BMW has added a third derivative to its new 8 Series large luxury car platform. And by large, we mean: massive.
The latest 8 Series is a four-door sedan configuration, which carries the Grand Coupe (GC) moniker and offers followers of the brand an alternative to the traditional 7 Series limousine.
Although the 8 Series GC is built on a similar architecture to its coupe and convertible siblings, it is notably larger, a requirement of those additional doors and having to properly home rear-seat passengers and their luggage.
A much bigger BMW
Bumper-to-bumper the GC is 231mm longer than any two-door 8 Series and 80mm wider. Slightly larger than 5m, it is a very substantial vehicle and the reason for this increase in size is to provide adequate passenger comfort.
Engineers wanted to stretch the wheelbase by 201mm to ensure appropriate comfort levels for the rear passengers and enable a 440l boot for all associated luggage.
The GC might have a familiar front third to other 8 Series models, but it is 61mm taller, with resultantly steeper roof pillars. Its rear also features a range of horizontal styling creases and the boot is shaped with a pronounced integrated wing.
Inside the 8 Series, GC has a panoramic glass roof to ensure the cabin is bathed in natural light, whilst a 12.3-inch instrumentation cluster keeps the driver informed and a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen does the same for passengers.
Factory fitted safety equipment is comprehensive. This list includes autonomous emergency braking (which can recognise pedestrians), lane-keeping assists, rear cross-traffic alert, a reversing camera, adaptive cruise control and a surround view camera to ensure anxiety-free parking of this large Germany luxury car.
Powering the four-door 8 Series will be a range of familiar engines to any BMW follower. The 840i features a 3-litre turbocharged in-line six, good for 250kW and 500Nm.
Those seeking potent performance can opt or an M850i xDrive version, with its 4.4-litre turbocharged V8, boosting 390kW and 750Nm. Long-distance driving enthusiasts will no doubt prefer the range of an 840d, with its 3-litre in-line six turbodiesel producing 235kW and 680Nm.
BMW South Africa has confirmed that the 8 Series GC will become available to local buyers by the fourth quarter of this year.
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