- All new 4.4-liter V8
- 523 hp and 553 lb-ft torque
- 0-60 mph in 3.6 seconds
- Electronically limited top speed of 155 mph
- First BMW 8 Series in 20 years
- UPDATE: Read our First Review of the BMW M850i xDrive
BMW has taken the wraps off its all-new 2019 BMW M50i xDrive Coupe, the first time the German automaker has had a flagship 2-door model in its range in 20 years. The all-wheel drive coupe is powered by a new twin turbo 4.4-liter V8 engine making 523 horsepower from 5,500 to 6,000 rpm and 523 lb-ft of torque from 1,800 to 4,600 rpm. The engine is mounted to an 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission with sequential paddle shift.
RELATED: Check out the 2020 BMW M8
Riding on a 111.1-inch wheelbase, the new BMW 8 Series measures 191.2 inches in overall length, stands just 53.0 inches tall and is 74.9 inches wide. The 850 has an aggressive stance and bold look thanks to large signature kidney grille opening, standard LED headlights and auxiliary air intakes. The silhouette features a long hood and short rear deck with an extreme fastback rake to the rear window. The iconic Hofmeister kink at the back of the rear pillar has a tight angle to it. At the rear, there are sculpted shapes that emphasize the width and low ride height along with thin LED taillight clusters.
Also: Get your first look at the new and redesigned cars of 2019
Performance-oriented cabin
A large center console divides the front seating into two distinct areas. The front of the console houses the infotainment and climate control systems. A simple control layout, which also includes active haptic feedback allows the driver to concentrate on the road ahead. Also standard on the vehicle is a head-up display, while night vision is an available option.
The front sport seats are clad in Merino leather, while the rear seat has a 50:50 split design configured to accommodate two passengers.
The all-new BMW 8 Series Coupe has Adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled shocks that are continuously adjusted to match the road surface. The basic suspension setting is taut to reduce body roll and pitch. The suspension can be changed by the Driving Experience Control switch, further stiffening when Sport or Sport+ is selected. Active anti-roll bars also assist in keeping the body flat while cornering.
With the ability to turn up to 2.5 degrees, the active rear steering helps reduce the car’s turn circle and improves maneuverability in both low- and high-speed situations. Steering is also calibrated to become more direct with increased vehicle speed.
2019 Car Reviews: First Takes on New Models
Driver assists
Among the driver assist features standard on the 2019 BMW 8 Series Coupe is Collision and Pedestrian Warning with City Braking function which will recognize cyclists, and bring the vehicle to a full stop to avoid or minimize collisions. Lane keeping and steering assists are standard as is an Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go can be used at speeds up to 130 mph.
Pricing will be announced on the 2019 BMW 850i xDrive Coupe closer to its on-sale date in the fall of this year.
