The BMW 8 Series: A Deep Dive
The BMW 8 Series is a luxury grand tourer produced by BMW. It’s known for its blend of performance, luxury, and technology. Here’s a comprehensive overview, covering its history, current models, key features, performance, and more:
History & Generations
- First Generation (E31 – 1990-1999)
- The original 8 Series was a groundbreaking car for its time. It was a large, luxurious coupe with a focus on technology and a powerful V8 or V12 engine. It was relatively expensive and didn’t sell in huge numbers, but it established the 8 Series as a flagship for BMW. It was ahead of its time in many ways, featuring advanced features like a multi-link rear suspension and a sophisticated onboard computer.
- Second Generation (G14/G15/G16 – 2018-Present)
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BMW revived the 8 Series name in 2018 with a completely new generation. This time, it’s offered in three body styles:
- Coupe (G14): The classic two-door coupe.
- Convertible (G15): A soft-top convertible offering open-air driving.
- Gran Coupe (G16): A four-door coupe with a more practical, spacious interior. This is often considered the most popular body style.
- 840i/840d
- These models are powered by either a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine (840i) or a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six diesel engine (840d – not available in the US). They offer a good balance of performance and efficiency.
- M850i/M850d
- These are the performance-oriented versions, featuring a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine (850i) or a 4.4-liter turbocharged diesel V8 (850d – not available in the US). They deliver significantly more power and a more aggressive driving experience.
- M8 Competition
- The ultimate performance version, powered by a tuned version of the 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8, producing 617 horsepower. Available in Coupe, Convertible, and Gran Coupe forms. This is a true competitor to cars like the Porsche 911 Turbo.
- Alpina XB8
- A high-performance variant developed by Alpina, BMW’s performance and customization partner. It boasts a more powerful version of the V8 engine and unique styling touches. (Production ended in 2023)
- Luxurious Interior
- The 8 Series boasts a beautifully crafted interior with high-quality materials like leather, wood, and metal accents. Expect comfortable, supportive seats and a refined ambiance.
- Advanced Technology
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BMW’s latest iDrive infotainment system is standard, featuring a large touchscreen display, voice control, and over-the-air software updates. Other tech features include:
- Digital instrument cluster
- Head-up display
- Gesture control
- Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking.
- Comfort & Convenience
- Features like heated and ventilated seats, a premium sound system (often Bowers & Wilkins), and a panoramic sunroof are available.
- Chassis Technology
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The 8 Series features advanced chassis technology, including:
- Adaptive suspension
- Integral Active Steering (rear-wheel steering)
- Active Roll Stabilization (minimizes body roll in corners)
- Styling
- The 8 Series is a visually striking car with a sleek, low-slung profile and elegant lines.
- 840i Coupe: $90,000 – $100,000+
- M850i Coupe: $110,000 – $125,000+
- M8 Competition Coupe: $140,000 – $160,000+
- Gran Coupe and Convertible models generally add a premium of $10,000 – $20,000 over the corresponding Coupe.
- Porsche 911
- A legendary sports car that offers a similar level of performance and luxury.
- Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe/Convertible
- A direct competitor in the luxury grand tourer segment.
- Aston Martin DB11/DBS
- British luxury sports cars with a focus on style and performance.
- Bentley Continental GT
- An ultra-luxury grand tourer with a focus on comfort and refinement.
- Price
- The 8 Series is an expensive car, even at the base level.
- Practicality
- While the Gran Coupe offers more practicality, the 8 Series is still not the most spacious or versatile vehicle.
- Running Costs
- Maintenance and repair costs can be high, especially for the V8 and M models.
- BMW USA: https://www.bmwusa.com/vehicles/8-series
- Car and Driver: https://www.caranddriver.com/bmw/8-series
- MotorTrend: https://www.motortrend.com/cars/bmw/8-series/
Current Models (2024/2025)
BMW has streamlined the 8 Series lineup recently. Here’s a breakdown of the key models available:
Key Features & Technology
Performance
Here’s a general idea of performance figures (these can vary slightly depending on the year and specific configuration):
| Model | Engine | Horsepower | 0-60 mph (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 840i | 3.0L Turbo I6 | 335 hp | 4.9 seconds |
| 850i | 4.4L Turbo V8 | 523 hp | 3.7 seconds |
| M8 Competition | 4.4L Turbo V8 | 617 hp | 3.2 seconds |
Driving Experience
The 8 Series offers a refined and engaging driving experience. It’s comfortable enough for long-distance cruising, but also capable of delivering exhilarating performance when pushed. The steering is precise, the handling is balanced, and the powerful engines provide plenty of acceleration. The Gran Coupe offers a bit more practicality without sacrificing the sporty feel.
Pricing (Approximate – 2024/2025)
Competitors
Things to Consider
Where to find more information
I hope this detailed overview is helpful! Do you have any specific questions about the BMW 8 Series that I can answer for you? For example, are you interested in a particular model, body style, or feature?