BMW 8 Series

BMW 8 Series – Overview

The G15 BMW 850i xDrive coupe is priced at RM1,088,800. The big 4-seater two-door coupe competes with other brand flagships such as the Lexus LC 500 and Mercedes-Benz S-Class coupe. The illustrious Porsche 911 is also considered in the shopping list of buyers.

BMW 8 Series – Exterior

The BMW 8 Series features a classic silhouette of grand tourers- a long bonnet, tapering glasshouse with a steep rear windshield ending with a short tail. BMW Laser Lights are fitted in the 8 Series, as they are also the slimmest headlamps in the BMW line-up.

A traditional kidney grille is used on the BMW 8 Series, unlike in the new 4 Series.

The M Aerodynamics package is fitted on the G15 BMW M850i xDrive, beautifully contrasted by Cerium grey highlights on the wheels, surround of kidney grille, fender vents, mirror covers and exhaust finishers.

The new interpretation of BMWs “Hofmeister” kink at the rear pillar is highlighted in high-gloss shadowline black.

The wheelbase is curiously short, even shorter than the lower-positioned G22 4 Series at just 2,822 mm.

The Y-spoke 728 M Bicolour Cerium Grey wheels measure 20 inches with large blue coloured M-type brake calipers hidden behind.

Given coupes have long and heavy doors, the BMW 8 Series comes with powered soft-closing doors which is a nice touch.

BMW 8 Series – Interior

BMW approached the interior design of the 8 Series more differently, minimalistic and a cocooning feel from the equally-split dashboard. It simply looks generic compared to competitors.

Similar to other modern BMWs launched 2 years ago, the BMW M850i xDrive has the BMW Live Cockpit Professional driver’s display measuring a large 12.3 inches greeting the driver, together with specific M Sport items such as the steering wheel with large paddle shifters, foot pedals and front door sill finishers.

The dashboard, as well as the doors, are also fully lined with soft leather and double-stitching.

Being a flagship coupe, BMW has used Crafted Glass to further emphasise craftsmanship. The gear selector, iDrive controller, Start/stop button and volume control in the BMW 8 Series are made with handmade crystal cut glass. Decorative trim pieces called stainless steel fabric (mesh design) surround the lower console section.

The interior is practical with plenty of storage spaces at the doors, centre console, armrest as well as a rear seat that is slightly better than the competitors. There is also a wireless smartphone charger in the lower console. 

BMW 8 Series – Features

The BMW M850i xDrive is fitted with multifunctional seats at the front. They include additional lumbar and bolster support and adjustment together with active seat ventilation. A head-up display is also included.

Entry to the back seat is rather “old-school”, using a traditional leather strap to activate the powered fold-and-slide action of the front passenger seat. The seatbelts meanwhile feature a subtle highlight of the BMW M tri-colour stripes.

A BMW Display Key is also included, enabling the driver to perform actions such as remote engine start and opening and closing the windows from afar and more.

Safety

There are eight airbags in the BMW M850i xDrive, including knee airbags for the driver and front passenger. Included in the BMW M850i xDrive’s full Driving Assistance Professional suite is the Steering and Lane Control Assistant, Lane Keeping Assistant with Active Side Collision Prevention and Evasion Aid as well as Active cruise control with Stop & Go function.

A rear-view camera is also included with Parking Assistant that performs automatic parking for parallel and perpendicular manoeuvers.

Infotainment

The BMW M850i xDrive comes with the BMW Live Cockpit Professional navigation and frameless 10.25-inch touch-sensitive display. With BMW Operating System 7.0, users can customise the contents of the main display screen, displaying personalized information in up to four quarters (or widgets) such as including the sport display with audio, weather and cruising information.

The iDrive controller fitted with crystal cut glass decoration can still be used, as well as gesture control and voice via Intelligent Personal Assistant. In the BMW M850i xDrive, occupants can enjoy their favourite tunes played over the Harman/Kardon surround sound system with 464 watts of audio power and a total of 16 speakers.

BMW 8 Series – Powertrain

Engine

In the RM1,088,800 BMW M850i xDrive lies BMW’s newest V8 engine. The twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 engine generates 530 hp at 5,500 to 6,000 rpm and a colossal 750 Nm of torque from 1,800 to 4,600 rpm. Electric blow-off valves have been integrated into the compressor housing to deliver superb turbocharger sounds.

The large displacement V8 engine that has a very linear power delivery also sounds ferocious thanks to a sports exhaust system, which can be quiet down for a civilized drive around the neighbourhood.

Transmission

In the BMW M850i xDrive, the transmission is an eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission with shift paddles and Launch Control function.

Chassis

The bodyshell of the BMW 8 Series shares similarities with the 7 Series sedan, with large pieces of strong yet light-weight carbon-fibre reinforcement panels used at the centre tunnel area as bracing.

The front suspension features a double-wishbone setup, while the rear axle uses a five-link layout.

Adaptive M suspension and Integral Active Steering are standard in the BMW 8 Series. Ride comfort is an exception in the big grand touring, as well as body control when one starts taking the bends with more speed. The Integral Active Steering or rear-wheel steering helps shorten the “virtual” wheelbase of the 8 Series, by turning in the opposite direction at speeds of up to 88 km/h, and then in the same direction as the front wheels at higher speeds for utmost stability and steering response.

Further rear wheel grip and agility is compounded by the M Sport differential, where an electronic system variably controls the independent torque levels of the left and right rear wheels. Delivering more torque to the outside wheel with more grip enhances traction out of the corner.

Drivetrain

The G15  BMW 8 Series is now fitted with the xDrive all-wheel drive system. Predominantly rear-wheel drive, xDrive can automatically deliver torque to the front wheels, with higher dynamic handling traits in the Sport and Sport+ driving modes.  

BMW 8 Series – Driving Performance

The BMW M850i xDrive with 530 PS and 750 Nm of torque can complete the 0 to 100 km/h sprint in just 3.7 seconds, where Launch Control mode is also available. The top speed is limited to 250 km/h.

The mountain of torque makes driving the BMW M850i xDrive a very effortless affair, but can turn into a serious sports car when desired.

The drive mode selector, or Driving Experience Control under BMW lingo, has added an Adaptive mode that automatically adjusts the powertrain and suspension parameters in accordance with a more sporty or comfortable style of driving.

In SPORT+ mode, engine, transmission, steering and suspension together with the M Sport differential and rear active steering are all calibrated to deliver an extremely dynamic driving experience.

With so many active systems working on the chassis, the BMW 8 Series is incredibly agile and drives like a smaller coupe. It truly envelopes the driver, delivering plenty of confidence even in tight hairpins as well as long-distance highways.

BMW 8 Series – Ride Comfort

The BMW 8 Series comes standard with adaptive suspension that continuously adjusts the stiffness according to the road condition as well as selection of the driving mode.

Wind and road noise is amazingly filtered out in this big grand tourer. Long-distance driving can be accomplished without fatigue thanks to the large multi contour seats in front, while passengers at the rear have decent head and legroom.

BMW 8 Series – Fuel Economy

The fuel consumption of the 530 PS / 750 Nm twin-turbocharged eight-cylinder in the M850i xDrive is rated at 10.4 litres per 100 km (9.6 km/L).

BMW 8 Series – Conclusion

The BMW 8 Series is quite a welcomed addition, where discerning customers have a choice apart from the Porsche 911 for a sports car and grand touring needs. The Lexus LC 500 is beautiful, but lacking in space. Meanwhile, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class only comes with the pricier AMG 63 guise.

There is plenty of chassis technology and wizardry in the BMW 8 Series, making the driver feel like he or she is driving something more compact. The propulsion and sheer thrust of the 530 PS / 750 Nm V8 engine is addictive, with so much elasticity from idle to the red-line.

The BMW 8 Series in essence is a very capable grand tourer and sports car with sleek looks.