Spy shots and video of the 2023 BMW 8 Series: mid-cycle megacoupe update
BMW was spotted testing a prototype of the 8 Series Coupe. An updated 8 Series Gran Coupe prototype was also recently spotted.
The modern 8 Series will arrive for the 2019 model year, initially in coupe form. A convertible also arrived in 2019, with a more practical 8 Series Gran Coupe joining the lineup in 2020.
In typical BMW fashion, a mid-cycle update of all 8 Series models will likely be introduced for the 2023 model year, and it is not uncommon to see prototypes of the updated 8 Series.
The prototype has a heavily camouflaged front, suggesting that the design has been significantly tweaked beyond the usual mid-cycle updates. The rear is also camouflaged, so some tweaking can be expected here as well.
A short look at the interior suggests a new infotainment screen above the center stack. The current 8 Series has a 10.25-inch screen, but it would not be surprising if a larger unit is being tested here; BMW also announced a new generation iDrive interface in March, which may be an indication of what BMW has planned for the new 8 Series.
It is not clear what BMW's plans are regarding powertrains. Currently, the U.S. lineup starts with the 840i, which is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 with 335 hp. You really don't want this model; there is also an 850i with a twin-turbocharged 523-hp 4.4-liter V-8, and if money is no object, an M8 with a similar engine to the 850i but with 600 hp and 617 hp (M8 Competition).
Alpina, BMW's semi-official tuner, unveiled its own version of the 8 Series Gran Coupe in March; known as the B8 Gran Coupe, it delivers 612 hp and is the most powerful car on the market.
Performance of the updated 8 Series may be enhanced by mild hybrid technology in some variants. It is also possible that a 389 hp plug-in hybrid option, which is available on the X7 and 7 Series and recently added to the 5 Series overseas, will be added. With any luck, BMW will also develop a hardcore M8 CS with the same 627 hp V-8 engine as the new M5 CS.
