[UPDATED] 2019 BMW 8 Series: Iconic Coupe Returns with Striking Good Looks and a Twin-Turbo V8 [Video]

After a two decade absence, BMW’s iconic 8 Series coupe has returned.

We’ve been waiting for awhile for the veil to finally drop on the new 8 Series. Finally, we can see BMW’s redesign of its most iconic coupe without any camouflage. And the first thing we have to say is, “Damn, that’s a good looking car!” Today, after being absent from the company’s lineup for more than 20 years, the 2019 BMW 8 Series is here to woo customers with its design and performance.

BMW showed off the concept for the new 8 Series at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in Italy last year, but this is the first opportunity we’ve had to see the actual production model. It has a crisp, sharp design with a long hood and sloping roofline. Sadly, no pop-up headlamps are on offer this time, but you do get the latest version of BMW’s all-LED light clusters front and rear.

Luxury and technology

The car’s interior is classic BMW, although with more squared off shapes than previous models. The iDrive system is still a prevalent feature, as is the new entirely digital gauge cluster. The leather M sports steering wheel and shift paddles come standard. On the luxury front, there’s also an optional 16-speaker Harmon Kardon stereo. When you select your music through the 10.25-inch display, your choice is routed to 1,375 watt surround sound system. Connectivity is a key feature here as the 2019 BMW 8 Series is connected to Open Mobility Cloud, which allows you to connect the car with your smartphone and other devices.

Performance 

The luxury features are nice and all, but it’s a BMW. You expect creature comforts. The 2019 BMW 8 Series needs to have performance at its core to really stand out. Here are the numbers: the BMW M850i xDrive model features BMW’s latest 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine. BMW overhauled the engine by placing the twin-scroll turbochargers between the cylinder banks, updated the fuel injection system, valve timing and camshaft timing.

What’s the end result? The 2019 BMW 8 series puts out 523 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. While the new 8 Series weighs nearly 4,500 pounds, that’s enough power to propel the coupe to 60 MPH in 3.6 seconds. That V8 engine comes mated to BMW’s 8HP76 eight-speed automatic transmission. The driver can adjust the car’s handling character through the Driving Experience Control switch, as with other BMW models. In addition to Comfort mode, there’s also Sport, Sport+ and Eco Pro mode.

Finally, helping get that power down to the ground is BMW’s Adaptive M suspension with electronically-controlled dampers. A double-wishbone suspension setup in the front and a five-link setup in the rear. The car also has electromechanical steering, as well as four-piston fixed-caliper brakes at the front and single-piston floating calipers in the rear.

Remote software updates, pricing and availability

With all the technology on board, one of the greatest frustration comes with having to go to the dealer for updates. BMW includes the “Remote Software Upgrade” feature on the 2019 BMW 8 Series. That allows owners to receive over-the-air updates through the BMW Connected app.

Pricing information isn’t available yet. However, we should know more about that closer to the 2019 BMW 8 Series launch this fall. Stay tuned to TFLcar.com for more updates! Subscribe to The Fast Lane Car and TFLnow for more news, views and real-world reviews.

2019 BMW 8 Series Photo Gallery [Photos: BMW]

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This post may be updated with new information. Check back soon!

SPECIFICATIONS: 2019 BMW 8 Series M850i xDrive

On Sale: Fall 2018
Base MSRP: TBA
Engine: 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8
Drivetrain (Layout): Front engine, all-wheel drive
Horsepower: 523 hp @ 5,500 – 6,000 RPM
Specific Output: 119.0 hp/liter
Torque: 553 lb-ft @ 1,800 – 4,600 RPM
Transmission: 8HP76 Sport 8-speed automatic
0-60 Acceleration: 3.6 seconds (BMW)
Top Speed: 155 MPH (Electronically limited)
Drag Coefficient: 0.31
Suspension: Front: Adaptive double-wishbone suspensionRear: Adaptive five-link suspension
Tires: Front: 245/35 R20 95Y XL

Rear: 275/30 R20 97Y XL

Fuel capacity: 18.0 gallons
Fuel economy (EPA): TBA MPG

Dimensions:

Wheelbase: 111.1 inches
Length:  191.2 inches
Width: 74.9 inches
Height:  53.0 inches
Turning Circle: 39.0 feet
Curb Weight: 4,478 pounds