It’s not often you see genuine BMW M cars playing in the snow because, typically, an M car would be sideways against a tree after a romp in the snow. Now, though, the M Division is slowly being infused with capable all-wheel drive systems, allowing its cars to have some fun in the snow without killing their passengers. As evidenced by some new spy photos, which show off the upcoming BMW M8 Gran Coupe doing some snow testing. (We don’t own the photos but they can be seen here)
In these photos, we get to see the BMW M8 Gran Coupe doing some snow testing, with its rear wheels packed with snow, and it looks awesome. Just a few years ago, the idea of a 600 hp, four-door M car playing in snow would have tightened the backsides of many BMW enthusiasts. Now, it’s as easy as driving a big Audi in the snow. So there may be some moaning and groaning about the M Division now powering four wheels but the added functionality is hard to deny. Plus, if you don’t want it, you can switch it off.
Sadly, there isn’t much we can see of the new M8 Gran Coupe, in terms of styling, as this test mule is heavily covered in camouflage. Though, it’s not really too hard to imagine, considering we’ve already see the M8 Coupe and the M850i Gran Coupe. Put the two cars together and you get the idea. Also, we’ll be seeing the all-new BMW M8 Gran Coupe in just a couple of months, when it debuts at the LA Auto Show.
To be honest, these M8 Gran Coupe spy photos actually make me extremely optimistic for the future of the M brand. The idea of being able to kick the cars into ‘4WD Sport’ mode and have some tail-out fun in the snow without getting too sideways seems like a blast. Especially since the new all-wheel drive system is going to be making its way to almost all future M cars, including the new BMW M3.
[Source: Motor1]
