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BMW confirms 8 Series Convertible, Gran Coupe for 2019

BMW 8 Series concept | Photo: BMW
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Derek Boshouwers
The automaker outlines a very, very busy year ahead

MW has officially confirmed that it will be bringing to market two new performance models, the 8 Series Convertible and 8 Series Gran Coupe. During a conference call to outline the company’s plans, chairman Harald Krüger touched on all aspects of the company and its focus going forward.

The two 8 Series will serve to replace the equivalent 6 Series cars on the German manufacturer’s roster; they will also be produced in M versions, although these are not expected to be ready until later in 2019.

Harald Krüger confirmed that a new concept, called the iNEXT, should be presented at some point this year. We presume this will be an electric model. The company wants to have it ready for production by 2021.

In 2019, the production version of the front-wheel-drive 1 Series should be ready for the assembly line in 2019; same goes for the next generation for the 3 Series. Certain rumours are floating to the effect that it may make an appearance at this year’s Paris auto show in October.

There’s more. BMW is working on debuting the new X6 SUV in 2019, and intends to give its 7 Series a significant refresh next year as well. There is also the possibility that we may yet see M performance versions of the X3 and X4 SUVs, though that remains unconfirmed.

The company has already announced that it will build a new assembly plant in Europe (in Hungary, to be exact), and will focus strongly on the Chinese market in the near-future – no surprise at all, given that China represents the automaker’s fastest-growing market.

BMW M8 Gran Coupe concept
BMW M8 Gran Coupe concept | Photo: BMW
Derek Boshouwers
Derek Boshouwers
Automotive expert
  • Over 5 years' experience as an automotive journalist
  • More than 50 test drives in the past year
  • Participation in over 30 new vehicle launches in the presence of the brand's technical specialists