2022 BMW 8 Series Coupe

As the brand's halo coupe, the BMW 8 Series Coupe has the tough job of convincing buyers that it's worth double the value of the 4 Series Coupe. More than this, the 8 Series needs to fend off serious competition in the US from the likes of the all-conquering Porsche 911 and luxurious alternatives such as the Lexus LC. Fortunately, the 8 comes well prepared for the challenging questions asked of it by being blessed with a range of overachieving powertrains, topped by the 523-horsepower 4.4-liter V8 in the M850i, which allows it to rocket from 0 to 60 in a mere 3.5 seconds. Unlike that divisive new 4 Series, the 8 looks good from most angles, too. Inside, there is an immaculately trimmed cockpit, and BMW's big coupe effortlessly blends refined road manners with athletic handling. Starting at $85,000, it's far from affordable, and those minuscule back seats are really just for show. But, in almost every other measurable sense, this accomplishes precisely what's expected of a flagship coupe.

The BMW 8 Series Coupe is long, wide, and has plenty of presence. Although that kidney grille is far from petite, it's much better integrated than on some other new BMWs. The base model 840i rides on 19-inch double-spoke alloy wheels from this year, thanks to the standard M Sport package, and last year's chrome-line exterior trim is replaced by blacked-out Shadowline trim. It wears an aerodynamic kit and has Icon adaptive LED headlights with Laserlight technology and programmable LED daytime running lights. Now that the 840i has the M Sport package, this year's M850i is only differentiated from the outside by its 20-inch V-spoke wheels and M rear spoiler.

Key dimensions provide evidence of the 8 Series' large footprint. At 191.1 inches in length, the coupe is over 13 inches longer than a Porsche 911 Carrera. It has a width of 74.9 inches excluding mirrors, while height works out to 52.8 inches. All models have a 111.1-inch wheelbase, although the M850i is slightly longer (191.2 inches) and marginally taller (53 inches) than the 840i. The curb weight ranges from 3,933 pounds for the rear-wheel-drive 840i to 4,478 lbs for the M850i xDrive.

On both the 840i and M850i, customers can choose from one non-metallic color in Alpine White or six metallic options, including Carbon Black, Black Sapphire, Mineral White, Sunset Orange, Bluestone, and Barcelona Blue. For an additional $1,950 each, three more metallics become available. These are Dravit Grey, Tanzanite Blue II, and BMW Individual Aventurin Red. Finally, Frozen Bluestone metallic is the most expensive color at $5,000. The coupe generally seems to wear darker shades better, so we'd opt for one of the blacks or even the Tanzanite Blue II. Last year's Blue Ridge Mountain Metallic is no longer available.

Traditionalists will be happy to see that BMW still offers rear-wheel-drive propulsion for the entry-level 840i, with the xDrive all-wheel-drive system fitted to another version of the 840i and the M850i. All variants offer smooth and exceptionally rapid acceleration, with even the 840i needing just 4.7 seconds to reach 60 mph, aided by the quick-shifting automatic gearbox, while the AWD-equipped variant is three-tenths quicker. The M850i is a beast, with a heady 523 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque at its disposal from that mighty 4.4-liter turbocharged V8. Sending power to all four corners, it'll zip to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds and will reach a limited top speed of 155 mph when fitted with performance rubber. The Porsche 911 is quicker, but you'll need a Carrera S and the optional Sport Chrono Package to beat out the much heavier M850i.

BMW's six-cylinder turbocharged engine is widely used across the brand's lineup, and it's no less impressive in the 840i and 840i xDrive. The 3.0-liter unit churns out 335 hp and 368 lb-ft of torque and is mated with an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and launch control. Its creamy smooth power delivery is a BMW hallmark, and is immediately apparent during a test drive. Turbocharging ensures that passing power requires minimal effort from the driver, too. The six-pot pairs beautifully with the eight-speed gearbox, which executes quick shifts in sportier driving modes but is just as capable pottering around town.

