The 8 Series is based on the BMW Concept 8 Series that debuted at the 2017 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este and featured a new design language and iteration of the iDrive system. The production version was officially unveiled at the 24 Hours of Le Mans on June 15, 2018. The BMW Concept M8 Gran Coupé was later introduced at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show and is a high-performance four-door variant of the 8 Series which was unveiled in June 2019.
The 8 Series utilises a double-wishbone front suspension and rear multi-link suspension. The car uses BMW's Carbon Core technology, integrating carbon fibre within its chassis. GPS navigation data is used for the 8-speed automatic transmission to predict upshifts or downshifts when approaching a junction, and cameras along with sensors are utilised to determine appropriate shutdowns for the engine start-stop system.
The convertible version of the 8 Series (G14) was launched in November 2018. The convertible features a folding cloth roof that operates in 15 seconds and can function up to 50 km/h (31 mph). Changes over the coupé include; new cross struts, new panels for the underbody and aluminium rollover bars for added safety. Initial models for the convertible include the M850i xDrive and 840d xDrive. The convertible weighs an additional 100 kg (220 lb) more than the coupé.
Sales of the 8 Series commenced in November 2018.
