现在距离宝马8系发布还有不到一年时间，该车将成为宝马的旗舰级豪华运动车型。虽然现在还不清楚该车动力系统细节，但已经知道该车采用的平台可以容纳从2.0升直列四缸涡轮增压到6.6升V12在内的任何引擎。虽然从目前看，8系车型不会推出MPerformance版本，但最新报道称宝马管理层已经改变想法，准备推出M850i以填补840i和M8之间的空间。据宝马博客的一位人士介绍，这一决定将使8系获得整个一个系列的动力总成并可满足所有消费者的需求。而M850i将搭载4.4升V8双涡轮引擎，功率超过373千瓦/500马力并通过宝马的xDrive全驱系统和自动变速箱将动力传递至四个车轮。预计8系将采用经典的GT车型底盘和转向设置，而MPerformance版本的调校将更接近运动车。不过上述一切并未获得宝马官方确定，宝马博客表示还有待从多个渠道加以证实。定位在M850i之上的车型是满血版的M8，虽然该车也搭载一台4.4升V8引擎，但功率将增至447千瓦/600马力。当然，该车将提供全套M版车型配置，包括运动悬挂，转向和制动系统。预计8系将在明年3月的日内瓦车展首次亮相，随后将于年底前上市，目前还不清楚该车价格。
BMW 8 Series Might Receive M Performance Treatment After All
We are less than a year away from the debut of the BMW 8 Series – the model that will become the flagship sport-luxury vehicle of the brand. We don’t know exact details regarding its engine lineup, but we know its platform can accommodate anything from a 2.0-liter turbo inline-four the mighty 6.6-liter V12.
Until now, it was believed the 8 Series family won’t benefit from an M Performance treatment, but a new report claims the Bavarian company’s management has changed its mind and will fill the gap between the 840i and the M8 with a hot M850i model. According to our friends at BMW Blog, the decision would help BMW be consistent throughout its entire range and have the perfect powertrain and equipment combination for every customer. Behind the M850i moniker will be hiding a 4.4-liter turbo V8, sending more than 500 horsepower (373 kilowatts) to all four wheels through an automatic gearbox and BMW’s xDrive system. The 8 Series is expected to receive classic grand tourer chassis and steering settings, but the M Performance versions could be tuned closer to a sports car.
However, nothing is official yet, so take the information above with a grain of salt. BMW Blog says it is only a rumor for now and we will have to wait for a confirmation from more sources. The only model to sit above the M850i is going to be the full-blown M8, which will use the same 4.4 V8 engine tuned to deliver upwards of 600 hp (447 kW). Of course, it will also gain all the typical performance components for an M model, like sports suspension, steering, and brakes.
Meanwhile, BMW continues work on the 8 Series and we won’t be too surprised if the vehicle is ready for a debut during the Geneva show in March 2018. Sales are planned to start before the next year’s end, but there’s no word on pricing or availability yet.