BMW 8 Series concept announced

After an 18-year hiatus, the BMW 8 Series is due to make a return to production next year.

In anticipation of the official reveal of the 8 Series at Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, BMW released its concept images for the new premium coupe.

Originally designed in the late-'80s to be BMW's luxo flagship, the 8 Series range only resulted in 30,600 examples built over the decade it was produced.

Though we don’t yet know for sure what will power the new 8, it seems safe to speculate that the drivetrain will closely mirror that of the current 7 Series range rather than some of its V12 predecessors.

The new 8 Series announcement comes as BMW attempts to increase sales in the luxury car class.

BMW management board chairman Harald Krüger says adding to BMW’s luxury range is one strategy the company has adopted.

The number 8 has always represented the pinnacle of sports performance and exclusivity at BMW,” Krüger says.

“The forthcoming BMW 8 Series Coupe will demonstrate that razor-sharp dynamics and modern luxury can go hand-in-hand. This will be the next model in the expansion of our luxury-car offering and will raise the benchmark for coupes in the segment.”

Obvious BMW design cues have made their way onto the 8 Series concept, though the front kidney grilles are unusually large, and the tail lights are like few we’ve seen before.

Senior vice president of BMW Group Design Adrian van Hooydonk says while the car is a nod to previous BMW design, the 8 Series concept brings it into the modern era.

“The BMW Concept 8 Series is our take on a full-blooded high-end driving machine,” Hooydonk says.

It is a luxurious sports car which embodies both unadulterated dynamics and modern luxury like arguably no other.

“The design of the BMW Concept 8 Series provides a fresh interpretation of iconic BMW styling cues.

“For me, it’s a slice of pure automotive fascination.”