Except you’ve been residing beneath a rock for the previous few years, you realize the 8 Sequence isn’t lengthy for this world. Even worse, BMW hasn’t even hinted at the opportunity of a 3rd era. Whereas the automobile’s future stays unsure, it’s value reflecting on what the present mannequin leaves behind. Certain, it wasn’t a blockbuster hit, however neither was the unique, but a long time later, the E31 is now universally appreciated.
Why the BMW 8 Sequence By no means Turned a Bestseller
When the M5 G90 debuted final 12 months to fierce criticism, we referred to as the M8 an underrated various. It has a pure V8 engine and doesn’t weigh as a lot because the moon. Often, a automobile displaying its age is a foul factor, however that’s not essentially true of the M8 and its lesser siblings. And it’s not simply because the 8er averted the added complexity of hybridization.
Lots of BMW’s latest designs have been criticized for being too in-your-face. Against this, the G16 embodies understated luxurious, with a cultured design that doesn’t scream “have a look at me.” The identical applies to its two-door siblings, the G14 coupe and G15 convertible. Even the new F91/F92/F93 M fashions don’t overdo it.
The M8 Gran Coupé – BMW’s Underrated V8 Flagship
Whereas we nonetheless favor the E31’s design and its pop-up headlights, the trendy equal stays a pretty automobile. Designed within the 2010s, earlier than BMW started experimenting with more and more polarizing styling, the outgoing 8 Sequence feels virtually timeless.
Its age additionally brings one other benefit. Regardless of receiving solely a minor facelift in 2022, it stored the outdated iDrive 7 system. That’s not essentially a foul factor. Years from now, some may come to understand its inside greater than they do right this moment. As BMW transitions its lineup to iDrive X, most bodily buttons will disappear.
Examine the 8 Sequence’ dashboard to that of the brand new iX3, and you might argue the previous feels much more analog. Along with a wholesome quantity of bodily controls on the middle console, it retains a BMW staple—the rotary iDrive knob. This inside format may be traced again to the 7 Sequence E65 launched in 2001, whereas the middle console design itself attracts inspiration from even older fashions.
Contained in the BMW 8 Sequence: The Final Analog Inside
That period will quickly come to an finish when BMW builds the ultimate 8 Sequence in 2026. The Z4 will bow out subsequent 12 months, additional underscoring that we’re witnessing a significant shift in automobile interiors. It’s unlikely Munich will ever return to dashboard layouts of outdated. Find it irresistible or detest it, the longer term is all about screens.
Whereas exterior and inside design are subjective, the enchantment of an old school V8 shouldn’t be up for debate. Sure, BMW plans to maintain eight-cylinders in its portfolio for the foreseeable future, however they’ll incorporate mild-hybrid methods to satisfy stricter emissions guidelines. Fashions just like the X5 M60i and 760i already use 48-volt expertise, whereas the most recent M5 has gone plug-in hybrid.
It’s almost inconceivable to engineer a compliant new V8 with out some type of electrification. Actually, it’s solely going to get more durable for automakers, particularly with the EU’s deliberate ban on new ICE gross sales from 2035. The M8’s impending demise provides one more nail to the coffin for the non-hybrid V8.
Skytop and Speedtop – The Last 8 Sequence Masterpieces
Trying on the glass half full, no less than BMW gave the 8 Sequence a correct sendoff. The Skytop and Speedtop are gorgeous and are prone to grow to be future classics. Too dangerous they solely cater to one-percenters prepared to spend a rumored 500,000 euros on the targa or capturing brake. However even the common fashions ought to earn an vital place within the model’s heritage, given how radically totally different the upcoming Neue Klasse vehicles can be.
You can argue that, together with the Z4, the 8 Sequence represents the final of BMW’s outdated guard. It’d by no means obtain the cult standing of the authentic, however its departure will mark a significant second for fanatics. It’s now or by no means to seize one earlier than it’s gone for good. It’ll definitely be a tragic day when the inevitable occurs.
In fact, BMW may sooner or later revive the 8 Sequence, however even when it returns within the 2030s, it’s onerous to think about it’ll run on combustion energy. No matter how nice that automobile may prove, it simply gained’t be the identical with no roaring V8.
