KUALA LUMPUR: BMW Malaysia unveiled the Concept 8 draped in an exclusively developed Barcelona Grey Liquid exterior paint finish (a greyish-blue with highly iridescent pigments).

The unveiling was held during the launch of the BMW Luxury Excellence Pavillion at Mandarin Oriental hotel in Kuala Lumpur.

The concept is the German carmaker's way of providing a taste of what is to come in its second generation 8 Series Coupe (G14) that's been earmarked for launch sometime this year, while a performance M8 (G15) variant is currently in development.

The arrival of the concept is not only a first for Malaysia, but also for the Southeast Asian region, and marks the 8 Series' return after the first generation model (E31) went into production from 1989 to 1999.

The concept showcases a new approach to the use of forms that's prominently reflected on the car’s surfacing to exude more presence with its skillfully sculpted body.

Under the concept's hood, there's the possibility that a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8, twin-turbo inline-six or a twin-turbo V12 could find its way inside.

READ MORE: BMW expected to reveal M8 Concept at 2018 Geneva Motor Show


Notable physical characteristics of the concept are the large newly designed kidney grille, slim and aggressively angled laser headlights and gaping air outlets behind the front and rear wheels that are housed within the powerful wheel arches.

The rear end is defined by the slim, L-shaped stretched-out rear light blades that extend far into the sides of the concept to provide a connection between the flanks.

Further below resides the dark, stylised carbon-fibre diffuser nestled in the lower section of the rear apron that's flanked by the large, trapezoidal exhaust tailpipes.



Inside, the cabin's surfaces and lines gravitate forward, with the centre stack, centre console and door giving the interior a clear graphic structure.

The fluid transition from the instrument panel into the door and the
sporty, enveloping feel of the interior are among the design elements that stand out most.

Front occupants are secured in slim leather-wrapped with a carbon-fibre shell for exclusive sports seats, as the high centre console and low visual focus on the instrument panel stare back.

The interior is further accented by hand-polished aluminium spokes arrowing forward, red-anodised shift paddles, Merino leather in Dark Brown and Fjord White, carbon fibre inserts, faceted ground gearshift lever and an iDrive Controller in Swarovski glass with smoky quarts.

"This exclusive concept sports car exudes Passion, Power and Performance. The upcoming BMW 8 Series Coupé is certainly one to look out for, but for now, the BMW Concept 8 Series will express our take on a full-blooded high-end driving machine created in the tradition of large sporty coupes,” BMW Group Malaysia managing director and CEO Han Sang Yun.

The BMW Luxury Excellence Pavilion can be experienced exclusively from Feb 22 to Mar 7 and is also presented by partners Dior, Hugo Boss, Moet Hennessy Diageo, Jaeger-Le Coultre, Wei-Ling Gallery, Leica, illy Coffe

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