The M850i's 4.4-liter turbocharged V8 serves up 523 hp and 553 lb-ft. It is also paired with an eight-speed automatic. Although not a full-fat M derivative, the M850i could have you fooled as it accelerates with a ferocity that pushes occupants firmly back into their seats. The stunning power is matched by a pleasing V8 burble - in fact, we wouldn't mind if the engine was a bit more vocal. You couldn't possibly need more power than what this car has.

The exemplary powertrains of the 8 Series aren't let down by the chassis. All versions receive dynamic damper control and an M sport differential. The setup does a brilliant job of disguising the bulk of the coupe, which feels lighter on its feet than you'd expect. The chunky steering wheel responds keenly to swift changes of direction, even if feel is merely okay without ever approaching the talkative and more natural feel at the helm of a Porsche 911. Three driving modes - Eco Pro, Comfort, and Sport - are on offer, with the latter seeing the traction control system intervening later. The coupe feels more playful in this mode, but the majority of drivers will be happy with Comfort mode most of the time. In this setting, the 8 Series proves to be an adept cruiser, with a well-damped ride. It's matched by a cabin that remains quiet at speed. With standard integral active steering, the xDrive versions can turn the rear wheels too, adding to the coupe's agility. The brake pedal is firm and is allied to a braking system that brings the 8 Series to a quick and controlled stop. In any of the three available configurations, the 8 Series is a fantastic coupe to drive.

The most fuel-efficient 8 Series is the RWD 840i which returns EPA-rated figures of 23/30/25 mpg on the city/highway/combined cycles. With its AWD system, the 840i xDrive's figures are 20/27/23 mpg. The figures for the 2022 M850i are 17/25/20 mpg. All versions have an 18-gallon gas tank, so gas mileage ranges between 360 miles for the M850i to 450 miles for the RWD 840i.

The classy and richly trimmed cabin may not be as flashy as some would like, but our previous BMW 8 Series review made it easy to see the difference between this and cheaper BMWs. All fittings and fixtures feel suitably expensive, and rattles and squeaks are notable only by their absence. Ahead of the driver is BMW's Live Cockpit Professional with its rather dark 12.3-inch display, while the familiar iDrive screen is positioned in the center of the dash. At base level, the 8 Series is equipped with 14-way power-adjustable and heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, soft-closing doors, and a heated and power-adjustable steering wheel. All versions come with advanced safety features such as lane departure warning, frontal collision warning, and a fatigue/focus alert function.

Technically a four-seater, the BMW 8 Series is surprisingly cramped in the back, considering its length. There simply isn't enough space back there for even smaller adults, with legroom in especially short supply. In front, things are much more accommodating and the sumptuous front seats are well-bolstered. Ingress and egress are simple for the driver and front-seat passenger, although as with many coupes, the long doors should be opened with care in tighter spaces. There are large pillars that partially impede the view out from the driver's seat, but other than this, the 8 Series affords a sporty and pleasing driving position for most.

This year, both the 840i and M850i get the latter's Merino leather by default in any of six shades, while full Merino leather costs $2,000 more and is available in eight color schemes, including two-color finishes such as Night Blue / Black or Ivory White / Tartufo. Carbon fiber trim is available on the M850i for $300. BMW's flashy diamond-cut glass controls (for the gear lever, iDrive controller, and more) are optionally available, too.

The disappointingly small rear perches may lead you to believe that the 8 Series has a tiny trunk, too, but there is a useful 10 cubic feet of volume to play with. A small trunk opening aside, there is enough space for a week's worth of groceries or a few medium-sized suitcases. The rear seats can also fold down to free up a longer cargo area for lengthier items to slide through. As this is a luxury coupe, it's no surprise that the trunk lid is power-operated and that hands-free opening is possible by simply swiping your foot beneath the rear bumper, which is convenient when your hands are full.

For storing smaller items, the interior is equipped with a decently sized center console storage compartment, door bins, and the usual locking glovebox. Two covered cupholders are positioned in front. Rear-seat passengers don't get much more than front-seatback storage.

