When the new BMW 8 Series was revealed, the official press images showed the fresh-faced coupé in M850i xDrive guise only (along with a shot or two with the optional Carbon package fitted).
We do know, however, that an 840d xDrive will also be offered in some markets (excluding South Africa), and this derivative doesn’t wear the Bavarian brand’s M Sport package as standard. And now that the first configurator has gone live (in Belgium, interestingly enough), we have the chance to see what the 8 Series looks like in base trim.
The M Sport package (which, incidentally will be offered as an option on the 840d) brings larger air intakes in the front apron, a more aggressively contoured rear apron, an M rear spoiler and chunkier side-skirts, as well as “air breathers” finished in pearl-effect chrome and a rear diffuser (with different exhaust outlets) in grey.
The M850i furthermore features larger brakes with blue callipers as standard, along with 20-inch M alloy wheels (the 840d ships standard on 18-inch items).
Of course, you’ll likely never see a base-spec 8 Series Coupé here in South Africa seeing as only the M850i xDrive derivative will be offered locally at launch in November 2018. Still, it’s interesting to note the difference the M Sport kit makes…
