When the BMW 8 Series coupé was revealed back in mid-2018, just two engine options were on the table. Now, however, the Munich-based firm has announced plans to add a third in the form of a straight-six petrol unit.
The new 840i derivative that will go into production in July 2019 will be offered in both coupé and convertible body styles, with its six-cylinder in-line petrol engine offering 250 kW. In Europe, the variant will be offered in rear-wheel and all-wheel drive form.
It’s not yet clear whether BMW Group South Africa has plans to bring the newcomer to local shores.
The 840i joins the M850i, which employs a twin-turbo 4,4-litre V8 petrol engine worth 390 kW and 750 N.m, and the 840d, which offers 235 kW and 680 N.m from its 3,0-litre inline-six diesel mill.
BMW has also added M Sport seats to the options list for the 8 Series, with the upgraded pews featuring perforated central sections and bespoke stitching, complemented by safety belts with accent strips in the M colours.
In addition, 8 Series buyers (in Europe, at least) will from July 2019 be able to specify BMW Individual full-leather appointments in eight colour variants, plus BMW Individual fine wood interior trim strips in “black ash silver effect high-gloss” and carbon-fibre.
