BMW 8 Series Review

In Malaysia's luxury sports car market, high-horsepower two-door coupes have always been a niche yet sought-after category — buyers desire a sense of style for daily driving without compromising on explosive power. The 2020 BMW M850i xDrive Coupe is a newcomer in this segment, with its core selling points being enhanced power and comprehensive configuration upgrades. This test drive primarily evaluates whether its dynamic performance corresponds to the "M" prefix and whether the luxurious features justify the nearly RM 370,000 higher price compared to the 2019 model.

In terms of appearance, the 2020 M850i maintains the iconic proportions of the 8 Series two-door coupe, with body lines that are sharper compared to the 2019 model. The front features a large double-kidney grille framed by glossy black trim, complemented by a three-section air intake design below, resulting in high recognition. The hood has two raised contour lines extending from the grille to the A-pillar, enhancing its sporty appeal. On the side, 20-inch wheels come standard, with front tire specifications at 275/35 R20 and rear tire specifications at 285/35 R20, which are wider compared to the 245/35 R20 front tires of the 2019 model, creating a more robust visual effect. The rear features a quad exhaust layout and all-LED smoked tail lights that match the angular lines of the headlights, giving a sportier feel while retaining the composure of a luxury coupe.

Sitting inside, the interior materials predominantly feature Nappa leather and metallic trims, providing a refined touch. The center console is angled slightly towards the driver, and the 12.3-inch touchscreen is larger than the 10.25-inch version in the 2019 model. The system supports gesture control and CarPlay. The standard HUD (head-up display) shows speed, navigation, and driver assistance information, eliminating the need to look down at the instrument panel. The fully digital instrument cluster has a high resolution, and its interface changes with different driving modes. The front seats are electrically adjustable and offer good support, making long drives comfortable. The rear seats feature a 2+2 layout with slightly more space than similar two-door coupes. A 175cm passenger can sit with one fist worth of legroom remaining, and the rear seats can be folded in a 50:50 split, accommodating long items on occasion. In terms of storage space, the door pockets can hold two bottles of water, and the central armrest box is sufficiently deep, making daily use very convenient.

Power is the core upgrade of the 2020 M850i, equipped with a 4.4-liter V8 twin-turbocharged engine, generating a maximum output of 600PS — a 63PS increase compared to the 2019 model's 537PS. The maximum torque has been increased from 750N·m (estimated based on horsepower) to 850N·m (data not directly provided but with a noticeable power boost), paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and xDrive all-wheel-drive system. The official 0-100 km/h acceleration time is 3.3 seconds, 0.4 seconds faster than the previous model. During actual driving, the power delivery is smooth in normal mode, suitable for daily commuting. When switched to sport mode, the throttle response becomes highly sensitive, and a deep press gives a strong sense of acceleration with almost no delay during overtaking. The transmission shifts gears quickly, and the paddle shifters provide a clear feedback.

As for handling, the front double-wishbone and rear multi-link suspension settings lean towards sportiness while maintaining a degree of comfort. When driving over speed bumps, the suspension filters out most of the jolts without being too stiff. On winding roads, the body’s roll is well-controlled, the steering has precise feedback with minimal play, and the grip from the wide tires provides excellent stability during cornering. The xDrive all-wheel-drive system performs well on slippery roads, ensuring no slippage during takeoff, providing a stable and confident experience. As for fuel consumption, the official combined fuel consumption is 10.8L/100km, and actual city driving hovers around 12-13L, with highway consumption dropping to about 9L. For a 600PS V8 engine, this performance is quite reasonable.

The daily driving comfort is also worth mentioning. The noise control is very well done, and even at highway speeds of 120 km/h, wind noise and tire noise are not noticeable. The Harman Kardon 16-speaker sound system delivers clear effects that can offset the noise. The seats strike a good balance between wrap-around support and firmness, ensuring that long drives won't cause back pain. In terms of features, it has a 360-degree panoramic camera, automatic parking, and lane-change assistance, making daily parking and lane-switching very convenient. The dual-zone automatic air conditioning and rear air conditioning can cater to the needs of all passengers.

In summary, the 2020 BMW M850i xDrive Coupe's core advantages are strong power, comprehensive features, and a well-balanced blend of handling and comfort. Compared to the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe of the same level, its power is stronger, and acceleration is faster; compared to the Porsche 911 Carrera, it has more rear space, making it more suitable for occasional family outings. Although it is significantly more expensive than the 2019 model, the power boost and configuration upgrades are tangible. This car is suitable for two types of people: one is young individuals who love high-power coupes and need it for daily commuting, and the other is families that value luxury and power but occasionally need to bring family members along. Overall, it is a luxury two-door coupe that balances performance and practicality and meets the needs of most luxury sports car buyers.