2019 BMW 8 Series: Luxury Grand Tourer Reborn

After a two-decade absence, BMW resurrected its most prestigious nameplate with the 2019 8 Series, a luxury grand tourer designed to reclaim BMW’s position at the apex of the automotive world. This all-new coupe and convertible duo represents a significant departure from BMW’s recent design philosophy, combining timeless elegance with contemporary performance technology. The 8 Series targets an exclusive segment occupied by vehicles such as the Aston Martin DB11, Bentley Continental GT, and Porsche 911, each representing the pinnacle of their respective brands’ offerings.

The original 8 Series, which debuted in the 1990s, established itself as a design icon despite its relatively short production run. The new iteration honors that legacy while incorporating modern engineering advances, expanded technological integration, and substantially elevated performance metrics. With its sweeping curves, muscular proportions, and distinctive front grille design, the 2019 8 Series commands attention on any road while maintaining the understated sophistication expected of a flagship BMW.

Powertrain and Performance Capabilities

At launch, the 2019 8 Series arrives exclusively in M850i xDrive guise, powered by a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 engine producing 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. This formidable powerplant pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission optimized for sporty driving dynamics while maintaining the refinement expected in a luxury vehicle.

The acceleration figures demonstrate the engineering prowess invested in this platform. Testing at major automotive publications revealed impressive zero-to-60 mph times, with Car and Driver recording a blistering 3.3-second sprint, while other measurements reached approximately 3.6 to 3.8 seconds. These performance figures position the M850i as among the quickest grand tourers available, easily outpacing competitors such as the Mercedes-AMG S 560 Coupe in acceleration testing.

Despite the substantial displacement and forced induction, the twin-turbocharger system demonstrates minimal turbo lag, providing responsive throttle delivery across the engine’s operating range. The eight-speed automatic transmission executes gear changes with remarkable smoothness, nearly matching the responsiveness of dual-clutch units while offering superior comfort during relaxed driving conditions.

Advanced Suspension and Steering Systems

The 8 Series incorporates an array of sophisticated chassis technologies that fundamentally alter its on-road character:

• Adaptive Dampers: These electronically controlled suspension components continuously adjust compression and rebound characteristics, maintaining ride comfort in normal modes while delivering athletic precision during spirited driving. Even in Sport and Sport Plus configurations, the adaptive dampers effectively isolate cabin occupants from surface irregularities.
• Rear-Wheel Steering: BMW’s Integral Active Steering system steers the rear wheels in the opposite direction during low-speed maneuvers, effectively reducing the turning radius and making the large coupe feel remarkably agile in urban environments. At higher speeds, the rear wheels steer in harmony with front inputs, enhancing stability and reducing understeer tendency.
• Active Anti-Roll Bars: These systems actively manage body roll during cornering, maintaining composure through turns while preserving ride quality during highway cruising.
• Locking Rear Differential: This component optimizes traction during aggressive acceleration, distributing engine torque effectively between rear wheels.

Perhaps most notably, the 8 Series demonstrates a remarkable ability to shrink around the driver despite its substantial dimensions. Reviewers consistently praised how the vehicle’s size becomes immaterial during both tight urban maneuvers and high-speed lane changes, with the chassis responding intuitively to driver inputs regardless of driving situation.

Braking and Steering Feel

The steering system represents one of the M850i’s standout characteristics, delivering precise feedback without the artificial heaviness or electronic boost feel common to many modern power-assisted setups. This authentic steering response significantly enhances the connection between driver and machine, a quality often sacrificed in pursuit of comfort.

Braking performance meets the vehicle’s performance aspirations, with strong stopping power and short stopping distances. However, some reviewers noted that the brake-by-wire system can exhibit occasional grabbiness, requiring minor acclimatization from drivers transitioning from conventional hydraulic systems.

