The iconic BMW 8 Series is about to get a special limited edition before it bids farewell to its current generation. This highly anticipated model is expected to arrive before the end of the year, providing fans and collectors with one final chance to experience the grandeur of this luxurious, performance-oriented coupe. Here’s everything we know about the upcoming special edition and what it could mean for the future of the 8 Series.
A Legacy of the BMW 8 Series
The 8 Series has long been a symbol of BMW’s commitment to combining performance with luxury. Over the decades, the brand has experimented with flagship coupes, but the 8 Series always stood out as the ultimate expression of BMW’s engineering prowess. Whether it was the original 8 Series in the late 1980s or the reintroduction of the model in 2018, the 8 Series has represented BMW’s boldest design and technological innovations.
However, the 8 Series has always been part of a broader family of coupes, with the 6 Series often positioned as a more affordable yet still luxurious alternative. Throughout history, BMW has alternated between producing the 6 Series and 8 Series, never having both on the market at the same time for long. Now, rumors have suggested that the 8 Series will soon make way for a new 6 Series. While this remains uncertain, one thing is clear: the current 8 Series is nearing its end, and this special edition may be its swan song.
The M850i Special Edition
As the M8, the high-performance variant of the 8 Series, has already gone out of production, the upcoming special edition will be based on the next best thing: the M850i. This special edition is expected to showcase bespoke elements, offering an enhanced driving experience along with unique aesthetics. According to an interview with BMW M boss Frank van Meel, the special edition will be a tribute to the 8 Series’ legacy, and it will likely come with distinctive features that further elevate the M850i’s appeal.
The M850i already offers impressive performance with its 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, producing 523 horsepower. This enables the coupe to reach 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds, making it one of the fastest grand tourers in its class. With this power, the M850i balances speed, agility, and refinement, all hallmark traits of the 8 Series.
Possible Features and Unique Details
While details about the special edition are still scarce, there are some expectations based on the precedent set by previous BMW special editions. The special 8 Series is likely to feature:
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Bespoke trim: Unique interior and exterior touches that make this limited edition stand out from the regular M850i models.
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Exclusive colors: BMW has a history of offering special colors for limited editions, and the special 8 Series will likely continue this tradition, offering a distinctive palette that sets it apart.
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Additional features: Expect some enhanced features like special badging, upgraded interior materials, or technology tweaks to make this edition even more desirable.
Whether this special edition will be available across all three body styles of the M850i—the Coupe, Convertible, and Gran Coupe—remains unclear. However, BMW enthusiasts can likely expect the coupe form to be the primary focus, given its status as the most performance-oriented version of the M850i.
Price Expectations
Given the high-performance nature of the M850i and the exclusivity of this special edition, the price will likely be steep. The base M850i Coupe already starts at $109,400, and the special edition will undoubtedly push that price even further into the six-figure range. For many, the special 8 Series will represent a rare opportunity to own a piece of BMW’s luxury and performance legacy before the model’s eventual discontinuation.
More Special Editions on the Horizon
BMW is not stopping with the 8 Series. According to van Meel, more limited-run models are expected to be released before the end of 2025. The BMW 3 Series, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, is an obvious candidate for a special edition. We’ve already seen a special 3 Series edition in markets like Australia, and it’s likely that BMW will introduce more variants to mark this significant milestone.
Along with the 3 Series, other models like the X5, X7, and Z4 could also receive special editions. These models have been in production for some time, and offering limited-run versions could reignite interest in them before they are eventually replaced or refreshed. The Z4, in particular, is expected to stick around until May 2026 before being discontinued, making this a key period for BMW to offer something special for sports car fans.
Conclusion
The upcoming special edition of the BMW 8 Series is poised to be a memorable farewell for one of the brand’s most iconic models. With a stunning V8 engine, luxurious features, and limited availability, this edition promises to be a fitting tribute to the 8 Series’ legacy. Whether you’re a long-time BMW enthusiast or a new fan, this special edition is not to be missed.
As BMW continues to innovate with their electrified models and new generation vehicles, the special 8 Series represents both an end and a beginning. The brand’s transition into a more electrified future is happening, but before the current 8 Series fades into history, it will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on BMW’s rich legacy of performance and luxury.
For those looking to own a piece of BMW history, this limited-edition 8 Series could be the perfect opportunity to drive home the experience of luxury and performance that the brand has come to symbolize.
