BMW South Africa has released pricing for its new 8 Series Gran Coupé range, which is scheduled to hit local roads in November 2019.

The local four-door line-up will comprise three variants at launch.

The base model will be the 840i Gran Coupé, employing a turbocharged 3,0-litre inline-six petrol engine delivering 250 kW and 500 N.m to the rear axle via an eight-speed automatic transmission. The price of this derivative will start at R1 377 590, with the 0-100 km/h time coming in at a claimed 5,2 seconds.

Next is the 840d xDrive Gran Coupé, which generates 235 kW and 680 N.m courtesy of a 3,0-litre inline-six turbodiesel. Priced from R1 462 916, the sole oil-burning model sends drive to all four corners, hitting three figures in a claimed 5,1 seconds.

The flagship variant (before the inevitable reveal of the M8 Gran Coupé, that is) is the M850i xDrive Gran Coupé, which makes use of the Munich-based firm’s familiar turbocharged 4,4-litre V8 petrol engine. With 390 kW and 750 N.m directed to all wheels, the M850i will reach 100 km/h from standstill in a claimed 3,9 seconds (two-tenths slower than the coupé version). It starts at R1 843 112, which, by our maths, interestingly makes it some R44 715 less expensive than the coupé.

So, how does this Gran Coupé differ from the two-door (besides gaining a pair of extra portals)? Well, the wheelbase is some 201 mm longer than that of the coupé, while the rear bench comprises outer pews “styled as individual seats with integral head restraints” and a third middle seat “suitable for use on short journeys”.

The Munich-based firm says the large door apertures make getting in and out of the vehicle easier, with the new model gaining a “considerable increase” in shoulder room in the rear and more headroom in all seats. Boot capacity is a claimed 440 litres, while the rear bench folds in a 40:20:40 split.

Original article from Car