BMW 8 Series - TopCarNews

BMW 8 Series (2018 – present) | Expert Rating [hide]

Summary

The original BMW 8 Series first appeared in 1990 as the German brand’s largest two-door coupe, but by 1999 it was not selling well and was dropped.

Two decades later, BMW decided there was now room for a luxury grand tourer with enormous power, in 2018 launching an all-new 8 Series in coupe and soft-top convertible body styles. Later a four-door Gran Coupe was added to the range – we are building a separate page for this version, so check back soon.

There are two petrol engine options or a diesel and all are potent. The 840i puts out 333hp, while diesel fans get 340hp and an all-wheel drive powertrain.

Most rapid of all is the M850i ,with 530hp, put through the all-wheel-drive to produce a blistering 3.8-second 0-62mph time. It’s not the quickest, however, as BMW also offers an the M8 (also not covered by this rating; we’ll add this to our index soon).

Reviewers focus on the 8 Series’ luxury, its potency and price – The Telegraph believes BMW has pitched its car as “a piece of high-performance automotive art, with the emphasis on performance”. Mind you the review adds that such cars with big engines are about to be killed by emissions regulations.

The price exercises The Mirror’s reviewer too, who argues that the 8 Series might “depreciate savagely and within a decade you’ll be able to pick one up for pennies.”

Top Gear sums the 8 Series as possibly the ultimate car for those that like BMWs – “but it is less special than its rivals”. However the Daily Mail, testing the convertible with its top that opens or closes in just 15 seconds, argues that it is; “a sensational luxury grant tourer for those old and experienced enough to appreciate the good things in life – more mature than a regular sports car.”

As of January 2022, the BMW 8 Series holds an Expert Rating of 74% based on 27 reviews.

BMW 8 Series highlights

Potent performance
Very refined
Lots of cockpit tech
Luxury interior

BMW 8 Series lowlights

Not that distinctive for its high cost
So-so steering feel
So much cockpit tech it’s confusing
No room in the back

Key specifications

Body style: 2+2 coupé and convertibleEngines: petrol, diesel
Price: From £69,200 on-road

Launched: Winter 2018Last updated: Summer 2020
Update due: Spring 2022

Image gallery

8 Series Convertible

8 Series Coupe

Media reviews

Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

The Car Expert

Model reviewed: Coupe“The 8 Series is a seriously impressive coupe and one that shows BMW’s ability to blend the luxurious with the sporting is still alive and well.”
Read review

Auto Express

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“Muscle car performance and proportions give the BMW 8 Series old-school appeal, but it’s packed with the latest technology.”
Read review

Model reviewed: M850i xDrive ConvertibleScore: 8 / 10“Despite being a large and heavy open-top car, the new BMW 8 Series Convertible feels tight, agile and hugely composed.”
Read review

Autocar

Model reviewed: M850i ConvertibleScore: 8 / 10“Even shorn of its fixed metal roof, the 8 Series continues to strike a fine balance between dynamism and refinement.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Coupé rangeScore: 8 / 10“A likeable big GT, albeit not the most luxurious or rewarding on sale.”
Read review

Car

Model reviewed: M850iScore: 8 / 10“The days of big coupes with big engines may be numbered; perhaps we should enjoy, and admire, this car while we can.”
Read review

Model reviewed: ConvertibleScore: 8 / 10“That big V8 can be revved out but in reality does all its best work in the mid-range, meaning it piles on pace in a romantically effortless way.”
Read review

Carbuyer

Model reviewed: Coupé rangeScore: 8 / 10“The luxurious BMW 8 Series coupe is most at home on a long, fast motorway trip, but it’s competent on a twisty route home too.”
Read review

Model reviewed: ConvertibleScore: 8 / 10“The BMW 8 Series Convertible adds some extra excitement to the formula of the Coupe with very few sacrifices.”
Read review

Carwow

Model reviewed: Convertible rangeScore: 8 / 10“The BMW 8 Series Convertible is a rare thing: a luxurious open-top GT that’ll put a smile on your face around corners. There’s only really room for two, though, and the petrol is thirsty.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Coupé rangeScore: 8 / 10“The BMW 8 Series is a superbly fast and surprisingly comfortable four-seat sports car but it doesn’t look quite as dramatic as some more expensive alternatives.”
Read review

Daily Mail

Model reviewed: M850i xDrive Convertible“If you are of a certain age, have made a bob or two, risk getting a perma-tan from all that time on the golf course, and fancy a motor that’s more mature than a regular sports car, this could be just the job for you.”
Read review

Daily Mirror

Model reviewed: 840d xDriveScore: 8 / 10“Iconic super coupe is back with style.”
Read review

Evo

Model reviewed: Gran CoupeScore: 8 / 10“The new 8-series Gran Coupe adds more doors to the formula, but adding a bit of key practicality to the range.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 840d xDrive ConvertibleScore: 8 / 10“Fixtures and fittings are top notch and there’s some nice detailing such as the stitched leather dash.”
Read review

Heycar

Model reviewed: Convertible rangeScore: 8 / 10“If only the best will do, then perhaps BMW’s flagship model is the right car for your driveway. The open-top version of the 8 Series certainly makes a pitch for being one of the grandest tourers around.”
Read review

Honest John

Model reviewed: Coupé rangeScore: 8 / 10“Whichever BMW 8 Series you go for, though, you’ll get a car that’s handsome to look at, a joy to sit in and stuffed full of luxury kit, including the best infotainment system in the business.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Convertible rangeScore: 8 / 10“The 8 Series Convertible is one of BMW’s best contemporary styling efforts and with a well-appointed interior, it meets the brief for opulent indulgence.”
Read review

Motoring Research

Model reviewed: Range overview (coupé, convertible, Gran Coupé)Score: 8 / 10“As a flagship coupe or convertible, the BMW 8 Series ticks many boxes. It’s loaded with technology, features a luxurious cabin and has proper presence on the road. It’s let down by a lack of handling sharpness, cramped rear seats and eye-watering prices.”
Read review

Parkers

Model reviewed: Convertible rangeScore: 8.2 / 10“BMW 8 Series loses roof but not refinement.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Coupé rangeScore: 8.8 / 10“Large and luxurious grand tourer, but it’s pricey.”
Read review

The Sunday Times

Model reviewed: 3.0-litre diesel automatic 840d xDrive M Sport“The diesel-powered 8 Series is a car in which it’s best to just turn on the radio and sit there until you arrive at your destination.” (Jeremy Clarkson)
Read review

The Telegraph

Model reviewed: Convertible“For all its remarkable qualities, however, I found it hard to love this car. There’s a slight end-of-days ostentation about it, which seems to bring out the worst in fellow road users. You might even observe that this car is too expensive and too accomplished to be a “proper” sports car, which should extract a penalty in practicality and accommodation.”
Read review

Model reviewed: M850i xDrive coupeScore: 8 / 10“Something of an iron fist in a velvet glove. Technology allows this two-door luxury coupé to have a dual personality, which combines old-school road-burning performance with a refined and comfortable cruising ability. This isn’t a big market, but BMW has invested heavily to get back into it and the BMW 8 Series is a credible contender.”
Read review

Top Gear

Model reviewed: 840i sDrive Gran CoupeScore: 7 / 10“In BMW language, a GC is a four-door coupe-ish thing. In this case a version of the ritzy 8 Series coupe, with added doors. It’s not just some lazy stretch job. Every exterior panel is different aft of the windscreen.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Coupé rangeScore: 7 / 10““It’s very competent across the board, but not greatly different from the rest of the BMW range.”
Read review

What Car?

Model reviewed: Coupé rangeScore: 8 / 10“In 840d form, the BMW 8 Series is in a class of its own: a diesel luxury coupé that’s relatively cheap to run, offers very strong performance and is capable of covering long distances between fill-ups. But the petrol M850i is harder to justify.”
Read review

Model reviewed: ConvertibleScore: 8 / 10“Although the 8-Series sits at the premium end of the convertible market, it still makes a decent case for itself when it comes to value for money.”
Read review

Which?

Model reviewed: Coupe range“Weapons-grade performance and technology.”
Read review

Safety rating

No safety rating

As of September 2021, the BMW 8 Series has not been crash-tested by Euro NCAP. This is not surprising, given its high price tag and limited production numbers.

However, as one of BMW’s top models it is well equipped with passive and active safety technology, including autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping.

Eco rating

No eco rating

The BMW 8 Series has not been lab tested by Green NCAP. This is a new initiative, launched in 2018 as a sister organisation to Euro NCAP.

As yet, very few new cars have been tested for environmental impact by Green NCAP, and inevitably the testing programme was halted in early 2020 by the coronavirus pandemic before resuming later in the year.

Similar cars

If you’re looking at the BMW 8 Series, you might also be interested in these alternatives

The closest direct rival to the 8 Series is the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe and Cabriolet but it poses a viable alternative to a host of other upmarket performance machines such as the Porsche 911 or the Lexus LC.

Buy or lease a BMW 8 Series

Regardless of whether you’re looking for a new or used 8 Series, The Car Expert’s partners have thousands of cars to choose from

We only have the best used cars for sale from selected dealers.

Search less, live more. We make finding the right car simple.

Personal contract hire deals from Carparison Leasing.

Personal contract hire deals from Rivervale Leasing.

Keyword: BMW 8 Series