A number of cars were launched during the Beijing Auto Show but BMW absolutely stole the show by unveiling its Concept Gran Coupe, a five-metre, four door saloon. The BMW Concept coupe is likely to go into production very soon as a new 8 Series flagship. Interesting, isn’t it!

The Gran Coupe has been designed in such a way to bring in the capabilities of a GT and a sports car. The roof is about 100mm lower than the present 7 Series saloon, and the rear quarters are slightly more restricted. And with the production of the Gran Coupe, BMW will bring on some competitive heat to the likes of Maserati Quattroporte, Audi A7 and Porsche Panamera.

“It’s true that the Gran Coupe points to a specific model, a saloon with the presence and elegance of a 7-series but a more dynamic, sporty character: much more of a driver’s car,” says BMW design chief Adrian van Hooydonk. “We’re convinced that we should make a car like this.”

According to BMW insiders, the Concept Gran Coupe production version will likely come in 2012. The ‘backbone’ platform that currently underpins the current 5-series, 7-series and 5 GT will make its appearance in the Gran Coupe too. The car will feature the same variants of six and eight-cylinder petrol and diesel engines as those cars, paired with an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

Initial work on the Gran Coupe had started about four years ago with the Concept CS show car, which was unveiled during the Shanghai motor show in 2007.

“We all liked the idea of a more dynamic flagship four-door back then,” explains van Hooydonk, “but we put the car ‘on ice’ while working on ‘Project I’ [BMW’s new Megacity electric-only brand], which has been a bigger prority.”

“Now we’ve had the opportunity to revisit the CS and update it, and I think everyone inside of BMW is pleased with the results.”

“We drew inspiration from classic BMWs like the 3.0 Csi. Our intention was to create a car with a distinct character: I’m hoping you can tell that it’s not a 7-series replacement. The Gran Coupe is much lower, and a little wider than a 7, and has a much more fluid roofline.”

When asked if BMW was planning to bring back the 8-series badge for the car, Hooydonk said, “It’s not my decision to make”. “I don’t think of this car as an 8-series, but our marketing department may think differently. Either way, their work is just beginning, and I know that often it can take longer than our design work!”

The launch of the Gran Coupe is intended to not only compete with the rivals like Audi A7 but also distil and concentrate BMW’s design values. The BMW Gran Coupe is also expected to influence the design of many upcoming model lines.

This will certainly raise the expectations of the BMW lovers all over the world. We can now expect to see the signature features of the Gran Coupe, like long wheelbase, vaulted bonnet, shark nose, rearward set glasshouse, low silhouette and short front overhang, become a part of BMW future cars. Also, you can expect the asymmetrical kidney grille, wide frontal air intake and frameless doors to make an appearance too.