After a few leaked photos, we now have the first official photos of the BMW 8 Series concept, which is debut at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. The 8 Series concept is expected to be a thinly disguised version of the new 8 Series coupe, which is going to arrive sometime next year.

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The BMW 8 Series Coupe will go on sale in 2018

With the demise of the slow selling 6 Series coupe, BMW sees much more potential in the new 8 Series coupe, which will be part of BMW’s biggest new model offensive in the company’s history. The exterior of the 8 Series concept is clearly recognizable as a BMW with its large kidney grille. Its long hood and flowing roof line gives the concept a sexier profile than the old 6 Series.

Related: BMW stops production of the 6 Series Coupe

The front may be instantly recognizable as a BMW, but the highly sculpted rear gets fresher design details with its large L-shaped taillights and large trapezoidal tailpipes.

Inside the interior is clearly designed for the driver. and BMW is pulling out all the stops to make the 8 Series a true flagship with luxurious touches, like an iDrive controller made from Swarovski glass and seats covered in merino leather.

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“The number 8 has always represented the pinnacle of sports performance and exclusivity at BMW,” explains Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG Harald Krüger. “The forthcoming BMW 8 Series Coupe will demonstrate that razor-sharp dynamics and modern luxury can go hand-in-hand. This will be the next model in the expansion of our luxury-car offering and will raise the benchmark for coupes in the segment. In the process, we will strengthen our claim to leadership in the luxury class.”

Source: BMW