Geneva Motor Show 2018: BMW M8 Gran Coupe on the way

BMW has previewed its new flagship sports car, with the unveiling of the M8 Gran Coupe. Luxurious and performance-focused, the M8 will go on sale in 2019 and most-likely cost in excess of £100,000.

The M8 Gran Coupe concept that took centre stage at the BMW display at the Geneva Motor Show is thought to be very close to the production-ready model, with huge air intakes, sweeping lines and lavish helpings of carbon fibre reinforced plastics. As a result it'll cut a significance stance on the road, when it arrives in showrooms in 2019. 

There are no official details on powertrains or spec, but rumours at Geneva suggest that entry-level M8s will get the same 3.0 litre twin-turbo V6 as the M3, while more potent versions will get the 4.4-litre V8 from the M5. At the top end of the spectrum will be a twin-turbo 6.6-litre V12, which is found in the 7 Series. Outputs will vary from a subtle 450PS to a supercar rivalling 600PS.

Power will be delivered to the rear-wheels via an automatic transmission, with steering wheel paddle shifters allowing for rapid progress on the way to the shops or around the track. Four-wheel drive xDrive will also be available for those who want to utilise the M8 in the winter months, while the interior will mirror that of the 8 Series - which is due in late 2018 - with slim sports seats, carbon fibre panelling, digital instrument displays and BMW's latest infotainment options.  

“The BMW 8 Series will take over as the new flagship model of the BMW line-up and, as such, combines unsurpassed sportiness and elegance,” says Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design. “The BMW Concept M8 Gran Coupe offers a look ahead to the most exotic and alluring variant of the new BMW 8 Series.”