Photo: BMW
BMW is reportedly ending the production for the M8 Coupe. According to the bulletin which was sent to the dealers by BMW (Source: BMW Blog), the production of the luxury coupe is expected to stop early next year, likely due to low demand.
Advertisement. Scroll To Keep Reading.
The BMW M8 first hit the scene in June 2019, showcasing its 2-door convertible (F91) and 2-door coupe (F92) models. BMW later expanded the lineup to include the ‘Gran Coupe’ which is an M8 but with 4 doors. The car was a primary competitor of the Mercedes’ AMG GT53 sedan. Under the hood, every M8 is powered by the same BMW 4.4L S63 twin-turbocharged V8 engine, also found in the F90 series BMW M5.
It looks like the entire 8 Series lineup is in for a shake-up. Rumor has it that only the 8 Series Gran Coupe (G77) and M8 Gran Coupe (G93) will remain. Initially, these models were planned to feature both internal combustion engines (ICE) and electric options, in line with BMW’s strategy of mixing traditional and electric powertrains.
Must Read 0-60 in just 2.3 seconds: 2025 Corvette ZR1 is a Quick Sprinter
A Glance Back at The BMW 8 Series
The M8 nameplate has roots stretching back to the 90s. The 8 Series debuted with models like the 840Ci and 850i, but BMW’s grand ambition was the E31 M8. This prototype was designed to rival the likes of Ferrari, boasting a powerful V12 engine. However, despite the impressive specs, the E31 M8 never saw mass production as BMW ultimately abandoned the project. Development began in 1981, and the car debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1989. It featured a 6.0-liter V12 engine producing up to 640 horsepower, a drag coefficient of 0.29, and was one of the first cars designed using CAD (Computer Aided Design) tools. The car was also capable of hitting 186 mph (300 kmph). Sadly, the project was shelved in 1991 due to the global recession and other factors.
Advertisement. Scroll To Keep Reading.
Even though the M8 was never made, the 850CSi was tuned by BMW’s M division. It had an M-tuned engine (indicated by the S prefix) and its VIN showed it was built by BMW Motorsport (WBS prefix) rather than BMW AG (WBA prefix). According to BMW, the 850CSi was essentially a less powerful version of the planned M8.
What’s in Gear for BMW’s Future Lineup?
BMW’s performance lineup is getting some updates in 2025. Expect a fresh M5, a redesigned 2 Series Gran Coupe, and more power for the M2, M3, and M4. The M5 will also feature an M Hybrid system, and several models will get a boost from 48V mild hybrid technology. The i5 lineup is expanding with the i5 xDrive40, offering 389 horsepower and all-wheel drive. These changes reflect BMW’s shift towards electric and hybrid powertrains.
