The Bite Magazine - Summer 2019 - Issue 25

bite cars can be opened and closed from the rear compartment. The door and the outer skin of the roof is made from an al- uminium monocoque construction, while elements such as the bonnet, front shear panel, engine subframe, front bulk- head and rear bumper support are created from aluminium. Thanks to the use of carbon fibre-reinforced plastic in the centre tunnel, the weight distribution is reduced and opti- mised. As a result of this, the four-door is only 70kg heavier than the Coupé. Having an optional carbon-fibre roof lowers the car’s centre of gravity even further. Verdict There is no denying that the BMW 8 Series Gran Coupé is a very good-looking car and looks absolutely sensational with its side air vents and long wheelbase. It has a kind of a beast- ly stance with angry-like eyes in the lights, big grille, lots of vents and scoops. And it has presence as well, almost like it demands it before it roars off into the distance and leaves you behind. With 20-inch alloy wheels filling the swollen arches, you can certainly watch that baby go! Suitable for a family of four, the rear seats are mostly de- signed for children. The good news is that the BMW 8 Series Gran Coupé provides a superbly relaxing ride and with your fingers lightly resting on the steering wheel, you will find that it can negotiate the tighter turns quite easily. Described by BMW as ‘the gentleman racer’ the BMW 8 Series Gran Coupé is both luxurious and exciting to drive. And it is dynamically impressive as a well-rounded machine. With prices starting from £69,340, the number of goodies you get with the all-new BMW 8 Series Gran Coupé cer- tainly justifies the price tag. These include Driving Assistant Standard or Professional, Parking and Reversing Assistant, Drive Recorder, Digital Personality and Digital Key, Integral Active Steering, M Sport and BMX xDrive. The new series also benefits from an eight-speed Steptronic transmission, and light-alloy wheels with mixed-size performance types, and a whole lot more. The all-new BMW 8 Series Gran Coupé will be hitting the showrooms in September after its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show later this year. www.bmw.co.uk/bmw-cars/8-series/2019-gran-coupe Images courtesy of BMW