BMW 8 Series and BMW M8 receive refreshed styling and technology

Following appearances in several spy photographs, the updated BMW 8 Series range and the even more coveted BMW M8 have now been unveiled.

BMW 8 Series exterior updates

On the outside, the most significant change is the kidney grille, which gains wider slats and now features the “Iconic Glow” lighting system as standard. Long anticipated, having been fitted to M8 CSL test prototypes, it illuminates as soon as the car is switched on. Drivers seeking a more understated appearance can deactivate it.

Every BMW 8 Series model also now comes as standard with the M Sport package. This adds more assertive bumpers, fresh body-coloured aerodynamic elements, 19-inch alloy wheels and M Sport brakes.

Models powered by a V8 receive further M treatment, including M8-inspired door mirrors, a new rear spoiler and diffuser, a front splitter, and 20-inch alloy wheels.

More technology, unchanged engines

Inside, this update has concentrated on expanding the technology offering. While the standard M Sport package brings new seats, a redesigned steering wheel and new pedals, these are not the main additions.

That distinction belongs to the new infotainment display, which now measures 12.3 inches as standard, replacing the previous 10.25-inch unit. It is joined by a fully digital 12.3-inch instrument cluster.

Known as BMW Live Cockpit Professional, the system incorporates online navigation, BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, a Head-Up Display and wireless smartphone pairing.

BMW 8 Series engine range

Mechanically, nothing has changed. The 8 Series Coupé, Convertible and Gran Coupé continue to be offered with three engines: two petrol units and one diesel.

• 840i/840i xDrive - 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six-cylinder, 340 hp and 500 Nm;
• M850i xDrive - 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8, 530 hp and 750 Nm;
• 840d xDrive - 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline six-cylinder, 320 hp and 680 Nm.

Only the 840i can be specified with either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive (xDrive); all other versions are four-wheel drive.

An eight-speed Steptronic automatic gearbox is the sole transmission available.

What about the BMW M8?

For the BMW M8, the headline change is the removal of the standard version. From now on, the BMW M8 is offered exclusively in its more powerful Competition specification.

Sharing most of the 8 Series updates, the new M8 Competition features a more aggressive grille, new decorative details and optional M Carbon seats. As well as being heated and electrically adjustable, these include an illuminated “M8” logo in their head restraints.

Its mechanical specification is unchanged, with the M8 Competition using a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 producing 625 hp and 749 Nm. These figures enable it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.2 seconds, or 3.3 seconds in the M8 Competition Convertible.

BMW has not yet confirmed when the revised 8 Series will go on sale, and prices for the German model have also yet to be announced.