New R1,8m BMW 8 Series Coupé is now available in SA

This week BMW SA launched its all-new 8 Series Coupé in Cape Town. Unveiled internationally at the end of 2018, the much-anticipated 8 Series Coupé is a sporty grand tourer that promises both luxury and storming performance in equal measure.

Rigorously tested around the infamous Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit, the 850i xDrive Coupé packs a 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine that whacks out 390kW and 750Nm worth of torque. BMW claims that these figure are good enough for a 0-100km/h sprint time of 3.7-seconds. Vmax? You're looking at an electronically limited 250km/h. Not shabby at all.

To ensure optimum traction the 850i xDrive Coupé – as the name suggests – comes with BMW's rear-biased all-wheel-drive system plus an electronically controlled differential lock. The only gearbox on offer is the firm's tried-and-tested eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission. As is becoming the norm there is no manual alternative on offer. 

So how much does it cost? Well the starting price is R1,872,900. Is it worth it? We will be driving the new 850i xDrive Coupé later this week so keep your eyes peeled for our first drive impressions.