The BMW 8 Series now in Malaysia

The BMW M850i xDrive Coupé starts from RM 1,088,000.00

The all-new BMW 8 Series Coupé has been launched. One variant, the BMW M850i xDrive is offered. 

The four-wheel drive performance car is powered by a new 4.4-litre V8 engine with two twin-scroll turbochargers and paired with the latest eight-speed Steptronic gearbox. The sports transmission has increased ratio speed, new transmission management and optimised hydraulic control for sportier gear changes. Total output is 530bhp between 5500 and 6000rpm. Maximum torque is 750Nm from 1800 to 4600rpm. 100km/h takes just 3.7 seconds to achieve.

The BMW M performance model has 20-inch M light-alloy wheelsin y-spoke style 728 M with mixed tyres and 19-inch M Sport brakes with distinctive blue-painted M calipers. For those who opt for the Sunset Orange exterior, the option for wheels in the Style 728 M in Jet Black is available.

The rear-biased all-wheel drive has electronically controlled rear differential lock fitted as standard, generated by an electric motor, to limit speed compensation between the inside and outside rear wheel when cornering for increased traction on curves. 

The comprehensive Road Test for the BMW 840d xDrive 

Adaptive M suspension is standard along with integral Active Steering so the 8 has a smaller turning circle for easier manoeuvrability at lower speeds yet retains stability at high speeds.

The standard upholstery is Merino leather with full leather trim for the door shoulders and instrument panel. Creature comforts provided in The 8 are newly developed multifunction sports seats with active seat ventilation: cooled air is distributed through the seat via built-in fans to regulate its temperature for optimum driver comfort, and the M Sport package consisting of M leather steering wheel, an anthracite BMW Individual headliner, M pedals, M driver’s footrest and special M floor mats for a sporty air.

Standard safety features are the BMW Laserlight headlamps, LED tail lights, active cruise control, Driving Assistant Professional, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Change Warning, Pedestrian Collision Warning, Crossing Traffic Warning (front and rear), Emergency Stop Assistant, steering and lane control assistant, Land Keeping Assistant and the latest Evasion Aid which now reacts to pedestrians. 

The 8 is fitted with BMW Live Cockpit Professional. The latest-generation display and control concept consists of a high-resolution instrument cluster behind the steering wheel with a 12.3-inch screen as well as a 10.25-inch control display and run on the new BMW Operating System 7.0. Also included in BMW Live Cockpit Professional are an adaptive navigation system, a hard-drive based multimedia system with 20GB of memory, two USB ports, Bluetooth and WiFi interfaces.

The car has intelligent connectivity capabilities from a built-in SIM card and the unlimited data volume, enabling drivers to use the Intelligent Emergency Call system to automatically summon assistance in an emergency and receive regular updates for the navigation system’s maps. Other services include Concierge Service and Remote Services. 

Making its debut in The 8 Series is the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, which is activated by the prompt “Hey BMW”. The prompt can be personalised to any name the driver wishes. The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant learns routines and habits, and is supposed to be able to apply them in the appropriate context. The assistant is on constant standby and is the genuine BMW professional on board, and is capable of explaining the different functions. It is also capable of providing casual conversation.

The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant will receive constant technical upgrades and will be able to learn more preferences and favoured settings. Based on the driver’s favourite settings, it can even activate a combination of them to enhance well-being. For instance,“Hey BMW, I feel tired” triggers a vitality programme that adjusts the lighting mood, music and temperature, among other things,in order to make the driver feel more awake.

Also for the first time, The 8 features the BMW Digital Key. The DigitalKey employs Near Field Communication (NFC) technology to allow the car to be locked and unlocked from a smartphone.The smartphone simply has to be held up to the door handle to open the door. Once inside, the engine can be started as soon as the phone has been placed in the Wireless Charging or smartphone tray. Via theBMW Connected App, the Digital Key enables the driver to share the key with up to five people.

The 8 comes in a choice of exterior colours, all with Cerium Grey highlights, M rear spoiler and twin tailpipes: CarbonBlack metallic, Black Sapphire metallic, Sonic Speed Blue metallic, Barcelona Blue metallic, Sunset Orange metallic and Mineral White, matched with Black, Cognac or Ivory White BMW Individual Merino full leather trim sports seat. 

The BMW M850i xDrive Coupé is RM1,088,000.00 on-the-road, without insurance. Under the Balloon Financing Plan offered by BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, this could work out to RM12,418.00 a month with an 80 per cent loan spread over five years. 

As with all cars sold by BMW Group Malaysia, owners of The 8 will receive the BMW Group Malaysia Premium Ownership experience. This includes:

  • BMW 5-Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service Programme
  • BMW 2-Year/ 24 Month Tyre Warranty Programme for its Run Flat Tyre offering and services
  • BMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline
  • The BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App – BMW White Card
  • BMW Service Online

 The 8 will be available at all authorised BMW dealerships nationwide from Friday, 15 March 2019. Alternatively, visit www.bmwbethefirst.com.my to pre-book.

In February 2018, the BMW 8 Concept made a stop in Malaysia while on its around-the-world tour. Compare the concept to the final outcome: