Last month at the Beijing Auto Show, BMW unveiled the Concept Gran Coupe - a five-meter, four-door, couple-like saloon that previews the 2012 8-Series. The production version will compete with models like the Maserati Quattroporte, the Audi A7, and the Porsche Panamera.
"It’s true that the Gran Coupe points to a specific model, a saloon with the presence and elegance of a 7-series but a more dynamic, sporty character: much more of a driver’s car. We’re convinced that we should make a car like this."
That car will end up being the 2012 8-Series and will share the same platform as the current 5-series, 7-series, and 5 G. It will be offered with the same mix of six- and eight-cylinder petrol and diesel engines and an eight-speed automatic gearbox.
The stylings of the 2012 BMW 8-series will follow the Concept Gran Coupe’s which would leave it with the same long wheelbase, vaulted bonnet with forward-pointing lines, set-back greenhouse, flat silhouette and coupe-style roof line.
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