A few days ago we brought you leaked images of the BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe. You can see that story here. Earlier today the German automaker officially unveiled the BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe. Manager of group product communications at BMW South Africa, Edward Makwana confirmed that the new model will be launched locally in the fourth quarter of 2019.

Family complete

With the arrival of the BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe, the range is now complete. Other models that wear the 8 Series badge include the two-door Coupe and Convertible body styles. You can read our driving review of the M850i xDrive at this link. Adding an extra set of doors to the 8 Series increases its appeal to those who may be keen on the apex BMW, but require a bit more practicality than the two-door versions offer.

Click here to read our review of the recently launched Mercedes-AMG CLS53.

The Gran Coupe has rear doors and a wheelbase that has been extended by 201 mm over the Coupe, ensuring plenty of rear legroom. BMW’s press blurb says that large door apertures make for easy ingress and egress. It also states that the 8 GC has a considerable increase in shoulder room in the rear, more headroom in all seats than in the two-door members of the range.

Luxurious interior

The BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe will have a cabin that befits a range-topping model. Expect soft leather trim on the seats, door-cards and other contact points. High-quality trim will be found on the facia and centre console. In keeping with its status owners will also find the model kitted with all BMWs latest technologies. A full-colour touchscreen infotainment interface will be placed atop the facia. It will feature BMW’s Connected Drive services as well as real-time traffic and navigation services. Another high-definition screen will relay pertinent information to the driver.

Of course, there will be a raft of optional extras. However, some options will be available exclusively for the BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe variant. These include four-zone automatic climate control and sun blinds for the rear side windows and rear window.

Local line-up

When the newcomer goes on sale in South African buyers will get to choose from three derivatives: M850i xDrive, 840i and 840d xDrive.

The drivetrain in the M850i we have already experienced earlier this year. It features a twin-turbocharged, 4,4-litre V8 engine that is good for 390 kW/750 kW. Power is handled by an all-wheel-drive system. A new petrol inline six of 3,0 litres produces 250 kW/500 N.m. This engine drives just the rear axle. A sole diesel derivative is powered by a turbocharged motor. It develops 235 kW and max torque of 680 N.m between 1 750 and 2 250 r/min. It is also an all-wheel-drive model. Each engine is mated with an eight-speed torque converter automatic.