Blurred Lines

BMW revives the iconic 8 Series grand tourer and lauds it as a redefinition of the sportscar. Can it be both?

THERE are high expectations of the 8 Series, not only thanks to its purposeful looks and BMW’s rich heritage of producing large coupés, but also because a lot has changed since the first 8 Series (E31) of 1989. The competitive onslaught has intensified from the likes of Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and Aston Martin, and customers’ demands with it. Cars have to be many things to many people; segment lines once clear are now blurred, making it difficult for a brand to distinguish itself and tick the right boxes.

Market shenanigans aside, BMW’s own claim of the 8 being a true sportscar (trapped in a two-plus-two GT body) adds a further complication. Is this pluralism something on which the new 8 can deliver? Will the market respond positively to it? Which boxes does it tick?

Important questions yet, at full tilt on Portugal’s iconic Estoril Circuit, I don’t care much about boxes. I’m too busy trying to keep up with BMW Motorsport works driver António Félix da Costa. I’m failing but having fun.

The M850i Coupé is quick. Out of sight burbles the familiar N63 4,4-litre, twin-turbo V8 found in other large BMWs, but here it’s been extensively reworked with a stiffer crankshaft, revised cylinder heads and larger turbos. This engineering fettling means the 8 packs a mean punch, delivering 390 kW and an M5-rivaling 750 N.m. Yet, it’s not a sledgehammer. The power delivery is smooth and progressive. It is more a slap in the face than a kick up the rear.