BMW 8 Series set to return: spy shots and exclusive images

BMW is set to bring back the 8 Series as a luxury GT to rival the Mercedes S-Class Coupe, with range to include M8 supercar

The BMW 8 Series is set to return as a large, luxurious grand tourer, and our exclusive images and spy shots show how it is likely to look. We first revealed the 8 Series for set for a comeback in May as a rival to the Mercedes S-Class Coupe, and now we've spotted it testing out in the wild.

The shots show a large coupe bodystyle, similar to the smaller 4 Series, with the BMW kidney grille and large alloy wheels hinting at what's to come. It's clearly a two door car, with a long bonnet and rear section, plus a cut-off bootlid similar to the current 6 Series. The flowing roofline and muscular appearance aren't much to go on for now, but more details on the car were revealed by Auto Express via trademark records.

Trademark applications with the global intellectual property regulators showed that BMW had already started the basic prep work. In late March it applied to strengthen its control of a string of 8 Series-related names, including 825, 830, 835, 850, 845, 860 and M850.

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A BMW insider has confirmed to Auto Express that the move was not merely a case of the company ring-fencing the badges for possible future use, and that it reflects an imminent rejig of BMW’s GT line-up.