BMW 8 Series 2019 Review

Nowadays, the luxury coupe market continues to heat up in Malaysia. Consumers seek the driving passion brought by sporty genes while also valuing the balance of luxurious features and everyday practicality — the 2019 BMW 8 Series M850i xDrive Coupe is precisely designed to meet this niche demand. As the flagship two-door coupe under the BMW brand, it not only comes with a 4.4T V8 twin-turbo engine but also includes almost top-notch intelligent safety and comfort features as standard. In this test drive, we will focus on verifying: Can it strike the perfect balance between the "sports feel of a coupe" and the "comfort of a luxury car"?

From a distance, the overall lines of the 2019 M850i xDrive Coupe are very smooth. The typical two-door coupe proportions make the body appear low and sleek, with a width of 1902mm and a height of 1346mm, giving a visually strong sense of tension. The front features BMW's iconic kidney grille design, which is larger than the standard 8 Series and accented with chrome trims to enhance its luxurious feel; the grille's active closure function supports optimized aerodynamics and cooling efficiency. The sharp design of the LED headlight clusters seamlessly connects to the edges of the grille, and the "angel eye" daytime running lights retain brand recognition, also coming standard with automatic headlights and adaptive high beam function. On the side of the vehicle, the waistline extending from the front fender to the taillights is clean and powerful. The 20-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels paired with 245/35R20 front and 275/30R20 rear low-profile tires further enhance its sporty stance. At the rear, the LED taillights feature a smoked finish, with highly recognizable L-shaped light strips when illuminated. The round quad exhaust layout clearly declares its performance nature, while the small ducktail spoiler on the trunk contributes to aerodynamic details.

Opening the car door, the luxurious interior immediately grabs your attention. The center console is wrapped in large areas of soft leather, complemented with silver trim and piano black panels, providing a solid tactile sensation wherever you touch. The layout of the dashboard leans toward the driver’s side, while the 10.25-inch touchscreen equipped with BMW iDrive system offers smooth operation and supports gesture controls. The fully digital instrument cluster can switch display styles based on driving modes, clearly presenting information like speed, RPM, and navigation. The multifunctional steering wheel is wrapped in leather, offering a full grip, and the standard paddle shifters provide the convenience of manual operation. In terms of configuration, the front seats are electrically adjustable with memory functions, offering excellent support and heating functionality. The 50:50 split-folding design of the rear seats, though slightly cramped for adults, is sufficient for short trips. Standard features include dual-zone automatic climate control, 360-degree panoramic cameras, automatic parking, and a 220V/230V power outlet that enhances practicality.

In terms of performance, the 4.4T V8 twin-turbocharged engine delivers a maximum output of 537PS and peak torque of 750N·m, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and xDrive all-wheel-drive system, achieving an official 0-100km/h acceleration time of only 3.7 seconds. During actual driving, the power response in the start-up phase is quite swift, with strong and continuous thrust even at high RPMs when stepping on the accelerator heavily. The vehicle's performance varies significantly across different driving modes: in Eco Pro mode, power output is smooth, suitable for everyday cruising, while Sport and Sport+ modes significantly enhance throttle sensitivity, accelerate gear changes, and make the exhaust sound deeper and more robust. In terms of handling, the steering wheel is precise with minimal play, feeling light at low speeds and stable at high speeds. The front double-wishbone and rear multi-link independent suspension system are tuned for sportiness, effectively controlling body roll and ensuring excellent stability while cornering. When encountering bumpy roads, the suspension effectively filters out fine vibrations, though larger potholes may still transmit some road feel, which is reasonable for a coupe-oriented vehicle. As for fuel consumption, the official combined fuel consumption is 10.4L/100km, with actual urban driving ranging from about 12-14L/100km, while highway cruising can reduce it to around 9L/100km.

In terms of ride comfort, the vehicle demonstrates excellent noise control, with wind noise and tire noise significantly suppressed during high-speed driving. The engine's start-stop technology operates smoothly, almost without any abrupt sensations. The seat's support and wrapping effectively ease fatigue during long drives. Although the rear space is limited, it is equipped with air conditioning vents and headrests, showcasing thoughtful attention to details. In terms of safety configurations, 6 airbags, lane change assist, lane departure warning, active braking, and other features all come as standard, providing ample protection for everyday driving.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2019 BMW 8 Series M850i xDrive Coupe are: its powerful V8 engine offers outstanding performance, the xDrive all-wheel-drive system enhances handling stability, and the standard range of rich features and luxurious interiors fulfill its positioning as a luxury car. Compared to its counterparts like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe or Audi RS7 in the same segment, it has an edge in power specifications and driving thrill, while being relatively more affordable (RM 1,088,800). This car is suitable for consumers who pursue both a sporty driving experience and practical luxury features for daily use — such as young wealthy individuals or family users who enjoy weekend road trips, value brand prestige, and demand high performance.

In conclusion, the 2019 M850i xDrive Coupe is a flagship coupe that combines performance with luxury. It proves its sporty genes through its powerful engine and precise handling, while meeting daily usage needs with its rich features and comfortable driving experience, making it a highly competitive choice in the luxury coupe market.