Presented this evening at the Mandarin Oriental in Kuala Lumpur is the BMW Luxury Excellence Pavilion, open from now until March 7. The steel and glass structure – which introduces Munich’s new corporate identity and black-and-white logo for elite models like the 7 Series and the upcoming 8 Series and X7 – plays host to the BMW Concept 8 Series, making its debut in the region here.
As the name suggests, the Concept 8 Series previews the production 8 Series Coupé – the nameplate marks a return on a second-generation model after lying dormant for nearly two decades. The luxurious two-door will be one of three brand new vehicles coming this year, the others being the X7 SUV and Z4 roadster.
The Concept 8 Series sports a more expressive design than what we’ve come to expect from BMW, with a broad, low stance and large, sweeping surfaces. The imposing front end is dominated by the massive double kidney grille conjoined by a chrome frame and featuring a more dynamic trapezoidal shape.
Meanwhile, the slim headlights with hexagonal corona rings give it a focused look, while the large side air intakes underneath them – flanking a carbon fibre front splitter – emphasise the car’s width and provide plenty of aggression. Along the sides, there are deep cuts within the doors that flow from the Air Breather vents aft of the front wheels, and the pronounced rear fender line adds definition and muscle.
The line that forms over the typical BMW long bonnet flows over the tapered, low-slung glasshouse towards the rear, where it is cut off by a dramatic upswept rear deck – under which sit blade-like L-shaped tail lights. Large vents here mirror those at the front, and there’s also a carbon fibre rear diffuser incorporating the twin exhaust outlets. Sizeable 21-inch wheels and special Barcelona Grey Liquid paint complete the look.
Inside, there’s a familiar driver-focused cockpit upholstered in Dark Brown and Fjord White Merino leather, with a tall centre console and low dashboard providing a snug feel. The slim sports seats feature carbon fibre shells, and the race-style steering wheel gets hand-polished aluminium spokes and red anodised paddle shifters. Adding a luxurious touch are the faceted gearlever and a Swarovski glass iDrive controller.
Speaking of which, the Concept 8 Series previews the next-generation iDrive infotainment system, as well as a new digital instrument display with C-shaped dials – including a reverse-direction rev counter.
No technical details have been revealed so far, but expect the production 8 Series to be based on the modular Cluster Architecture (CLAR), which uses lightweight materials such as aluminium, magnesium and – in the case of the 7 Series – carbon fibre in order to reduce weight.
Also expect the engine lineup to match the 7 Series’, with straight-six, V8 and V12 turbocharged mills in either petrol or diesel forms. A high-performance M8 will be introduced as well, likely powered by the M5‘s 4.4 litre twin-turbo V8 producing 600 hp and 750 Nm of torque – sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed M Steptronic automatic transmission and an M xDrive all-wheel drive system.
Aside from the show car, the Luxury Excellence Pavilion – which is making its stop here as part of a world tour – will also showcase partners Dior, Hugo Boss, Moët Hennessey Diageo, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Wei-Ling Gallery, Leica, Illy Coffee and SPACE. Unfortunately, the display is only open to those who have registered their interest, but for those of you who won’t be able to make it, you can peruse our gallery below.
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I like the black and white roundel. Looks more stealthy. I’m sure many a 3 Series owners will want it too. But would be nicer if it was completely blacked out, with the white parts replaced with carbon fibre.
Luxuriosly fugly