BMW returned to the big GT class with the new 8-Series, making bold claims about its ability to thrill the driver and keep him comfortable over big distances.
Focusing more on driving thrills than some of its competitors (namely the S-Class Coupe) is the key feature of the new BMW 8-Series but this doesn’t mean that the German carmaker left other important areas go unnoticed. It is after all their latest flagship model.
Customers in Europe are currently offered the choice between the M850i xDrive, which is powered by a twin-turbo 4.4-liter gasoline V8 with 523hp (530PS) and 553lb-ft (730Nm) of torque, and the cheaper 840d xDrive, which uses a turbocharged 3.0-liter straight-six diesel with 315hp (320PS) and 580lb-ft (680Nm) of peak torque.
The V8 gasoline version is the fastest of the two, with 0-100 km/h (62 mph) coming in 3.7 seconds, but the straight-six diesel offers plenty of performance, with the 0-100 km/h (62 mph) coming in 4.9 seconds.
Both models send their power to all four wheels through an updated eight-speed transmission. BMW’s latest version of the xDrive all-wheel drive system is pretty rear-biased, with the company even offering a rear limited-slip differential and rear-wheel steering in order to make the new 8-Series drive more like a sports car and less like a land yacht.
However, and despite the big dimensions, the new BMW 8-Series isn’t the most practical of the big four-seat GTs in the market, offering surprisingly small room for rear passengers but it makes up for it with a rather huge range of tech features.
Carwow’s latest review examines the new big Bimmer in depth, telling us everything we wanted to know about it, including its ability to burn some tires.