Before ticking a single option, the 8 Series is generously equipped with plenty of comfort and safety features. The 840i has 16-way power-adjustable seats with power width adjustment, heating, and memory settings for the two occupants up front. Finding the ideal driving position is made simpler by the power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, which also has an automatic tilt-up feature for easier entry/exit. Other features include an auto-dimming rearview mirror, dual-zone automatic climate control, soft-closing doors, heating for the front armrests and steering wheel, a head-up display, wireless phone charging, keyless entry, remote engine start, a backup camera, and push-button ignition. The M850i's front seats are also ventilated. Standard safety equipment includes automatic high beams, lane departure warning, and automatic city collision mitigation.

BMW doesn't compel you to control every function using its 10.25-inch central touchscreen, and that's part of the appeal of the iDrive infotainment system. A physical volume knob and a rotary dial are ideal for making quick adjustments on the move, while the touchscreen is useful when drivers have more time to safely take their eyes off the road. Standard features here extend to navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, HD Radio, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and both Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration. Two USB ports are standard. The new BMW 8 Series receives SiriusXM with 360L and a full year subscription. A 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system provides crisp sound quality, but more demanding music listeners will prefer the optional 16-speaker Bowers & Wilkins Diamond surround sound system with 1,400 watts of power.

The 2022 BMW 8 Series is so far recall-free, although the 2021 model suffered three knocks against its reliability record. One recall was for the absence of images on the central screen from the rearview camera, and the other two were for a possible loss of brake assistance or ABS and for a misassembled battery connection.

Should the 8 Series need any attention, BMW covers it with a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty and four years of roadside assistance regardless of mileage covered. A 12-year rust perforation warranty is in place, as is BMW's solid three-year/36,000-mile maintenance coverage plan.

High-priced premium vehicles such as this often aren't evaluated by local authorities. Safety reviews by the NHTSA and IIHS are yet to take place for the 8 Series range, so an official safety rating isn't available for now.

The strong safety spec of the 8 Series lineup begins with visibility. The base price gets you Icon adaptive LED headlights with Laserlight tech, along with automatic high beams, programmable LED DRLs, and adaptive brake lights. The airbag count totals six, including dual-threshold, dual-stage deployment front airbags. Other safety gear includes a backup camera, lane departure warning, frontal collision warning, automatic city collision mitigation with braking, BMW's accident-detection system, post-crash braking, and a fatigue/focus alert feature. Of course, dynamic stability control and dynamic traction control are standard. Options include adaptive cruise control with stop & go, active lane-keeping assist, evasion assistant, cross-traffic alert, side collision avoidance, and steering/traffic jam assistant.

Although the 8 Series may not be a hot seller for the brand, it represents the perfect step up for BMW enthusiasts coming from smaller coupes in the lineup. As long as you don't need to carry rear-seat passengers, the 8 impresses with its wonderfully comfortable cockpit, athletic driving dynamics, and superb engines. All versions are equipped to a grand standard, making for a GT that can cover hundreds of miles without blinking. The 523-hp M850i offers nearly as much performance as the M8 for a lot less money. At close to six figures, some may argue that the 8 Series doesn't feel as special as luxury coupes like the outgoing Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe and the current Lexus LC. But in terms of raw all-round ability, the BMW 8 Series is tough to match.

Starting at an MSRP of $85,000 in the USA - $3,000 cheaper than last year - the 840i RWD is the most affordable 8 Series. It's followed by the 840i xDrive at $87,900 and, finally, the M850i xDrive at $99,900 - $12,000 cheaper than last year. All prices exclude BMW's destination charge of $995, along with taxes, licensing, and registration costs. By comparison, a Porsche 911 Carrera carries a starting price tag of $101,200. Although it's quicker than the 840i, the BMW is far more lavishly equipped out of the box. With all the options ticked on the M850i, the price of the BMW 8 Series will surpass $125,000.

The 2022 BMW 8 Series Coupe lineup is made up of three trims: 840i, 840i xDrive, and M850i xDrive. The normal 840i is rear-wheel drive and the xDrive models are all-wheel drive - but all transmit their power through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The 840i models use a turbocharged inline-six engine with 335 hp and 368 lb-ft of torque and the M850 makes use of a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 with 523 hp and 553 lb-ft.

