BMW says current driving dynamics tests being carried out on its new luxury sports car in Wales demonstrate not only the "harmonious interaction between drive and suspension", but also the wide spectrum of handling characteristics - the latter encompassing racing performance and long-distance ride comfort.
In the final stage of the series production development process, the new BMW 8 Series coupe is exhibiting the entire spectrum of its dynamic handling potential. Current test drives in Wales are fully dedicated to the final coordination of all drive and suspension systems, the key focus being on the BMW M850i xDrive coupe, a car which embodies the performance characteristics of the new luxury sports car in a particularly intensive manner.
A completely redeveloped V8 engine, state-of-the-art intelligent four-wheel drive technology, an active rear axle differential lock, the adaptive M suspension ‘professional’ with active roll stabilisation and integral active steering form a perfectly harmonised package for fascinating sportiness and supreme comfort.
The most striking features shared by the engine and suspension include the broad spectrum of their characteristics. The German manufacturer says the eight-cylinder power unit being featured for the first time in the BMW M850i xDrive coupe produces precisely the amount of torque and sonorous sound ideally suited for relaxed cruising.
On the other hand, BMW claims that in the Sport or Sport+ mode of the driving experience control feature, both power delivery and engine sound alike become noticeably more dynamic. Likewise, the function of the electronically controlled dampers, the stability control system DSC, and the four-wheel drive system are precisely oriented to the selected driving mode.
It also adds that the rear wheel-focused setup of the new BMW xDrive system is perceptible in every driving mode, while particularly ambitious drivers benefit from the active differential lock in the rear axle transmission, which provides for maximum traction when accelerating out of bends.
