BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe Review

The luxury four-door coupe market has consistently maintained a stable demand in Malaysia. Consumers pursue the dynamic design akin to sports cars, while also requiring practicality for daily family or business use. The BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe, launched in 2020, precisely targets this niche market with its core selling point of "balancing performance and luxury." Today, through a test of the 2020 840i M Sport and M850i xDrive models, let's see whether it can balance driving passion with daily comfort.

Starting with the exterior, both the 840i M Sport and M850i xDrive carry on BMW's signature sharp design style, but differ in details. The 840i M Sport's front face features a large double kidney grille, paired with blacked-out LED headlights, and the "angel eye" design of the daytime running lights offers high recognition. The flowing body lines from the A-pillar to the rear create a fastback shape that preserves the dynamic look of a coupe without excessively compromising rear headroom. The rear sports dual-exit exhausts and a diffuser, further emphasizing its sporty nature. The M850i xDrive appears more aggressive, with a more complex aerodynamic kit for the front bumper, upgraded tire specifications to 275/35 R20 for the front and 285/35 R20 for the rear, and more prominent muscular wheel arches, delivering stronger visual impact.

Inside, both models' interior texture matches their luxurious positioning. The dashboard is wrapped in soft leather, complemented by metallic trims and piano lacquer finish, offering a refined touch. A 12.3-inch fully digital instrument panel and a 10.25-inch touchscreen make up a dual-screen system with smooth interface operation that supports CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The 840i M Sport features electrically adjustable front seats with memory function and adjustable lumbar support, making long drives less tiring. The rear seats can be folded in a 40:20:40 configuration, and the central armrest, when folded down, can hold cups or a phone, offering decent practicality. The M850i xDrive upgrades to a four-zone automatic air conditioning system, allowing rear passengers to independently adjust temperature, and the front seats add electrically adjustable lumbar support, enhancing the sense of luxury even further.

Regarding space performance, the 840i M Sport has a wheelbase of 3023mm, offering about two fists of rear legroom. Although headroom is slightly reduced due to the fastback design, a 175cm passenger still has about a fist of space above their head. The trunk capacity is 440L, capable of accommodating two 28-inch suitcases and one carry-on suitcase with ease. The M850i xDrive has a slightly longer wheelbase at 3027mm, with no significant difference in rear space, although the central floor hump due to the all-wheel-drive system slightly limits the foot space for the middle passenger. Both models offer ample storage options: two water bottles fit in the front door panels, wallets and phones can be stashed in the central armrest compartment, and there is a 220V/230V power outlet in the front to connect external devices conveniently.

For performance, the 840i M Sport is equipped with a 3.0T inline six-cylinder turbocharged engine, producing a maximum horsepower of 345PS and a peak torque of 450N·m, paired with an 8-speed automatic gearbox and rear-wheel drive configuration. Power response is quick when starting, with linear throttle calibration. The 0-100km/h official acceleration is recorded at 5.2 seconds, and in actual tests under sports mode, the gear shift delay decreases, acceleration feels more direct, and there's a noticeable push-back sensation when stepping hard on the gas for overtaking. The chassis uses a double wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension, with M Sport tuning leaning towards firmness. It excellently controls body roll during cornering, with precise steering and clear road feedback. While tackling bumpy surfaces, the suspension absorbs most minor vibrations, though rear passengers might feel mild bouncing when passing speed bumps. The official combined fuel consumption is 7.9L/100km, with real-world urban driving at around 9.5L and highway driving at approximately 6.8L, showcasing decent fuel economy within its class.

The M850i xDrive is equipped with a 4.4L V8 twin-turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 608PS and a peak torque of 750N·m. It is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and the xDrive all-wheel-drive system. The performance is incredibly powerful, with a 0-100km/h acceleration time of just 3.3 seconds. In Sport+ mode, the transmission shifts more aggressively, the throttle pedal becomes more responsive, and the pushback sensation lasts even beyond 120km/h without diminishing. The all-wheel-drive system provides excellent traction on slippery roads, stabilizing the car's posture during cornering, and even during rapid lane changes, it shows no significant oversteer. The chassis tuning is relatively softer compared to the 840i, absorbing bumps more effectively, which enhances the daily driving comfort. The official combined fuel consumption is 10.7L/100km. In actual city driving conditions, it is approximately 13L, and on highways, around 8.5L, which matches the expectations for a large-displacement engine.

In terms of driving comfort, both models exhibit excellent noise control. At 120km/h, wind and tire noise are not apparent, and engine noise is almost inaudible during normal driving; only when the accelerator is deeply pressed does a rich engine sound become noticeable. The seats of the 840i M Sport provide good support, with adjustable lumbar support that makes long drives less tiring. The M850i xDrive’s front seats enhance shoulder support, offering a more comfortable seating experience. Both models come standard with a HUD head-up display, capable of showing speed, navigation, and other information, reducing the need for drivers to look down, thereby enhancing safety.

In summary, the 840i M Sport's advantage lies in its balance. Its 3.0L turbocharged engine provides sufficient power for daily use, with relatively economical fuel consumption. It is well-equipped and priced at RM 968,800, making it highly cost-effective among luxury four-door coupes, ideal for family users or business professionals who prioritize the balance between sportiness and practicality. The M850i xDrive focuses on performance and luxury, with the V8 engine delivering robust power. The all-wheel-drive system enhances handling stability, and it comes with more advanced features, making it suitable for consumers pursuing an ultimate driving experience and a sense of luxury. Compared to similar models like the Mercedes-Benz CLS and Audi A7, the 8 Series Gran Coupe offers superior power specifications, more practical rear space, and relatively reasonable brand value.

Overall, whether it is the 840i M Sport or the M850i xDrive, the BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe strikes a great balance between the sporty nature of a coupe and the practicality of a four-door car. If you are looking for a luxury car that can meet daily commuting needs while offering occasional driving pleasure, the 840i M Sport is a great choice. If you have a sufficient budget and are seeking stronger performance and a more luxurious experience, the M850i xDrive is a more worthy consideration.