The base 840i get the M Sport package as standard this year and this makes it very similar to the flagship on the outside. It runs on 19-inch double-spoke alloy wheels, has blacked-out Shadowline exterior trim, and dons an aerodynamic kit. Icon LED headlights with Laserlight technology and programmable LED daytime running lights are fitted. Inside, it gets 16-way electrically adjustable and heated front seats with a memory function, Merino leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, soft-close doors, remote engine start, and a 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.

The 840i xDrive trim is the same as the 840i in every respect except that it utilizes BMW's xDrive AWD system, which comes as standard with integral active steering that incorporates rear-axle steering. Because of the added grip, it is faster to 60 mph than the RWD 840i.

The flagship of the range is the M850i xDrive. It uses a big V8 engine and runs on 20-inch V-spoke alloy wheels and has an M rear spoiler. With the 2022 840i now sharing most of the flagship's interior, the only significant difference is that the M850i adds ventilated seats.

Last year's $4,550 M Sport upgrade on the 840i models is now longer an optional extra but standard for the 2022 model and falls away from the list of packages. BMW offers two Driving Assistance packages, with the first costing $100 while the Professional version of this package will cost $1,700 (although the latter requires upgrading to the more basic package first). The first package adds only the Active Driving Assistant, while the latter includes the Pro version of the assistant, as well as an extended traffic jam assistant. Front ventilated seats can be added for $500 and an Alcantara or Anthracite headliner for $650.

Unique to the M850i is the Cooling and High Performance Tire Package for $1,850. It includes extended Shadowline trim, black alloy wheels, and high-performance tires. This model can also be upgraded with an M carbon roof for $3,000. All versions offer a superb Bowers & Wilkins setup ($3,400) and glass interior controls ($650).

The gap in performance between the 840i and M850i is great enough that if we could stretch to the V8, we would. But the 840i shouldn't be discounted, especially in RWD guise, as it's $15,000 less expensive than the V8 model, while offering plenty of power and most of the same features. With the the 2022 model's drop in prices and the M850i xDrive now starting at less than $100,000, it is probably the pick of the bunch. We'd equip it with the Driving Assistance Professional Package at $1,700 and the Bowers & Wilkins sound system at $3,400. These extras will bring the price tag to exactly $105,000.

Not every executive who buys a 7 Series sedan gets chauffeured around. For the customer who does the driving themselves, is the less practical but more stylish 8 Series Coupe a serious alternative to the 7 Series? Well, if you need back-seat space, this is a no-brainer - the 7 Series' plush and spacious back row is in a different league compared to the 8 Series' restricted quarters. Both BMW flagships are great to drive, but the 7 Series is undoubtedly quieter and smoother, whereas the 8 Series is the more agile machine. The two are both lavishly equipped, but the 7 Series has even nicer seats and more standard safety gear like a surround-view camera system. The V8-powered 750i has the same engine as the M850i but comes in at $3,100 more expensive. If you already have an X7 for family duties, get the 8 Series for the weekends. But the 7 Series can simply do more than the coupe.

The BMW 8 Series plays more of a dual GT/sports car role than the 911, which is a far more focused machine. But the Porsche can also play the role of an easygoing daily commuter without kicking up much of a fuss. With its lighter weight and Porsche's knack for near-perfect chassis tuning, the 911 is much more involving to drive than the 8 Series. Both have peppy turbocharged six-cylinder engines lower down in the range, but the BMW is the only one of the two to offer V8 power, which is a unique selling point in favor of the 8 Series. Both have rear seats without much space at all, but the BMW's trunk is a lot bigger than either of the 911's luggage compartments. You also get many more standard features in the BMW, whereas Porsche is especially stingy with standard safety features. That said, the 911 is infinitely more customizable. As accomplished as the BMW is in most areas, it doesn't hit the same high notes as the incredible 911, which drives like little else on the road. We'd take the Porsche.