BMW has reinvented its 8 Series first class sports coupe and showcased the concept car at the 2017 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este…

The 8 Series Concept takes its cue from the 6 Series, but with much more design flair and sweeping lines courtesy of its elongated wheelbase. The 8, arguably the best-looking BMW since the Z8, will replace the 6 Series coupe in BMW’s model lineup, but the 6 Series Gran Coupe (4-door) will remain.

The 8 Series, when it comes to fruition, is likely to be built on the current 5 and 7 Series platform. The design looks like an interesting departure from the humdrum design we have seen of late from BMW. It sits very low, with an acutely raked windscreen that screams GT cruiser, much like the long-discontinued late Eighties original 8 Series did.

The headlights look a little too narrow to be production-ready, but expect the front end to remain aggressively-styled, if less ornate. The kidney grille with its boomerang slats is certainly polarising, too.

BMW has trademarked the nameplates 825i, 830i, 835i, 845i, 850i, 860i, M850i and M8; we would not be surprised if the 448 kW/800 N.m 6.6-litre V12 turbopetrol from the M760Li xDrive featured in the 860i!. The new 8 Series’ production is expected to kick off in 2018. Watch this space…

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