BMW announces 2019 M850i specs

The M850i xDrive will make its debut this summer.

BMW has released preliminary specifications about the 8 Series, the flagship coupe it will introduce on the eve of this year's 24 Hours of Le Mans. The born-again 8 Series family will ultimately include a coupe, a convertible, and a four-door sedan.

BMW developed the 8 Series to replace the 6 Series, which has morphed into a replacement for the 5 Series Gran Turismo. Still with us? Good. At launch, the 8 line-up will consist of a single model named M850i xDrive. Power comes from what BMW calls a completely redeveloped V8 engine that makes 530 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque.

The eight-cylinder spins the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. BMW will not offer a manual transmission, which shouldn't come as a surprise. The brand's xDrive all-wheel drive system sends power to all four wheels.

BMW promises it designed the 8 Series to deliver a blend of comfort and performance.

"The thing that always impresses when test driving the new BMW 8 Series Coupe is its adaptability. Whether a driver expresses his or her wishes with regard to comfort and sportiness using the accelerator pedal or by pressing a button, the vehicle immediately adapts perfectly to each setting," said Markus Flasch, the 8 Series' project manager, in a statement.

The BMW 8 Series will go on sale nationwide before the end of the year. As mentioned above, the line-up will grow and it could ultimately include a range-topping variant named M8 with up to 700 horsepower on tap.