Wednesday, February 17, 2021

BMW 8 Series (G15) Details, Photos and Videos

February 17, 2021 Posted By Daniel Johnson

The second generation of the BMW 8 Series consists of the BMW G14 (convertible version), BMW G15 (two-door coupe version) and BMW G16 (four-door "Gran Coupe" version) grand tourers. This generation of the 8 Series is often collectively referred to as the G15.

It was officially unveiled at the 24 Hours of Le Mans on June 15, 2018. It is the successor to the BMW 6 Series range of models and marks the return of the BMW 8 Series nameplate after nearly two decades.

The 8 Series is based on the BMW Concept 8 Series that debuted at the 2017 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, and featured a new design language and iteration of the iDrive system. The BMW Concept M8 Gran Coupé was also later introduced at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show, and is a high-performance four-door variant of the 8 Series which was unveiled in June 2019.

The production model is based on the modular CLAR platform and has a design largely unchanged from the Concept 8 Series. The 8 Series utilises a double-wishbone front suspension and rear multi-link suspension. The car uses BMW's Carbon Core technology, integrating carbon-fibre within its chassis. GPS navigation data is used for the 8-speed automatic transmission to predict upshifts or downshifts when approaching a junction, and cameras along with sensors are utilised to determine appropriate shutdowns for the engine start-stop system.

The convertible version of the 8 Series (G14) was launched in November 2018. The convertible features a folding cloth roof that operates in 15 seconds and can function up to 50 km/h (31 mph). Changes over the coupé include; new cross struts, new panels for the underbody and aluminium roll over bars for added safety. Initial models for the convertible include the M850i xDrive and 840d xDrive. The convertible weighs an additional 100 kg (220 lb) more than the coupé.

Sales of the 8 Series commenced in November 2018.

The Gran Coupé version of the 8 Series was announced in June 2019 and will go on sale in September 2019. It will have the same powertrains as the coupé and convertible, but will be the first 8 Series available with a six-cylinder engine for the United States.

Standard equipment includes the xDrive all-wheel drive system, an 8-speed automatic transmission, Vernasca leather, a heads-up display, adaptive suspension, power steering, and split folding rear seats. The 8 Series also features a 10.25-inch display with iDrive 7.0 and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The M850i xDrive receives 20-inch wheels as standard and aerodynamic elements such as larger air intakes and a front lip spoiler.

Available options includes Microsoft Office 365 and Skype for Business integration, laser headlights, a display key fob, and a Bowers and Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System.Near field communication can also be used to unlock the car via a smartphone. An M Sport package is also available on the 840d xDrive model and features 19-inch alloy wheels, an enhanced braking system, and a re-designed sports steering wheel.

The 850i xDrive is available worldwide, while the 840d xDrive is only available in Europe.

In January 2019 the one-off version M850i xDrive Coupé Night Sky Edition was unveiled for the 25th anniversary of BMW Individual. The vehicle has a special paint and interior surfaces of the material of the Muonionalusta-meteorite. In addition, a meteor shower is cited. The coupé had its public debut at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show. For the time being, the coupe remains in the possession of BMW.

The M8 was introduced in June 2019 and is the road-legal version of the M8 GTE introduced at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show. The M8 shares its powertrain with the M5(F90). A feature unique to the M8 is the integrated braking system, which controls the usual hydro-mechanical braking elements through a single electronically controlled module. The system reduces weight and works in conjunction with the brakes of the car. The system is configurable via the M drive system of the car. The car will be available for sale in late 2019 in two versions, the standard version and the more aggressive Competition version.