BMW has announced a whole range of updates for its luxurious 8 Series. Available in Coupe, Gran Coupe and Convertible body styles, the 8 Series packs a whole lot of sporting enjoyment and premium finish into one car. These new changes bring a new edge to the car’s look, while the same range of performance-orientated engines remains as before.
But if you’re interested in this updated 8 Series, what else do you need to know about it? Here, we’re going to dive into the details and find out what this new BMW has to offer.
What powertrains are available?
As you might expect, the 8 Series is available with high-performance engines designed to offer plenty of thrills. However, there has been a big change for this new 8 Series as it’s no longer available with a diesel engine. BMW puts this down to ‘changing customer demand’ and leaves buyers with only petrol-powered options.
It now means that there’s just a pair of engines available with the 8 Series. The entry point to the range is the 840i, which uses a 329bhp 3.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with power being sent to the rear wheels through an automatic gearbox. With 500Nm of torque on tap, it’ll manage the 0-60mph sprint in just 5.2 seconds in the Gran Coupe, five seconds flat in the regular Coupe and 5.3 seconds in the convertible.
Then, at the top of the range, sits the powerful M850i xDrive. Utilising a 4.4-litre V8 engine, this model pushes out 523bhp and 750Nm of torque and allows for a 0-60mph time of 3.7 seconds in the Gran Coupe and Coupe, or 3.9 seconds in the convertible. Plus, the fitment of xDrive brings all-wheel-drive traction which can prove a real bonus during wet and slippery conditions.
What trim levels are offered?
M Sport
Things are kept nice and simple with the list of specifications available on the 8 Series. Outside of the performance-orientated M850i, there’s just one trim - M Sport. Thankfully, this specification is absolutely packed with standard features as well as a full sporty exterior bodykit. You get 20-inch alloy wheels as standard alongside large lower air intakes and a diffuser insert for the rear apron which is finished in ‘Dark Shadow’ metallic paint.
Inside, all cars get a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster behind the wheel and a larger infotainment display, which has been increased from 10.25 to 12.5 inches. Standard equipment also includes a full Harmon/Kardon sound system, a rear-view parking camera and wireless smartphone integrations.
M850i
The extra you’re getting with the M850i is, of course, added performance, but there are some choice features too. You get 20-inch alloy wheels as standard with high-gloss black brake callipers, while a variety of high-gloss trim pieces have been used across the cabin to give it an even stealthier appearance.
BMW has also given owners the chance to celebrate the 50th anniversary of BMW M with the option to add the classic BMW Motorsport badge to the bonnet, tailgate and wheel hubs. This uses the iconic blue, purple and red colours which were used on the firm’s first racing cars in 1973.
What about personalisation?
BMW has broadened the number of ways in which you can tailor the 8 Series to your taste. For instance, there are now four new exterior body colours including Skyscraper Grey and San Remo Green, alongside 20-inch alloy wheels in a variety of styles.
There’s also the ability to bolster the car’s assistance levels. For instance, you can add the Driving Assistance Professional package which brings active cruise control and a stop and go function with traffic light recognition.
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