2024 BMW 8-Series Gran Coupe

Overview

BMW didn’t invent the four-door coupe body style, but its 2024 8-series Gran Coupe is one of the best-looking examples we can think of. Its flowing lines and dramatic fastback roofline cut an elegant silhouette whether it’s cruising or parked. A silky-smooth turbocharged six-cylinder engine is standard, but a honking twin-turbo V-8 is available if you want more muscle. Both are quick, dispatching the big sedan to 60 mph in 4.7 and 3.0 seconds, respectively. The downside of the 8-series’ dramatic exterior styling, though, is a rear seat that’s tight for tall passengers— but that’s true of its rivals as well. Speaking of which, the 8-series runs in a class of excellent sports sedans that includes the Audi S7, the Porsche Panamera, and the Mercedes-AMG GT four-door, all of which offer similar performance and panache.

What’s New for 2024?

BMW hasn’t changed a thing on the 8-series Gran Coupe for 2024 and it rolls into the new year the same stylish and luxurious sedan it was last year.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

It’s hard not to lust over the 523 horsepower and growling soundtrack that the V-8-powered M850i offers, except for the fact that those attributes require dropping an extra $15,000. That’s the difference between the M850i and the six-cylinder 840i. We’d recommend the latter, which still has more than enough power to move posthaste. We’d also choose the M Sport package that adds a more muscular body kit and black exterior trim, as well as an M-specific steering wheel and other interior upgrades. Our other preferred add-ons include a set of 20-inch wheels on performance run-flat tires for maximum cornering capability and the Comfort Seating package. It includes additional front-seat adjustments, heated front and rear seats, ventilated front cushions, and power sunshades for the back seat.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

A smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission and a pair of velvety engines highlight the 8-series Gran Coupe. The 840i features a 335-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder powertrain that feeds either rear- or all-wheel drive. The M850i boasts a 523-hp twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 and standard all-wheel drive. While the base engine doesn’t pack the wallop that the V-8 does, it’s still plenty quick and produces a pleasant timbre when rushed. Those looking for more substantial thrust won’t be disappointed by the M850i, which has a detuned version of the engine in the BMW M8 Gran Coupe (reviewed separately) that makes up to 617 ponies. The Alpina B8 model nearly matches the M8 Gran Coupe with a 612-hp version of the twin-turbo V-8; BMW claims it’s capable of a zero-to-60-mph time of just 3.3 seconds. All of the 8s provide a splendid ride and playful handling responses. While the steering delivers little feedback when the road turns twisty, the big Bimmer compensates with strong brakes and the aforementioned powertrain refinement.

More on the 8-Series Gran Coupe Sedan

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The EPA estimates the rear-drive 840i will earn 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. Adding all-wheel drive to the mix drops those figures to 20 mpg and 27 mpg, respectively. The high-powered M850i is all-wheel drive only, and it’s expected to get 17 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. We’ve tested all three configurations on our 75-mph fuel economy route to evaluate their real-world mpg. The rear-drive 840i returned an impressive 34 mpg highway, the all-wheel-drive 840i got 30 mpg, and the M850i earned 28 mpg. For more information about the 8-series Gran Coupe’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Like the two-door 8-series coupe and convertible, the Gran Coupe’s interior is lavishly outfitted—albeit sedately styled. All models have a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, customizable ambient lighting, a large head-up display, leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, and wireless charging. The cabin can be further upgraded with fancier headliners, glass switchgear, and multifunctional seats with increased adjustability. The driving position is very comfortable thanks to a well-placed dead pedal. Forward visibility is excellent, but the rearward view through the steeply angled fastback’s glass is restricted. Legroom is more generous in the back seat of the Gran Coupe than in its two-door counterparts but—thanks to the car’s sharply angled roofline—headroom is tighter. The four-door 8-series is also more practical than its coupe sibling. We managed to fit up to 15 carry-on suitcases inside with its rear seat stowed versus the 11 total bags in the coupe. Both body styles held five suitcases in their trunks, while the convertible held one fewer for four total.

The Car and Driver Difference

Infotainment and Connectivity

A 12.3-inch touchscreen is the centerpiece of the 8-series Gran Coupe’s iDrive infotainment system, which is mounted high on the dashboard and operated through myriad functions. In addition to touch inputs and the convenient rotary knob on the center console, the system responds to a mix of voice commands, traditional buttons, and even optional gesture controls. Every Gran Coupe features Apple CarPlay, a Harman/Kardon audio system, several charging ports, and subscription-based services such as SiriusXM satellite radio and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Android Auto is still noticeably absent. Shoppers can also opt for a thumping Bowers & Wilkins stereo if they’re willing to pay the hefty surcharge.

How to Buy and Maintain a Car

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The Bimmer offers some standard driver-assistance technology such as forward-collision warning, automated emergency braking, and lane-departure warning, but more advanced equipment costs extra. For more information about the 8-series Gran Coupe’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

Available adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go technology Available lane-keeping assist Available blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic assist

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Every BMW includes a limited and powertrain warranty that aligns with luxury competitors from Audi and Mercedes-Benz. BMW also offers one of the best complimentary maintenance plans in the industry apart from Jaguar.

Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles Complimentary maintenance is covered for 3 years or 36,000 milesArrow pointing downArrow pointing down

Specifications

Specifications

2020 BMW 840i Gran Coupe

VEHICLE TYPE

front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan

PRICE AS TESTED

$96,695 (base price: $85,895)

ENGINE TYPE

turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve inline-6, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection

Displacement: 183 cu in, 2998 cc; Power: 335 hp @ 6500 rpm; Torque: 368 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm

TRANSMISSION

8-speed automatic

CHASSIS

Suspension (F/R): multilink/multilink

Tires: Michelin Pilot Sport 3 ZP, F: 245/35R-20 95Y ★  R: 275/30R-20 (97Y) ★ 

DIMENSIONS

Wheelbase: 119.0 in; Length: 200.2 in; Width: 76.1 in; Height: 55.2 in; Passenger volume: 97 cu ft; Trunk volume: 16 cu ft; Curb weight: 4201 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS

Zero to 60 mph: 4.7 sec

Zero to 100 mph: 11.8 sec

Zero to 120 mph: 17.6 sec

Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 5.2 sec

Top gear, 30–50 mph: 2.6 sec

Top gear, 50–70 mph: 3.4 sec

Standing ¼-mile: 13.3 sec @ 106 mph

Top speed (governor limited): 129 mph

Braking, 70–0 mph: 161 ft

Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.95 g

C/D FUEL ECONOMY

Observed: 21 mpg

75-mph highway driving: 34 mpg

Highway range: 610 miles

EPA FUEL ECONOMY

Combined/city/highway: 24/22/29 mpg

 

2022 BMW Alpina B8 Gran Coupe

VEHICLE TYPE

front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan

PRICE

Base: $140,895

ENGINE

twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 32-valve V-8, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection