Name: BMW 8 Series Review
Item: BMW 8 Series
Author: Gumtree.com

Oozing luxury both inside and out, the BMW 8 Series has a performance-driven engine line-up to match. Most commonly found as a coupe, you can also get a cabriolet or grand tourer version. It’s a real beast to look at, with its wide stance and striking front grille. Launched in 2018, you’ll find it in both petrol and diesel engines, and its jaw-dropping performance does not disappoint. If you’re a speed demon then the M Competition trim is the one for you, reaching 0-60 in just over three seconds. Read on to discover more about its supreme engine power.

Visit the BMW 8 Series model page to explore available cars and learn more.

What we think about the BMW 8 Series

Incredibly quick with beefy engine power and sleek good looks, the 8 Series is a striking example of the premium quality available from BMW.

Pros

Fantastic performance

Luxurious quality

Leading infotainment system

Cons

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Cramped in the back

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Low headroom

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Pricey

The first generation 8 Series was available between 1990-1999 so there won’t be too many around on the market today. Its relaunch in 2018 brought a brand-new design to UK streets, and the range includes a coupe, cabriolet and a grand tourer. You can choose between three trim levels: the M Sport, M850i and the top-of-the-line M Competition.

Driving performance of the Bmw 8 Series

Our Driving Rating9 / 10

BMWs are known for their rear-wheel drive, but in the 8 Series, you’ll have all-wheel drive on all but the base-level model, which certainly helps with traction while cornering. Its eight-speed automatic transmission has three driving modes – Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ – so you’ll have the right ratios to suit your driving style and terrain. Choose the sportier modes and you’ll feel a much stiffer suspension. It’s a thrilling ride that’s agile and grips the road with ease.

Safety and reliability of the Bmw 8 Series

Our Safety Rating8 / 10

Although the 8 Series has not been tested by Euro NCAP, it gives you peace of mind with a whole host of safety features as standard – as you’d expect with a top-of-the-range BMW. These include collision and pedestrian warning, automatic city braking and parking assist. You can also get optional advanced safety aids such as lane-keeping assistance and blindspot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control is available as one of the extras, too, which is a great asset for motorway drives. If you’re worried about parking, there’s a nifty mode that retraces your exact path for up to 50 metres in reverse.

Under the bonnet of the Bmw 8 Series

Our Engine Rating9 / 10

The 8 Series uses the same engine as the M5, with some subtle but effective refinements. There’s the option of three petrols and a diesel in the range. The line-up starts with a 3.0-litre six-cylinder 340 bhp that can reach 60 in five seconds. Next up is a twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8 named M850i, which has the all-important xDrive all-wheel drive. This is the most popular option and can reach 0-60 in just 3.7 seconds with its 530 bhp engine. The final petrol choice is reserved for the M8 Competition trim which includes an upgraded set-up to the M850i, delivering 625 bhp and a staggering 0-60 time of just 3.2 seconds. The diesel power is no slouch either: named the 840d, it boasts a 3.0-litre engine that produces 320 bhp and 680 Nm of torque.

What you'll find in the Bmw 8 Series

Our Design Rating9 / 10

The sleek design and low-fitted seats will give you a cocooning feel in what is a big car by coupe standards. To keep the weight down, the 8 Series is manufactured using high-strength steel, aluminium, magnesium and carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic. This also has the added benefits of improving fuel economy and handling. The design fits nicely within the premium sports coupe class, with rivals such as the Porsche 911 and Mercedes-Benz S Class. BMW has put all of its best features in the 8 Series, including high-impact 20-inch alloy wheels and an eye-catching rear spoiler.

Comfort and interiors in the Bmw 8 Series

Our Comfort Rating8 / 10

Reassuringly expensive-looking, the dash is upholstered in soft leather, with buttons finished in brushed chrome for a high-quality feel. One of the major pluses is its iDrive infotainment system; the latest version from BMW, it includes voice control, along with an intuitive rotary controller. There’s also a 12-inch digital instrument display. If you’re switching between drivers, the electrically operated driver’s seat is a real bonus, and there’s plenty of room in the front for larger adults. In contrast, the rear isn’t really suitable for adult-sized passengers as it can get quite cramped. The only other real negative to the interior space is its shallow boot opening. It’s impressively long and electronically powered but, as a coupe, you’ll not get much height.

What features you'll find in the Bmw 8 Series

Our Features Rating7 / 10

You’ll have no trouble seeing at night with the adaptive LED headlights that are fitted as standard and have a range of up to 300 metres. There’s also the option for laser light fittings that can double this impressive reach to a staggering 600 metres. For enhanced visibility when parking, you’ll get a rear-view camera and all-round sensors – so no excuses for a prang when fitting into tight spaces! A keyless entry and start as well as a useful head-up display that projects key information onto the windscreen will make journeys a breeze. For extra features including a sports exhaust and an M Sport differential for added traction, go for the M850i. BMW does well to differentiate the M Competition, with neat branding details around the cabin and seats. There’s also an extra track driving mode for this top-of-the-line trim.

What fuel efficiency to expect from the Bmw 8 Series

Our Fuel Consumption Rating7 / 10

Let’s face it – if you’ve got striking performance with incredible speed, it can be difficult to get many miles to the gallon. The 8 Series does its best to perform, with the diesel offering up the best economy of between 39.8-44.1 mpg. The petrols aren’t too shabby either, achieving 24.8-34.4 mpg, with the 3.0-litre coming in at the top end of this range. You can expect the M850i xDrive to reach 24.8-25.2 mpg, though it may be less in real-world driving if you’re running the sport modes regularly.

Running costs of the Bmw 8 Series

Our Cost Rating6 / 10

The 8 Series comes with a hefty price tag and its running costs are on the steep side, too. For the first five years of ownership, you’ll have to pay a supplement on road tax fees as its list price is over the £40,000 threshold. It’s also at the top end of insurance groupings, ranging between 41-50 depending on the model, so it’ll pay to shop around to get the best premium. The petrols are known to drink fuel quickly if they’re driven hard – go for the 840d to get more miles for your money. If you’re buying a pretty new model, you can benefit from BMW’s unlimited mileage warranty for three years in case of any issues.

Our verdict of the Bmw 8 Series

4.5 / 5 Gumtree rating

If you're looking for the ultimate driving machine, the 8 Series lives up to expectations. It's a premium ride with all the latest tech and will certainly get you noticed.

BMW 8 Series Review