Could the new BMW 8-Series concept be the coolest BMW since the original?

Ring any bells? It should, for we have had an Eight before with the ambitious, if short-lived, 850i of 1989. Now after a decades-wide gap, the 8-Series is soon to be back in showrooms as BMW’s coupe flagship – and rival for the Mercedes S-Class Coupe.

We’ve shown you a teaser already but what you see here is the real thing, revealed today (May 26^th) as a production-ready concept at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in Italy. And at first sight, we reckon the luxury 2+2 – there’s bound to be a convertible version as well – looks to be a winner. 

Design highlights include that new low and wide take on the kidney grille, said to be inspired by BMW coupes of old, the very long bonnet and some very flowing lines and powerful sculpting. Plenty of luxury presence and a very dynamic stance then. 

“The BMW Concept 8-Series is our take on a full-blooded high-end driving machine,” says Adrian van Hooydonk, BMW design chief. “It is a luxurious sports car which embodies both unadulterated dynamics and modern luxury like arguably no other.” 

Next time we see it – and learn more about BMW’s push upmarket – will be at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September when it will be revealed in production form. It is not expected to be much different from the car you see here. Sales are due to begin in 2018.

There’s no confirmation yet of the range or prices but BMW certainly has the 600bhp V12 firepower available to keep the top Merc-AMG coupe honest in the £150,000 area of the two-door market.