At the launch of the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2017, BMW introduced to the world the new Concept 8 Series, the successor of the iconic two-door sportscar and the precursor of the upcoming product series car. The Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este is regarded as being the world’s most exclusive and traditional beauty contests for historic automobiles and motorcycles. Once again this year, the vehicle pageant staged jointly by the BMW Group and the Grand Hotel Villa d’Este lived up to this reputation.

The Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este is also a unique event of its kind that presents modern concept vehicles and prototypes alongside rare historic treasures. BMW had both the 8 Series Concept on the lawn, as well as the new BMW Motorrad Concept Link.

The new BMW Concept 8 Series previews the production car which will launch in 2018, first in a coupe shape, followed by a convertible and potentially a Gran Coupe as well.

Typically design concepts presented at motor shows and event such as the Concorso at Villa d’Este are based on actual prototypes of the car in the pipeline. They serve to test public reaction, allowing the design to be tweaked if necessary prior to launch and helping to set pricing and sales expectations. And this new concept is already being praised and admired by BMW fans from around the world.

BMW uses the 8 Series as a vision of a sports car combining uncompromising dynamic performance with modern luxury. The study continues the successful tradition of large coupes from BMW and interprets classic design attributes in a new language of form.

The new 8 Series will arrive to market next year in coupe form, followed by a convertible and Gran Coupe.

Please click below for an extensive photo gallery with close-up shots: