2023 BMW 8 Series First Look: The Grille Size Stays Reasonable

It’s only a matter of time before the ever-growing, now-oversize take on the kidney grille that for decades has identified BMWs spreads to the German automaker’s entire lineup. Thankfully for the 2023 BMW 8 Series—unlike, say, the X7 SUV or 4 Series coupe—that day hasn’t come yet. BMW unwrapped the updated 2023 8 Series coupe, convertible, and Gran Coupe fastback sedan today, and despite some minor cosmetic changes in and out, the handsome-looking flagship GT remains free of flared nostrils.

What’s new with the 2023 8 Series?

You’ll have to look closely to spot the differences between the 2023 8 Series and pre-refresh iterations. The biggest visual change is to the grille, which now features chunky U-shaped vertical bars that look less baleen-like than the slats on the piece it replaces. To highlight the changes—literally— the 8 Series joins the X6 in offering an illuminated grille that lights up when the car is unlocked or a door is opened. The feature can be turned on or off manually if the driver desires.

In addition to the new grille, M850i models get new sideview mirrors courtesy of the also-updated M8. BMW is also offering up two new wheel options and five new paint colors. Option packages on the 840i include the M Sport Package Professional, which adds black accents to the grille, window trim, and brake calipers. In celebration of BMW M’s 50th anniversary, the M850i coupe, convertible, and sedan will be offered with the original blue, violet, and red BMW M roundel badge on the hood, trunk, and wheel cap covers, a touch cropping up on other BMWs this year.

Inside, all 2023 8 Series models get a new central infotainment display, which grows from 10.25 to 12.3-inches. The 2023 BMW Alpina B8 gets the same changes as the rest of the lineup.

BMW also plans on offering a limited edition “8 X Jeff Koons” art car based on the M850i xDrive Gran Coupe. The art car will be revealed on February 17, 2022.

What’s not new?

Powertrains remain unchanged on the 2023 8 Series. The base 840i xDrive is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter I-6 good for 335 hp and 368 lb-ft of torque, the M850i xDrive a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 making 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, and the Alpina B8 gets the wick turned up on the M850i’s V-8, giving it 612 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque.

The refreshed 2023 M8 Competition is also powered by a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8, but it produces 617 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. All 2023 8 Series models come standard with 8-speed automatics and all-wheel drive.

Full pricing for the 2023 BMW 8 Series hasn’t been announced yet but BMW says the base price will remain unchanged at $85,995. Production for U.S.-spec 2023 8 Series’ begins in March 2022, and the cars should hit dealers stateside by Spring.

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