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Pros: Tremendous performance, unique design, excellent infotainment.
Cons: More expensive than some rivals, limited room in the rear.
The new 8 Series Gran Coupe is BMW’s new luxurious grand tourer looking to tackle the likes of the Mercedes-Benz CLS, Porsche Panamera and Audi A7. We drove the utterly striking four-door coupe on Irish roads and boy did it turn some heads.
The 840i M Sport Gran Coupe test car we drove is the cheapest model in the line-up starting at €106,160. Although this vehicle is far from entry-level with about €17,000 worth of extras including the unique Frozen Bluestone metallic paint which can be nothing but the focus when your first see the car.
Paint aside, the exterior design of the 8 Series GC is seriously striking. The muscular lines along the sides link up with the sharp nose at the front where the iconic BMW double kidney grille emphasised by the flat, slightly raised headlights makes an impressive statement.
There are many characteristic details across the exterior design of the car that express the genuine sports car feel. From the large air intakes in the front apron to the long wheelbase and wide wheel arches, every design element is shaped for maximum effect.
On the inside, the 8 Series GC radiates luxury whilst still delivering a sporty feel. High quality materials are littered throughout the cabin such as the piano black finish and exclusive stitching surrounding its innovative controls. The optional hand-crafted glass gear selector in this car sits in the centre console like a diamond, emphasizing the feeling of pure luxury when sitting in the driver’s seat. But it’s at night when the interior of the 8 series really shines. The ambient lighting illuminates the entire cabin and allows you to flick through numerous colours, setting the mood for you and your passengers.
The 8 series GC is seriously innovative with an abundance of features throughout the cabin intended to make your driving experience as pleasurable as possible. The BMW Live Cockpit Professional includes two high-quality displays consisting of a 10.25" Control Display and a fully digital 12.3" instrument display. The BMW Operating System 7.0 enables easy operation functionality via touch or voice control. A head-up display projects into the driver’s field of vision showing information like speed limit, no-overtaking indicator, as well as phone and entertainment information.
Its not just in the front that you can enjoy the full experience of luxury and comfort. The rear-seats offer the same single-seat design and support and enclosed seating as the front. Although the middle seat does not provide much comfort or legroom at all for a third passenger.
The 840i hosts a turbocharged six-cylinder petrol engine under its bonnet achieving a punchy 340hp and 500Nm of torque. It is the only variant available with rear-wheel drive, whereas the other options use xDrive all-wheel drive. BMW’s eight-speed automatic gearbox comes as standard.
If the look of the 8 Series GC doesn’t turn heads, the sound certainly will. Its not quiet by any means especially when you stick it into sport mode on the motorway where you can really hear its true voice. The steel-sprung suspension and BMW’s Integral Active Steering provides a subtle steering effect to the rear wheels which makes this large car feel much smaller than it should when driving in urban areas and Irish country roads.
Carzone verdict 5/5
This car combines outstanding performance with comfort, luxury and a unique design. The vehicle really was built with the driver in mind and offers a unique driving experience no matter where you drive it. It comes with a hefty price tag as can be expected, but if you are in the market for a car in this range it is truly worth the money and will turn heads wherever you go.
Test Car Details:
Model driven: BMW 840i M Sport Gran Coupe
Prices from: €106,160
Engine: 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six petrol
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Motor Tax: €570 per annum
Power: 340hp
Torque: 500Nm
Top Speed: 250km/h
0-100km/h: 5.2 seconds
Boot Space: 440 litres
Rivals:
Porsche Panamera
Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe
Mercedes-Benz CLS
Audi A7 Sportback
Lexus LC