Now that the new BMW 8 Series Coupé has been officially revealed (find all the details here), we’ve decided to take a closer look at exactly how closely the production version of the low-slung luxury sportscar resembles the Concept 8 Series that debuted at Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in May 2017.
Placing the two side-by-side (concept on the left and production on the right, if you weren’t sure) reveals a handful of key similarities and differences, each of which we’ll outline below.
From front on, the most noticeable difference is the size of the headlamps and side-mirrors, both of which have been enlarged on the production model. The shape of BMW’s kidney grille is virtually unchanged (note that the production model pictured here features the optional carbon package), although the design of the lower air intakes is vastly different.
Looking at the two from a front three-quarter angle, it’s interesting to note that the deep creases running from just aft of the front wheelarch through the door have been retained, as has the general shape of the side glass. The production model has, of course, gained an exterior door handle.
From the back, the numberplate area has grown in size, while both the shape and placement of the exhaust outlets have been altered (the diffuser treatment, too, is different). While the rear lighting signature of the production model doesn’t stray far from that of the concept, the former gains reverse lights and a more conventional (flatter) cluster design.
Taking a look from the rear three-quarter angle, it’s clear that the boot lip is not quite as pronounced on the production version of the 8 Series Coupé as it is on the concept. The production car also gains a fuel flap.
In profile, while the concept clearly has a far pointier nose and the production model’s tail-lamps wrap slightly further round in the body, the sleek shape has been carried over without much change. Even the alloy wheels are similar in design and size.
Inside, the concept’s deep-dish (almost square) steering wheel has been replaced by a more conventional item, while the air-vents gain a completely different shape. But the general design of the centre console arrangement as well as that of the digital instrument display and centrally sited screen have made it through to production.
What do you make of the 8 Series Coupé’s transformation from concept to production? Tell us what you think in the comments section below!
