Introduction
The last time we saw the BMW 8 Series was around 20 years ago, and today we are introduced to the new 8 Series, specifically the M850i Xdrive. Let’s explore this impressive grand tourer from BMW that replaces the coupe version of the 6 Series.
Exterior Design
Just like its predecessor, the new 8 Series boasts a stunning design for a large grand tourer. Key features include:
- A long and low front end.
- Large kidney grille openings with active blades that adjust for engine cooling.
- A black grille featuring the M specification.
The car also has numerous air intakes at the bottom for enhanced cooling and aerodynamics, complemented by BMW's new intelligent laser lights, which illuminate up to 600 meters. The design gives the car a sporty appearance that reflects its speed, highlighted by a curved roofline and sleek lines flowing towards the rear.
At the rear, the distinctive design features:
- A large rear spoiler.
- Prominent LED lighting.
- Four large exhaust outlets.
Despite the standout design, there are some critiques regarding the rear, such as:
- A small spoiler positioned above the larger one.
- Non-functional rear air vents.
- The large exhaust outlets could also be more functional.
The trunk is impressively spacious, measuring 420 liters, making it 20 liters larger than the trunk of the Mercedes S-Class Coupe, the main competitor of the BMW.
Interior Design
As the 8 Series, this model features a remarkable cabin design with high-quality materials:
- Premium leather throughout.
- Metallic accents in the cabin.
- Crystal-like finish on the gear shift knob.
In terms of comfort, the seats provide ample support and electric adjustments with extremely comfortable settings. While the front seats offer generous space, the rear seats may not be ideal; however, visibility remains excellent.
Technology and Safety Features
The new 8 Series comes equipped with 360-degree cameras around the vehicle, providing clearer visibility when parking. Additionally, it includes:
- Automatic parking technology.
- Reverse Assist that stores the last 50 meters of the vehicle's movements.
Moreover, the 8 Series features two keys, one traditional remote and another with a screen displaying vehicle information. BMW has also developed a dedicated app for Android users to unlock and start the car, although it has not been made available for Apple users.
The new 8 Series features two screens, the first being a 10.25-inch high-definition display and the second a live cockpit. These systems can be controlled in various ways, including:
- Touchscreen interface.
- Center console control dial.
- Gesture controls.
- Voice commands.
With all these cameras and sensors, the 8 Series comes equipped with all expected safety and driver assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control.
Driving Experience
Grand tourers always strive to achieve a balance between luxury and sporty performance. The new 8 Series successfully accomplishes this balance thanks to:
- Adaptive suspension.
- Steering that adjusts weight based on driving settings.
- Driving modes: Eco, Comfort, and Sport.
In Eco or Comfort mode, you will experience a quiet ride with effective sound insulation. In Sport Plus mode, the 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine is activated, producing up to 530 horsepower and 750 Nm of torque, with a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of just 3.7 seconds.
Conclusion
With the new 8 Series, BMW has achieved an impressive balance between luxury and technology, making it a standout vehicle in the grand tourer category. Prices for the 8 Series start from AED 510,000 in the UAE, with a convertible version also available.
