In a world where people are turning towards electric powered cars, BMW is appealing to a different demographic with their M850i xDrive Coupé First Edition – a high-torque V8 petrol-powered car.
According to the latest data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), British new car registrations dipped by 1.6% in January with electrified models surging. So, BMW launching an eight-cylinder petrol engined model into the UK market with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology is a ‘gutsy’ move.
As the SMMT data shows, the UK new car market is at best in a state of limbo and it appears that the UK is not the only country pausing for a breath. In the US, BMW’s sales were down in January by 4.8 per cent compared to the same month a year ago. Therefore, this car needs to be something special. The good news is it is!
The First Edition is a sleek-looking luxury sports car featuring an exclusive interior trim taken from the BMW Individual range as well as an exhaustive equipment list to go with its sporty design. For the first time, the drive and suspension technology of the two-door model, which was developed incorporating motor racing know-how, can now be combined with exclusive BMW Individual exterior and interior equipment features.
The exterior paint finish, light alloy wheels and interior trim will set the BMW M850i xDrive Coupé First Edition apart. The BMW Individual special paint finish, Frozen Barcelona Blue metallic, has been specifically developed for this model. This, combined with the upgraded BMW Individual High Gloss Shadow Line, which in addition to the side window surrounds, also includes the BMW kidney grille frame and slats, the air breather applications and tailpipe trims finished in black.
The dark accents featured on the special edition model are complemented by 20-inch M light alloy wheels with a Y-spoke design finished in Jet Black. Also included are the M Carbon roof and an M Carbon exterior package as standard.
The exclusive interior of the BMW M850i xDrive Coupé First Edition is also enhanced by specific BMW Individual design features, a fine selection of colours and materials and particularly high-quality equipment. A special feature offered for the edition models is the BMW Individual full leather trim Merino in the novel colour combination Ivory White/Night Blue. The matching interior design features also comprise the M leather-covered steering wheel as well as the BMW Individual Alcantara roof liner, each finished in the colour Night Blue.
Inside the car, BMW Individual interior trim strips in a Black Piano finish located in the centre of the cockpit, bear the lettering “First Edition 1/400”. Moreover, the Bowers&Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System and the Crafted Clarity glass applications on the start/stop button, the iDrive Controller, the volume control and the illuminated gearshift lever complement the luxurious interior ambience. In addition, the First Edition includes the Visibility, Technology and Premium packages as standard.
The exterior and interior design of the First Edition model goes hand in hand with its outstanding performance characteristics. The special edition model is powered by a 530hp, eight-cylinder petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology. The high-torque V8 is combined with an eight-speed Steptronic sports transmission that transfers engine power effortlessly to the road thanks to intelligent BMW xDrive four-wheel-drive technology and a suspension set-up perfectly tuned to the vehicle.