New 2022 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe facelift spied again

BMW is gearing up for the launch of the facelifted 8 Series Gran Coupe. The updated version of the brand’s swoopy flagship saloon will go on sale next year, with a few updates designed to keep it competitive with the Audi A7 and the recently updated Mercedes CLS.

The masking on this prototype makes it clear to see where BMW’s designers have spent their time. The revised 8 Series Gran Coupe will get a revised front bumper, reshaped headlamps and a tweaked rear diffuser. New tail lights will also feature, and will carry the same U-shaped signature as the 4 Series.

We still haven’t had a good look at the car’s interior, but we’re not expecting any major changes. The refreshed 8 Series Gran Coupe will stick with the current car’s 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 10.25-inch infotainment system, although it’ll be loaded with the latest version of BMW’s iDrive software which should add support for over-the-air updates.

The current model’s engine range will also be carried onto the facelifted car. So, the entry-level 840i will be powered by a 335bhp turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-six. Above that, there’ll be a 316bhp 3.0-litre diesel in the 840d, while the flagship M850i will come with a 523bhp 4.4-litre V8.

All three engines will be linked to an eight-speed automatic gearbox as standard, with the most powerful model also featuring four-wheel drive as standard.

There’s no word yet on whether the 8 Series Gran Coupe will be available with any form of hybrid drive. The addition would certainly make the car a more well-rounded rival for the Porsche Panamera, but the packaging constraints of the sloping coupe body may make it difficult to squeeze in the extra technology.

Either way, BMW’s CLAR architecture (on which the 8 Series is based) is compatible with the company’s latest plug-in hybrid technology. The 3.0-litre powertrain used in the X5 xDrive45e would make the perfect candidate, and would give the Gran Coupe an output of 389bhp and 600Nm of torque.

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