SECRETS OF A GROUND-BREAKING DESIGN.

THE BMW CONCEPT M8 GRAN COUPÉ.

Secrets of a ground-breaking design.The BMW Concept M8 Gran Coupé.

20. Mar 2018

As if by magic, ice creates unique and beautiful vistas in the natural world. The bold design language of the BMW Concept M8 Gran Coupé is inspired by this frozen element: water in its purest and most majestic form. The result is a monumental ode to the stylish design of the BMW Concept M8 Gran Coupé, which was reason enough for us to visit a very special Canadian landscape and provide this icon of luxury coupés with the perfect stage for a photoshoot.

“The BMW 8 Series will take over as the new flagship model of the BMW line-up and, as such, combines unsurpassed sportiness and elegance”
Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design

INSPIRED BY THE NATURAL BEAUTY OF ICE.

Combining elemental forces with conceptual perfection and timeless elegance, the BMW Concept M8 Gran Coupé is more than just a vision of a modern high-performance car – it is a bold statement of intent. Through the uncompromising clarity of its design, it captivates anyone who sets their eyes upon it. It is characterised by a uniquely cool aesthetic – the kind of which can otherwise only be observed in the most monumental snow and ice sculptures nature has to offer. At the same time, this unique luxury coupé proudly sports the racing genes that make every BMW M an uncompromising driving machine.

Experience the BMW Concept M8

„The Design of the BMW Concept M8 Gran Coupé: More striking with each contradiction, more exclusive with each detail"

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THE AESTHETICS OF ICE TRANSFORMED INTO EMOTIONAL DESIGN.

Unlike almost every other vehicle today, the BMW Concept M8 Gran Coupé embodies the powerful aesthetics and glacial grace of the mountains. Its peaks rise up to the sky like the edge of a knife, albeit with the smoothness of velvet-like snow and ice. It is at once unique, exciting, groundbreaking and timeless. Or, to put it another way, one-in-a-million.

AN EXCITING COUPÉ TO IGNITE YOUR SENSES.

The BMW Concept M8 Gran Coupé’s flowing roofline, in conjunction with its almost never-ending bonnet creates the illusion of movement even when stationary. It also boasts open air intakes inspired by motorsport, showing that its seemingly stoic calmness can switch to dynamic pure adrenaline rush in the blink of an eye. Meanwhile, the familiarity of the strikingly-shaped M double-bar kidney grilles slotted between the concentrated gaze of the LED headlights offers a dose of serenity.

A TIMELESS AND UNIQUE APPEARANCE.

The design of the BMW Concept M8 Gran Coupé is truly unique. This luxurious concept focuses on beauty and elegance in its purest form, and is not beholden to current trends or fads. Even from a first glance, it’s clear that BMW’s designers have succeeded in creating an incomparably timeless appearance.

THE DIVERSITY OF ICE.

Destinations that capture the beauty of frozen water.

Some of the most beautiful places on earth have been shaped by the clear structures that are formed from frozen water, just like the unique style of the BMW Concept M8 Gran Coupé. So let’s take a look at some of the destinations that inspired its design, including the location that provided the perfect backdrop for its photoshoot.

Giant at the end of the world – the Lambert Glacier.

Glaciers consist of swathes of ice that can be hundreds of metres thick. Yet despite this, these gigantic frozen monsters glide gracefully through the ocean, as if in moving in slow motion. The Lambert Glacier is the largest on Earth and stretches out for miles across the picturesque environment of the Antarctic. Despite being virtually impossible to inhabit, given its sub-zero climate, it is considered the most beautiful glacier on the planet by many adventurers and photographers.

Vatnajökull glacier – unique to Europe.

Alongside fjords, active volcanoes and geysers, Iceland also offers visitors the chance to visit several glaciers. The most renowned one is Vatnajökull, which has long been the subject of numerous myths and legends and has become one of the island’s major tourist attractions. Since 2008, Vatnajökull has had its own national park, and it is the largest protected area in Europe.

The ‘Galapagos of Russia’ – Lake Baikal.

A trip to Lake Baikal is a unique experience for nature lovers and adventurers. The deepest and oldest inland waterway in the world offers a stark contrast of brittle elemental forces and natural beauty, helping to create a magical ambience that casts a spell over all who visit it. Lake Baikal was given its name by the Buryats, a Mongolian tribe, which translates as ‘the nature lake’.

Ruler of the Himalayas – Mount Everest.

Everest is the most legendary mountain on earth. At almost 8,850 metres in height, it is not only the tallest in the Himalayas, but also the highest peak on Earth – and it continues to grow. Shifting tectonic plates have affected the Himalayas for millions of years, adding a few more millimetres to Everest every twelve months. Although all ambitious mountaineers dream of reaching its summit, it has much more to offer than simply its size. As Everest is covered in ice far beneath its peak, new atmospheric panoramas reveal themselves all the time, in combination with changing weather conditions.

Ice caves – a hidden world of ice.

Ice caves are like a gateway to another world. Some can lie undiscovered for hundreds or even thousands of years, allowing the most ethereal and monumental structures to develop far away from any human influence. Naturally, this makes them highly sought-after travel destinations. The so-called Eisriesenwelt (German for ‘World of the Ice Giants’), near to Salzburg in Austria is one of the most famous known today. Other spectacular examples include the Eiskögel Cave, also near Salzburg, the Booming Ice Chasm in the Canadian Rockies and the Dobsinska Ice Cave in Slovakia.

Abraham Lake – a backdrop made for the BMW Concept M8 Gran Coupé.

Situated in the Canadian province of Alberta, Abraham Lake has become famous for a natural phenomenon that causes bubbles to accumulate under the surface ice during winter. This helps give it a rugged, uniquely elegant appeal. Only the bravest nature lovers should consider taking an extensive hiking tour at the lake – and they should be sure to pack plenty of winter-proof clothing. During the photoshoot, the temperature was an icy -22 degrees Celsius and the wind was merciless. Pro tip: when attempting to capture the most beautiful photo, it is important to keep an eye on the position of the sun. As well as affecting how atmospheric the image looks, it will disappear beyond the horizon after just a few hours.

BMW CONCEPT M8 GRAN COUPÉ: EXPERIENCE IT LIVE!

The spectacular scenes of the BMW Concept M8 Gran Coupe are too chilly for you?? We have a fantastic alternative for you. The BMW Concept M8 Gran Coupé will be stopping at some of the most glamorous events on the automotive scene. Immerse yourself in the unique world of the new luxurious Gran Coupé from BMW M!

Experience the BMW Concept M8

Several BMW M4 models on race track at high cornering speed

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MORE HIGHLIGHTS:

BMW M4 Coupé
Fuel consumption in l/100 km (combined): 10.0 - 9.9 (9.3)

CO2 emissions in g/km (combined): 227 - 225 (213 - 211)

The figures in brackets refer to the vehicle with seven-speed M double-clutch transmission with Drivelogic. Consumption data is determined in accordance to the ECE driving cycle. The models illustrated include equipment

SECRETS OF A GROUND-BREAKING DESIGN.

THE BMW CONCEPT M8 GRAN COUPÉ.

INSPIRED BY THE NATURAL BEAUTY OF ICE.

THE ONE