BMW 8 Series

Overview: Is the BMW 8 Series a Good Luxury Grand Tourer?

The BMW 8 Series is a luxury grand tourer that combines striking design, cutting-edge technology, and potent performance. While the original 8 Series (E31) debuted in the 1990s, this overview focuses on the relaunched 8 Series that first appeared for the 2020 model year. Available in convertible (G14), coupe (G15), and four-door Gran Coupe (G16) body styles, the new 8 Series represents BMW's flagship two-door offering, blending sports car dynamics with luxury car comfort.

Note: Equipment, features, and trims can vary by model year. Always confirm these details when looking for used BMW 8 Series cars for sale.

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Key Features

The BMW 8 Series offers:

• Full-size grand tourer in convertible, coupe, and sedan (Gran Coupe) body styles
• Turbocharged inline-six or V8 engines
• Standard rear-wheel drive (RWD) or available xDrive all-wheel drive (AWD)
• Adaptive M suspension
• BMW Live Cockpit Professional with digital instrument cluster
• Large touchscreen with iDrive 7.0 infotainment system
• Active roll stabilization (M850i and M8 models)

Trims

BMW offers the 8 Series in several configurations:

• 840i: Base model with turbocharged inline-six engine
• M850i xDrive: Performance-oriented V8 model
• M8: High-performance variant
• M8 Competition: Ultimate performance model
• Alpina B8: Ultra-luxury high-performance variant

Each trim is available in coupe, convertible, and Gran Coupe body styles, with slight variations in features and performance.

Comfort, Technology & Cargo

The 8 Series interior is all about luxury and technology. The driver-focused cockpit features a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch central touchscreen running BMW's iDrive 7.0 system. The interface is intuitive, with crisp graphics and responsive controls.

The front seats, upholstered in premium Merino leather, offer exceptional comfort with multiple adjustments, heating, and ventilation. While the coupe and convertible rear seats are best suited for occasional use, the Gran Coupe provides more practical rear accommodations.

Cargo space varies by body style. The BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe offers the most versatility at 15.5 cubic feet, while the BMW 8 Series Convertible provides a more modest 12.4 cubic feet with the top-up. The coupe strikes a balance with 14.8 cubic feet of trunk space.

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How It Drives

The BMW 8 Series delivers an exhilarating driving experience that lives up to its grand tourer status. The base 840i models feature a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 335 horsepower, while the M850i xDrive boasts a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 generating 523 horsepower.

For those seeking maximum performance, the M8 and M8 Competition models push the V8's output to 600 and 617 horsepower, respectively. These powertrains enable blistering acceleration, with the M8 Competition capable of sprinting from zero to 60 mph in just 3.0 seconds.

The 8 Series' adaptive suspension provides a comfortable ride in normal driving conditions but can firm up for more dynamic handling when desired. The available rear-wheel steering enhances agility, making the car feel smaller and more nimble than its size suggests.

Safety

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not crash-tested the BMW 8 Series due to its low sales volume.

Reviews

BMW 8 Series reviews on Kelley Blue Book are quite favorable, with consumers leaving an average rating of 4.7 out of 5. The owners praised the 8 Series for reliability, quality, performance, and comfort.

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BMW 8 Series FAQs

What is unique about the BMW 8 Series?

The BMW 8 Series stands out with its combination of luxury, grand tourer comfort, and sports car performance. It is available in coupe, convertible, and four-door Gran Coupe body styles.

Is the BMW 8 Series a V8?

While V8 engines are available in the M850i, M8, and Alpina B8 models, the base 840i features an inline-six engine. So, not all 8 Series models are V8s.

Is the BMW 8 Series fast?

Yes, the BMW 8 Series is fast, especially in its higher-performance trims. The M8 Competition can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.0 seconds.

What is the BMW 8 Series price?

A new BMW 8 Series starts at around $91,000, while a new BMW M8 edition has a base MSRP that approaches $139,000. CoPilot marketplace information shows that a used BMW 8 Series costs $38,000 to $120,000, depending on age, condition, and equipment.

Is the BMW 8 Series a sports car?

While the BMW 8 Series offers impressive performance, it's more accurately classified as a grand tourer. It blends sports car-like performance with the comfort and luxury of a high-end coupe or sedan.

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