The BMW 8 Series hasn’t been seen since 1999, but if recent reports are any indication, BMW’s old flagship model could be making a long overdue comeback by 2020. Details are still sketchy at this s point, but AutoCar reports that there’s already been some movement inside the automaker’s R&D center in Munich in developing to different layouts for the model.
The report further adds that these layouts are already in the desk of chairman Harald Krueger, who has been a strong proponent of adding more luxury models in the BMW lineup. The first of these layouts reportedly has a four-door configuration and has similarities with the BMW 6 Series Coupe, only that it’s bigger and more luxurious than the 6. The other possibility is dramatically different as it follows the layout of the old 8 Series as a classic two-door coupe.
These developments are by far the closest thing we’ve come to once again seeing the 8 Series. There have been past instances when the model was floated around, including in 2013 when rumors hit fever pitch after BMW unveiled the Pininfarina-designed Gran Lusso Concept. We all know that nothing came out of those rumors so this new buzz about the fate of the 8 Series is admittedly a little exciting, even if no confirmation has come from the company’s big wigs.
There are a number of reasons why it’s in BMW’s best interest to bring back the 8 Series, not the least of which is the model’s ability to directly compete against the Mercedes S-Class Coupe and the Bentley Continental GT.
Don’t expect a final decision to happen anytime soon though. With that reported timetable of 2020, expect BMW to make its call sometime in 2017 with the possibility of a concept version arriving in 2018. That gives the company time to gauge the market interest for the car before proceeding with production plans in 2020.
Continue after the jump to read the full story.
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