The BMW M8 will be the new flagship M model when it makes its international debut in 2019. BMW has released a number of teaser images of the M8 coupe with full body camouflage. BMW says that the exterior styling of the coupe is in the final stages of development for series production.
Powering the M8 Coupe will be the S63 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine which develops 590bhp. It is the same engine that does the duty in the M5, too. The engine will be mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission that sends drive to all four wheels via the xDrive all-wheel-drive system, same as that of the M5. Like the M5, the M8 is predominantly rear wheel driven and has selectable rear wheel drive mode. Switching off the DSC makes it 100 per cent rear wheel driven car to enhance its tail-wagging abilities.
Though the M8 shares some of the mechanicals from the M5, the former will be shorter, lower and wider. To make the M8 more dynamic than the 8 Series, the M division has increased the rigidity levels of the M8’s body, chassis components and chassis mountings.
The M8 will also be available in a 4-door coupe version, similar to that of the M8 Gran Coupe which was showcased at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year. A convertible version of the BMW M8, which will be the range topping model, is also under development along with the M8 Gran Coupe. Don’t be surprised to see a Competition variant of M8 to follow up at a later stage, with more horses under the hood. Internationally, the BMW M8 will rival the Mercedes-AMG S63 Coupe when the former is launched next year.