BMW 8 Series Review, Specs & Performance

Overview of the BMW 8 Series

Coupe offers great driving dynamics

Convertible is sheer luxury

The BMW 8 Series Coupe and convertible offer impressive and refined levels of motoring in a well-made and well-packaged car. The levels of performance make it a strong contender in its segment.

Engines and performance for the BMW 8 Series

The BMW 8 Series was relaunched for 2019 to deliver improved levels of agility and the poise and performance expected from a top-end sports car. The entry-level 840d xDrive gets a 3.0 litre unit producing 320 hp with torque of 680 Mm. This will help power the coupe version from 0-62mph in just 4.9 seconds. For more impressive performance, the M850i xDrive has a powerful V8 that produces a whopping 530 hp and torque of 750 Nm so its sprint time is an incredible 3.7 seconds. That is supercar performance and drivers should expect economy of around 30 mpg, while the diesel unit returns 46 mpg. The convertible 8 Series uses the same engines but the sprint time is slightly slower. The top speed for all models is 155 mph, which is electronically limited.

Equipment and handling

The introduction of the new BMW 8 Series unveiled a new design language which means that this car was the first to get the firm's 'new face'. It exudes sporting characteristics and appeal with slim headlights and a sports exhaust is fitted to both the coupe and the convertible. And since the 8 Series has an almost fully-sealed underbody, the kidney grille slats hide an active air flap control system to reduce aerodynamic drag - unless the car is travelling slowly. The 8 Series is a comfortable place to spend time and the multifunctional sport seats have been designed with leather upholstery to offer higher levels of comfort for long distances. Also, they will provide the lateral support necessary when cornering quickly. To help deliver the performance, the firm's xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system is fitted as standard, so torque is varied between the rear and front wheels to boost traction. By doing so, the handling and stability is improved, even when travelling in adverse road conditions. Also fitted as standard is integral active steering, which delivers the sporty and focused handling and there is good feedback from the road and the system also improves the agility and enjoyment levels at moderate speeds. As should be expected, the 8 Series has lots of safety technology fitted including radar and ultrasonic sensors for monitoring the car's surroundings and highlight potential hazards and accidents. The car also has cruise control with braking function, a head-up display is fitted as standard and active park distance control helps avoid colliding with obstacles when parking. There's also a parking system fitted as standard, so drivers can automatically parallel park into spaces. As either a four-seater coupe or convertible, the BMW 8 Series is not only very comfortable and very quick, it's also a great car to deliver driving thrills and fun behind the wheel.

More information about the BMW 8 Series

Why not have a look at the 8 Series on the official BMW UK company website and get the latest news about the car at The BMW Owners' Club.