The BMW 8 Series has been given a fresh look and upgraded tech for 2022, while the M8 performance variant now has even more power. Here’s everything else you need to know…
On sale Now | Price from £72,225
The word ‘mild’ can be used to describe many things: curries, beer, or even the British weather. But it’s also the perfect word to sum up the redesign of the BMW 8 Series. Some manufacturers go big with mid-cycle refreshes, but in this instance BMW has taken a more subtle approach, giving the 8 Series a tweaked front end, an upgraded interior and some new options.
The facelift isn’t just for the regular Coupé, Convertible and four-door Gran Coupé models, however, because BMW has also tweaked the M8 Competition performance variants.
Most of the changes to the design of the 8 Series are at the front, where you’ll find a restyled lower bumper and a new double-bar grille design, while the grille itself is now illuminated as standard to give an extra element of ‘wow’. There’s also a selection of new alloy wheel designs to choose from and, on M850i models, a new M badge on the grille.
Inside the new 8 Series you still get a flowing central dashboard that cocoons the driver to give a sporty feel, while the plush materials include high-quality leather and galvanised metal buttons. Overall, though, the Bentley Continental GT is still likely to be a better choice if fine woods and hides are your thing.
On the other hand, BMW infotainment systems are the best in the business, and the new 8 Series features an enlarged 12.3in central screen. This houses the company’s latest iDrive infotainment setup, which can be operated via both the screen itself and a rotary dial, making it very easy to operate while driving or stationary. BMW has retained some physical buttons for the climate control, too, making them far more intuitive to use than the touch-sensitive ones you’ll find on the new BMW iX electric SUV.
Under the bonnet of the new 8 Series there are now just two engines to choose from: a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged straight-six petrol in the 840i and a 4.4-litre V8 in the M850i (which is also twin-turbocharged). BMW’s xDrive four-wheel drive system is fitted as standard on the M850i, while the 840i is rear-wheel drive only. For 2022, the old 840d diesel model will no longer be available in the UK.
All 8 Series and M8s come as standard with 20in alloy wheels, adaptive LED headlights, heated front seats, a heads-up display, a Harmon Kardon sound system, and an M Performance Pack (which includes adaptive suspension and a sports exhaust). An M Sport Pro Pack can also be specified, which features upgraded 20in alloys, brakes, M Sport seat belts and extended gloss black trim.
The M8 Competition comes with an enhanced version of BMW’s 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8, where power has increased from 609bhp to 616bhp, giving a 0-62mph time of 3.2sec for the Coupé. The M8 also features upgraded options, including an M Pro Pack, which adds extras such as carbon ceramic brakes with gold calipers.
The new 8 Series and M8 are available to order now, with prices for the 840i Gran Coupé, Coupé and Convertible starting from £72,225, £74,725 and £81,725 respectively.
Prices then move up to £101,215, £103,715 and £110,715 for the M850i in Gran Coupé, Coupé and Convertible body styles. This is significantly less than rivals such as the Aston Martin DB11, which is only available as a coupé and convertible, and starts from £155,865.
Prices for the M8 Competition start from £123,300 for the Gran Coupé, moving up to £125,800 and £132,800 for the coupé and convertible. This is also significantly less than the Bentley Continental GT coupé and Bentley Flying Spur saloon, which start from £168,500 and £162,500 respectively.
Keyword: 2022 BMW 8 Series revealed: price, specs and release date