Next-gen BMW 8 Series could be pared to an electric Gran Coupe
BMW Weblog spoke to “sources with a very good observe document” about what’s in retailer for the 8 Collection. The rumors sound like BMW is constant down the street prompt earlier this yr of killing the 8 Collection coupe and convertible, preserving simply the Gran Coupe for the following era due in 2026 or thereabouts. The brand new twist within the scuttlebutt is that this next-gen 8 GC can be battery-electric solely. BMW Weblog did not point out a tidbit from a report in January that the 8 Collection lineup would department off right into a 7 Collection mannequin and merge with the 4 Collection to launch a brand new 6 Collection lineup, however combining these two nuggets sounds believable. The 7 vary has been remade with ICE and electrical variations. A electrical 8 Collection Gran Coupe would grow to be a 7 Collection Gran Coupe, whereas the ICE 8 Collection coupe and convertible can be parlayed into a brand new 6 Collection.
In fact, that is all hypothesis. What’s not speculative are the gross sales figures for the 8 Collection. The coupe, cabriolet, and Gran Coupe seem like on observe for one more annual gross sales tally of seven,000-8,000 items within the U.S., similar as they’ve achieved the previous two years right here. Numbers are properly down this yr in Europe, although, simply as they have been in 2021 in comparison with 2020.
There are nonetheless loads of questions. BMW Weblog suggests the automaker “is likely to be taking a look at simplifying the 8 Collection lineup and preserving solely one of the best promoting merchandise.” Based mostly on the whispers to date, we aren’t positive if something is being simplified or if it is merely being transformed to electrical and/or relabeled. If BMW’s doing like each different automaker, pruning lineups each to save cash for widescale electrification and maximize manufacturing within the face of provide shortages, it might make sense to trim the 8 vary to a sportier electrical 7 Collection Gran Coupe. Say the 4 Collection and eight Collection coupes and convertibles are used to resurrect a 6 Collection coupe and convertible — superficially, that is eliminating two vehicles. Nevertheless it strains perception to assume the 4 would die and BMW would go away the three Collection and not using a coupe or convertible choice. If the 4 Collection dies however the 3 Collection picks up one or two new variants — which might be the outdated variants that turned the 4 Collection — it is attainable no automobiles are eradicated.
What’s clear is that the world of huge luxurious sedans and GTs goes the best way of the electron. The Taycan is already right here. Maserati simply revealed its GranTurismo Folgore. Audi’s acquired an electrical A9 E-Tron reportedly coming in 2024, a Bentley EV is due a yr or two later. Jaguar’s mentioned to be going all-electric with a trio of crossovers in 2024, however we would not be shocked at an electrical XJ or new GT displaying across the time the following 8 Collection is predicted to debut. BMW Weblog says the Munich automaker has till about three years earlier than launch to decide, which means plans would begin firming up round a yr from now.
