight back. The current 6er is too small and not nearly luxurious enough to compete. So BMW needs something bigger, badder and more luxurious.

A report from Automobilwoche adds more credibility to the claim and even gives some preliminary launch dates. The two-door flagship coupe is scheduled to arrive in late 2018, followed by a convertible model a year later.

The supercar we’ve all been waiting for, the M8, is said to be under discussion as well, with a 12-cylinder engine under the hood.

Based on the current CLAR architecture that underpins the 7 Series and 5 Series, the 8 Series will be the longest car in BMW’s fleet. Longer even than the current 7 Series and it will be the brand’s flagship coupe. It will also pack all of the modern luxurious, and possibly even more, of the 7 Series, as well as its higher-end engines.

Also expect the BMW 8 Series to be a bit sportier of a take on the Mercedes S Class Coupe. BMW won’t go full-blown luxury like the folks in Stuttgart, but instead pack some genuine performance blood into the 8 Series.

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