BMW expands 8-series lineup with Gran Coupe

BMW is broadening its flagship model range with the launch of an 8-series Gran Coupe. The 2020 8-series Gran Coupe will go on sale in September, but pricing in Canada hasn't yet been announced.

BMW Canada spokesman Marc Belcourt said in an email that pricing will "be shared with our retail network within the coming weeks."

The four-door, five-seater - a first for the 8 series - is a nod to changing consumer tastes and opens the 8-series lineup to a larger market than a two-door offering would.

Old-school coupes have lost favour as buyers have moved to more practical four-door models, said Sam Fiorani, vice president with AutoForecast Solutions.

"Today's four-door coupes give buyers the sporty image and performance they want with a usable back seat that is traditionally lacking in these flagship models," Fiorani said.

The addition of the Gran Coupe body style will expand the 8-series' reach into territory occupied almost solely by the Porsche Panamera, he said.

It is also expected to go head-to-head with the Mercedes-Benz CLS and Audi A7.The  

The 8-series Gran Coupe rear-wheel-drive (840i) and all-wheel-drive (840 i xDrive) variants will both be available in the United States when sales begin. They are powered by BMW's TwinPower Turbo 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine. It weighs 5.9 kilograms (13 pounds) less than its predecessor, produces 335 hp and can propel the vehicle from 0 to 60 mph in just under five seconds.

However, the M850i xDrive will be the model available in Canada at launch in September, Belcourt said.

"No final decision has been taken on if or when additional variants could be offered in Canada," he wrote.

The M850i xDrive performance variant has a TwinPower Turbo 4.4-litre, V-8 turbo engine that delivers 523 hp and can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds. A new aluminum alloy provides a stronger engine block, BMW said.

Both engines feature an updated eight-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission.

BIG IS BETTER

The Gran Coupe is 22.85 centimetres (nine inches) longer, three cm (1.2 inches) wider and 5.6 cm (2.2 inches) taller than the 8-series coupe, and features a wheelbase that is 20 cm (7.9 inches) longer.

With a rear track of 167.1 cm (65.8 inches) - which is three cm (1.2 inches) wider than the 8-series coupe - the Gran Coupe stands on the widest rear track of any BMW. In fact, the assembly line at the Dingolfing, Germany, plant where the car is produced, had to be modified to accommodate the new, wider platform.

In addition to the larger proportions, the exterior design allows for a roomier interior.

The Gran Coupe windshield features less rake than in the coupe to allow the roofline to raise to a higher point above the front seats, providing increased headroom. Rear legroom in the Grand Coupe increases by 18 cm (7.1 inches), while rear headroom expands by 8.6 cm (3.4 inches).

The 8-series Gran Coupe also relies on lightweight materials to keep weight down and improve handling.

Aluminum construction is used for the doors, hood, roof, front bulkhead, engine subframe and rear bumper support. The trunk lid is made from dent-resistant plastic while the cabin dashboard support is made from magnesium and parts of the centre driveline tunnel are made from carbon-fibre reinforced plastic. The M850i xDrive offers an optional carbon fibre roof that replaces the glass moonroof and lowers the weight and centre of gravity.

SMART TECH

The 2020 8-series Gran Coupe features an array of sensors and technologies that take the drudgery out of driving.

The optional Driving Assistance Professional package includes a semi-automated driving system that allows for hands-free and pedal-free driving on limited-access highways and at speeds slower than 65 km/h (40 mph).

The Steptronic Sport transmission's controller networks with the vehicle's navigation system, enabling it to take the planned route into account. Navigation data is used to downshift early, for example, when approaching an intersection to use engine braking to slow the car. The intelligent controller is also able to avoid unnecessary gear shifts between two corners that follow in quick succession, making it possible to drive through at a quicker pace.

Greg Layson from Automotive News Canada contributed to this report.

By: www.canada.autonews.com