The 8 Series returns after a 20-year absence – and heralds BMW’s future direction writes Geraldine Herbert What is it? .It’s been almost 20 years since the last BMW 8 Series; the two-door coupe traces its history to the Frankfurt Motor show in 1989 and was BMW’s technology showpiece of its time. Dubbed the ‘E31’, it was powered by 5.0-litre V-12 that produced 300 horsepower. Over its lifetime it sold just over 30,000 and more than two-thirds were fitted with the V12. Today the 8 Series, which ended production in 1999, is considered one of the boldest ‘Beamers’ ever produced and its pop-up lights are one of its most enduring features.  Is it a looker? On first sight, it is a real head-turner with a low slung design, 20-inch alloy wheels, slim, shallow LED headlights and a roofline flowing so elegantly there is no driveway or kerbside which would not be enhanced by its presence. Who will it compete with? The number 8 has always been special to BMW – think Z8 and i8 – and its latest 8 Series incarnation promises luxury and performance enough to tempt buyers away from the Porsche 911, Bentley Continental GT, Lexus LC and Mercedes S Class Coupe What about the interior? Inside, it is much like every other high-end coupe BMW makes: luxurious and understated. The BMW  Professional iDrive, the latest version of the manufacturer’s infotainment system, comes as standard and comprises a fully digital instrument cluster with a 12.3-inch display. The aim of the revised system is to simplify it and now most functions can be controlled by touching and swiping the smaller of the two screens – and overall it is more responsive and intuitive to use. Under the bonnet? Two models are on offer, one petrol and one diesel engine from launch. The 320hp 3.0-litre diesel 840d delivers an impressive  0-100kmh in 4.9sec, 6.2 litres per 100km and emits C02 at a rate of 160g/km (€570 motor tax). The flagship M850i model is powered by a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 that produces 530hp and results in a 0-100kmh time of just 3.7 seconds. Both versions feature BMW’s xDrive four-wheel drive system.  The eight-speed automatic transmission comes with shift paddles on the steering wheel for manual gear selection, along with a number of drive modes including Eco, Comfort, Sport and Sports-plus.  And on...