2020 BMW M850i xDrive Gran Coupe Review

In recent years, the demand in the luxury four-door coupe market has been continuously rising. Consumers want both the performance of a sports car and the practicality for daily use. The 2020 BMW M850i xDrive Gran Coupe is a representative model in this niche segment. As the high-performance version of the M series, it not only comes with a 4.4T V8 twin-turbocharged engine but also accommodates a four-door, four-seat layout. In this test drive, we will focus on verifying the core proposition of whether "extreme performance and luxurious comfort can coexist."

From the exterior, the car adopts a low-slung and sleek coupe stance. The iconic kidney-shaped front grille has been further enlarged, with a blacked-out treatment and active shutter functionality, enhancing both recognition and aerodynamic performance. The side profile features flowing lines extending from the A-pillar to the rear, and the fastback design does not overly compromise rear headroom. The 20-inch multi-spoke M wheels combined with 275/35 R20 front and 285/35 R20 rear wide tires enhance its sporty attributes. The rear design incorporates a quad exhaust layout, with LED taillights featuring intricate internal structures, providing high recognition when illuminated. The overall design retains BMW's family characteristics while highlighting the performance DNA of the M series through detailed elements.

Stepping inside, the interior adopts BMW's classic wrap-around cockpit design, with the center console angled towards the driver for convenient operation. Large areas covered in Nappa leather and metal trim elevate the sense of luxury, and all touchpoints are wrapped in soft materials. The 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster and 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment display form a dual-screen interactive system. The iDrive 7.0 operating system responds quickly and supports voice control and gesture operation. The front seats are equipped with electric adjustment, lumbar support, and memory functions, offering excellent wrapping and support, ensuring long driving sessions remain fatigue-free. The rear adopts a separate four-seat layout, and thanks to the 3027mm wheelbase, legroom is commendable. Although rear headroom is slightly affected by the fastback design, there is still a fist's worth of space for passengers up to 180cm tall. The rear seats feature independent air conditioning vents and USB ports, ensuring practicality. The trunk offers a volume of 440L, and the rear seats support a 40:20:40 split-fold configuration, meeting daily cargo-carrying needs.

In terms of power, the 4.4T V8 twin-turbocharged engine delivers a maximum output of 608PS and a peak torque of 750N·m. It is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and xDrive all-wheel-drive system, enabling an official 0-100km/h acceleration time of just 3.3 seconds. During actual driving, the power response at startup is swift, with almost no turbo lag, and pressing the accelerator deeply provides a strong and continuous pushback sensation. Even at highway speeds, overtaking is effortless. Switching to Sport+ mode makes the transmission shift logic more aggressive, and the exhaust note becomes richer and deeper. During daily driving, the transmission keeps the RPM below 2000 to ensure fuel efficiency, with a combined fuel consumption of approximately 10.7L/100km, which is acceptable for a large-displacement performance car.

In terms of handling, the steering is precise with minimal play, and the M adaptive suspension system adjusts stiffness based on the driving mode. In Comfort mode, it filters out most road bumps, ensuring a comfortable ride. Switching to Sport mode stiffens the suspension, offering excellent body roll suppression and stable cornering posture. The all-wheel-drive system typically allocates more power to the rear wheels, maintaining the driving pleasure of a rear-wheel-drive car, while automatically adjusting power distribution on slippery roads to enhance stability. The braking system performs exceptionally well, with a linear feedback from the brake pedal and no noticeable fade during continuous braking.

In terms of driving comfort, the sound insulation is done very well. At high speeds, wind noise and tire noise are kept within a reasonable range. Only during rapid acceleration does the exhaust roar enter the cabin, creating a sporty atmosphere. The Harman Kardon audio system features 16 speakers, delivering excellent sound quality that can satisfy music enthusiasts. The ventilated and heated front seats enhance the seating experience, while the four-zone automatic climate control allows independent temperature adjustment for each zone. The rear also comes equipped with sunshades, further enhancing comfort.

Overall, the 2020 BMW M850i xDrive Gran Coupe strikes a great balance between performance and comfort. Compared to the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S in the same class, its handling is more precise, and it offers richer configurations. Compared to the Porsche Panamera Turbo, it has a more competitive price. This car is suitable for consumers who seek extreme performance but also need to cater to family use. Whether for daily commutes or weekend getaways, it can handle it all with ease.

In conclusion, the 2020 BMW M850i xDrive Gran Coupe is a "versatile" luxury sports coupe, offering supercar-like performance along with sufficient practicality and luxury. It is a strong competitor in the luxury high-performance four-door coupe market.