BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe 2020 Review

In Malaysia's luxury four-door coupe market, high-horsepower V8 models are often prohibitively expensive, while entry-level 2.0T models struggle to satisfy both power and premium feel. The 2020 BMW 840i Gran Coupé M Sport perfectly fills this gap—it’s equipped with a 3.0T inline six-cylinder engine, comes standard with the M Sport package, and retains the practicality of four doors. Priced at RM 968,800, it is nearly 500,000 Ringgit cheaper than the M850i xDrive from the same series. In this test drive, we primarily evaluate whether it can strike a balance between performance, luxury, and everyday usability.

From the exterior, the 840i Gran Coupé has well-balanced proportions. The body measures 5082mm in length, 1932mm in width, and 1407mm in height, and its smooth fastback lines provide the dynamic feel of a coupe without sacrificing rear-seat space like the two-door version. The addition of the M Sport package makes it more aggressive: the large double kidney grille features a glossy black finish, while the fang-like air intakes on both sides enhance the sporty presence of the front fascia. On the sides, the 20-inch multi-spoke wheels paired with front 245/35 R20 and rear 275/30 R20 wide tires result in a visually striking stance; the rear sports dual exhaust outlets and a small spoiler, further emphasizing its sporty characteristics. In terms of lighting, the full-LED headlights come with automatic activation, and the "Angel Eyes" daytime running lights are highly recognizable, providing excellent illumination at night.

Moving inside, the cabin blends both luxury and technology seamlessly. Plenty of soft-touch materials are used throughout, with metal accents adorning the dashboard and door panels. The M Sport multifunction leather steering wheel offers a solid grip. The 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster displays information clearly and supports various themes, while the 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system equipped with the iDrive interface offers smooth operation and supports CarPlay and Android Auto. A heads-up display (HUD) is standard, projecting information like speed and navigation directions onto the windshield to enhance driving convenience. The seats are well-appointed, with the front seats being power-adjustable with memory function, providing excellent support and comfort. The rear seats feature a 40:20:40 split design, include a central armrest, and offer sufficient legroom for passengers up to 175cm in height. However, due to the fastback design, headroom is slightly limited, though it is not a concern for daily use. In terms of storage, the center armrest and door pockets in the front have decent capacity, while the 440-liter trunk can accommodate two 28-inch suitcases, meeting the needs of short trips.

In terms of performance, the 3.0T inline six-cylinder engine delivers a maximum power output of 345PS and a peak torque of 450N·m, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Officially, it can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds. During actual driving, the start is very brisk, with ample low-end torque for effortless urban commuting or overtaking. Switching to Sport mode makes throttle response sharper and shifts quicker, with a deep press on the accelerator providing a noticeable push-back sensation. The chassis tuning leans towards sportiness, with good suspension support and minimal body roll during cornering. The steering is precise with clear road feedback. However, when driving over speed bumps or uneven roads, the suspension's ability to absorb shocks is average, and rear passengers might feel some bumps. Noise insulation is commendable, with wind and tire noise at highway speeds staying within acceptable limits. The engine noise becomes noticeable at high revs, but instead of being intrusive, it enhances the driving pleasure.

In terms of fuel consumption, the official combined fuel consumption is 7.9L/100km. During actual test drives, the fuel consumption in congested urban road conditions is about 9.5L/100km, and on highways about 6.8L/100km. For a 3.0T model, this performance is considered reasonable. The safety features are very comprehensive, with six airbags as standard, along with lane change assist, lane departure warning, autonomous emergency braking, and other functions. The 360-degree panoramic view and automatic parking features also enhance safety and convenience for everyday driving.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2020 BMW 840i Gran Coupé M Sport include the smooth power delivery from its 3.0T six-cylinder engine, the sporty exterior design from the M Sport package, the wealth of luxurious features, and the practicality of being a four-door coupe. Compared to competitors in the same segment, its price is about 100,000 MYR cheaper than the Mercedes-Benz CLS 450 while offering more features. Although its acceleration performance is not as good as the M850i, it is sufficient for daily driving and has better fuel efficiency.

This car is suitable for consumers who pursue sporty performance while still needing to accommodate family use. If you're looking for a car with a sporty appearance, ample power, luxurious features, and the ability to meet both daily commutes and short trips, the 840i Gran Coupé M Sport is a good choice. It is not the ultimate performance car nor the most comfortable executive sedan, but it strikes a good balance between sportiness and practicality.