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Thrilling driving dynamics: The all new BMW 840 Coupe

I have driven many sports cars over the years but the new BMW 8 Series Coupe ranks amongst the best. This machine adds a brand new chapter to the Bavarian car maker's long history of sensational sports cars. This all-wheel drive vehicle boasts outstanding performance, emotion-stirring design, state-of-the-art luxury and exceptionally advanced equipment features when it comes to display and control technology, driver assistance and connectivity.
Thrilling driving dynamics: The all new BMW 840 Coupe

The primary development objective for the BMW 8 Series Coupe was thrilling driving dynamics. The body, powertrain and suspension were consistently honed to achieve the supreme agility, precision and poise expected of a top-class sports car. In the process, remarkably powerful engines were combined with the BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system and BMW efficient lightweight design measures.

Sporting appeal and aggressive stance

The exterior design of the BMW 8 Series Coupe exudes a very modern form of sporting appeal, beautifully blended with an air of exclusiveness and sensual allure. The low-slung design, an elongated silhouette with a slim window graphic and a roofline flowing elegantly into the rear with distinctive double-bubble contouring, a long wheelbase and a wide track are the defining elements.

The sports car’s immense drive power is visualised to stunning effect by the elaborate, jutting design of the front apron, the large air intakes – which assume an even more imposing appearance on the BMW M850i xDrive Coupe and in conjunction with the M Sport package – and the precise contours of the bonnet. The low-down BMW kidney grille is hexagonal in shape, with its elements framed by a single-piece surround. The LED headlights are the slimmest of any BMW model to date. BMW laserlight with variable road illumination and selective beam is optionally available.

Aerodynamics in free flow

An almost fully sealed underbody, active air flap control and air curtains including air breathers help to reduce the aerodynamic drag of the new BMW 8 Series Coupe’s streamlined body. Narrow exterior mirror bases also help smooth the airflow. On the BMW M850i xDrive Coupe, an additional front spoiler further minimises lift at the front axle at high speeds. The roof takes a leaf from the book of traditional sports car design by featuring a central cutout that recalls the double-bubble styling of classic racing cars.

Interior: A sporty driving experience

The modern and minimalistic exterior design language is continued inside. All lines point lengthways, automatically directing the gaze to the front and emphasising the focus on sporty driving. The control elements are clearly arranged. A concise surface design lets the high-quality materials really stand out. The use of trim finishers, for instance, is restricted to the sports car-style transition between the centre console and the instrument panel.

Thanks to the low seating position of both rear seats, it has been possible to design the head restraints as an integral part of the backrests. The rear backrest can be split 50: 50 as standard and folded down to increase the capacity of the 420-litre luggage compartment.

Thrilling driving dynamics: The all new BMW 840 Coupe

All new engine

Thanks to a 50kW increase in output with no impact on weight compared to the engine it replaces, the new V8 is now able to generate 390kW, which is on tap between 5,500 and 6,000rpm. Maximum torque of 750Nm is available over a wide rev range from 1,800 to 4,600rpm for prolonged forward thrust.

The new BMW M850i xDrive Coupe accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in just 3.7 seconds. When you put your foot down on the accelerator, that thrust of power is felt almost immediately and you know straight away that this is no ordinary sports car.

The engine transfers power to a new, improved version of the eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission, whose increased ratio spread, new transmission management and optimised hydraulic control produce sportier gear shifts while also enhancing its efficiency and smoothness. Shift paddles on the steering wheel are included as standard for manual gear selection.

Driver assistance systems

Numerous cutting-edge driver assistance systems are available to boost the comfort and safety of the new BMW 8 Series Coupe, in particular. The line-up includes active cruise control with stop & go function, the steering and lane control assistant, the lane change warning and lane departure warning systems, the lane keeping assistant with side collision protection and evasion aid, BMW night vision, as well as the crossing traffic warning, priority warning and wrong-way warning systems.

About Naresh Maharaj

Naresh Maharaj is a petrol head who loves cars and writing about them. He is also a Member of the SA Guild of Motoring Journalists. Naresh is also an international sports correspondent and an acclaimed corporate MC and voice-over artist. Naresh is a sports/news producer for community radio stations and also an award-winning sports journalist. Contact Naresh on moc.liamg@123jarahamn.
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