BMW Concept 8 Series unveiled as future flagship preview

BMW has wheeled out its Concept 8 Series at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, revealing a sleek design study of a luxury two-door flagship coupe that the company freely admits is destined for the production line in 2018.

Reviving the 8 Series nameplate – a moniker last applied to a production BMW back in 1999 – the Concept 8 Series also previews the latest interpretation of BMW’s ever-evolving design language.

“The BMW Concept 8 Series is our take on a full-blooded high-end driving machine,” Adrian van Hooydonk, senior vice president of BMW design said.

“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.”

First teased with an enticing silhouette sketch earlier this month, it’s no 1990s throwback either. Beyond its two-door configuration, large proportions and slit-like headlamps, there’s very little design crossover with the wedgy original 8 Series. The Concept 8 Series instead flaunts more organic curves, pronounced rear haunches and one of the largest interpretations of BMW’s iconic kidney grille yet.

Laser headlamps, 21-inch alloys and set of bold LED light tubes for the tail lamps are other design highlights. BMW has yet to release official imagery of the Concept 8 Series’ interior, but it describes the car’s cabin as one that envelops the driver, with key controls all put within an easy arm’s reach.

Carbonfibre-shelled front seats are clad in high-grade Merino leather, while the steering wheel design incorporates exposed hand-polished aluminium spokes and red anodised shift paddles. Even the iDrive controller incorporates Swarovski glass.

Technological details aren’t mentioned in BMW’s official release – the emphasis for now is on what the car looks like, not what makes it hum. That said, the company asserts that the Concept 8 Series flaunts a traditional rear-drive layout and that the production car will boast “razor-sharp dynamics”.

For a hint of what’s to come, take note that BMW has already been caught applying for trademarks on the 825, 830, 835, 850, 845, 860, M8 and M850 names. When it comes to market, the successor to the original 8 Series should be a much broader offering this time around - including the potential for a potent new M8 supercar flagship.