BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe, M8 Coupe India launch on May 8

• Both models will be available to purchase on BMW Contactless experience​

• The 8 Series Gran Coupe will come in 840i form with 340hp, straight-six, turbo-petrol engine
• 8 Series Coupe will be launched in M8 guise

BMW will announce prices for the 8 Series line, comprising the Gran Coupe and Coupe body styles, in India on May 8. As reported earlier, the models will be launched online in what could be the first of many digital launches in the months to come. Both new BMWs will be available to purchase via the recently launched BMW Contactless Experience online retail platform, even as the German carmaker’s dealers are expected to lift shutters with the easing of lockdown restrictions.

The 8 Series Gran Coupe is BMW’s range-topping four-door coupe and takes the place of the erstwhile 6 Series Gran Coupe in the line-up. Measuring over 5m in length and just under 2m in width, the 8 Series Gran Coupe is a large car. However, the Gran Coupe’s tight-fitting roof means it won’t be the first choice for chauffeur-driven buyers. Self-driving owners will have much to look forward to, though. India will get the 840i, which comes powered by a 340hp, 3.0-litre, in-line, six-cylinder, turbocharged petrol engine.  

The 8 Series Coupe for India will be an altogether different proposition. That’s because we’ll be getting the full-blown M8 Competition – the sportiest iteration of the 8 Series Coupe. It is equipped with a 4.4-litre, twin-turbocharged, V8 petrol engine that produces 625hp and 750Nm of torque. BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system is standard fit, though drivers will have the option to switch to a purely rear-wheel-drive layout.

Expect BMW to price the 8 Series Gran Coupe for around Rs 1.40 crore, with the M8 Coupe expected to start around the Rs 2.30 crore mark (ex-showroom).