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BMW has filed for a number of trademarks, all of which strongly hint at the arrival of a new 8 Series to challenge the Mercedes S-Class Coupe.

BMW has protected 825, 830, 835, 850, 845, and 860, each representing a different model in the 8 Series lineup, though there is no guarantee that they will all be used. BMW also trademarked M850 and M8, the titles that would be attached to high-performance versions of the car.

SEE ALSO: BMW 8 Series Rumored for 2020 Return

In the current BMW 7 Series, six different engines are offered including a turbocharged four-cylinder at the base and a turbocharged V12 at the top of the range. A turbo gas-powered inline-six cylinder along with a diesel-powered inline-six cylinder act as the mid-range engines, while a turbo V8 and a hybrid version of the turbo four-cylinder can also be had. If all of those engine variants find their way into the new 8 Series, it’s possible BMW will need all of those monikers.

Releasing the 8 Series is part of a BMW strategy to convert the 6 Series into a Mercedes AMG GT and Porsche 911 fighter. With a large luxury coupe at the top of the range, the 6 Series is free to become a more hardcore sports car.

[Source: Auto Express]

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