Interior Design and Luxury Appointments

Step inside the 8 Series cabin, and immediately apparent is BMW’s commitment to establishing this vehicle as the marque’s flagship. The interior employs premium Merino leather throughout, with meticulous stitching patterns and ambient lighting creating an atmosphere of refined sophistication. Decorative accents include jewel-like glass highlights adorning the gear selector, starter button, and surrounding interior trim pieces, creating an almost jewelry-like quality to the cabin’s presentation.

The standardized climate control system provides dual-zone automatic temperature management, permitting front-seat passengers to establish independent comfort preferences. A comprehensive array of standard features includes heated power-adjustable front seats with memory functions, a head-up display, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a virtual instrument cluster.

Technology Integration and Infotainment

The 8 Series represents BMW’s latest thinking regarding in-vehicle technology, incorporating a 10.25-inch touchscreen display serving as the hub for navigation, entertainment, and vehicle control functions. This system supports Apple CarPlay integration, enabling seamless smartphone connectivity for compatible applications. Wireless charging capabilities accommodate modern mobile devices without requiring physical connections.

A premium 16-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system with satellite radio support provides audiophile-grade sound reproduction, while BMW Remote Services furnish emergency communications, remote vehicle controls, and concierge services accessible via smartphone connectivity. Wi-Fi hotspot functionality permits in-cabin internet connectivity, transforming the vehicle into a mobile workspace.

Seating Arrangement and Practical Considerations

The 8 Series seats four occupants in a 2+2 configuration, with substantial front seats providing excellent support during both relaxed cruising and dynamic driving scenarios. The rear bench accommodates two passengers with reasonable comfort for short journeys, though extended rear-seat occupancy remains limited by modest legroom and headroom. The inclusion of rear seating distinguishes the 8 Series from certain competitors, offering occasional practicality for additional passengers, though space constraints limit genuine usability for adults during extended trips.

Cargo capacity measures 12.4 cubic feet with all seats in place, adequate for weekend getaway luggage or golf equipment in the convertible variant, though the trunk dimension remains modest by modern standards.

Safety and Driver Assistance Technologies

BMW equips the 8 Series with comprehensive safety systems designed to protect occupants and prevent accidents. Automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, and cyclist detection come standard across the lineup. These systems represent BMW’s commitment to integrating semi-autonomous safety technologies as baseline features rather than luxury options.

The available Active Driving Assistant Professional package expands these capabilities, incorporating adaptive cruise control maintaining dynamic spacing from preceding vehicles, lane departure warning alerting drivers to unintended lane drifting, lane keeping assist providing gentle steering corrections, Active Side Collision Protection monitoring blind-spot regions, blind-spot monitoring with visual indicators, and rear cross-traffic alert warning of approaching vehicles during reversing maneuvers.

Comparative Analysis: Grand Tourer Classification

The 8 Series intentionally positions itself as a grand tourer rather than a pure sports car, though its dynamic characteristics blur this traditional distinction. The vehicle’s design philosophy prioritizes sustained performance capability over lap-time competitiveness, making it equally adept at consuming miles on extended highway journeys as it is executing spirited mountain driving.

Driving Dynamics Across Multiple Scenarios

Urban navigation presents an interesting case study for the 8 Series. Despite its substantial 4,851 mm length and 1,902 mm width, the vehicle negotiates tight turns and parking maneuvers with surprising dexterity. The rear-wheel steering system proves instrumental here, effectively shortening the turning radius and permitting maneuvers one might not intuitively associate with a vehicle of this magnitude.

Highway cruising emphasizes the vehicle’s grand tourer credentials. The relaxed-mode suspension absorbs surface imperfections while maintaining composure, the well-insulated cabin dampens wind and tire noise, and the efficient powerplant cruises effortlessly at sustained elevated speeds. The automatic transmission seamlessly navigates between efficiency and performance, adjusting shift patterns based on driving intensity and selected drive mode.

Spirited driving reveals the M850i’s well-integrated chassis dynamics. The vehicle responds eagerly to driver inputs, corners flat despite its curb weight exceeding 1,890 kg in coupe form, and the powerplant delivers continuous acceleration throughout the rev range. The steering feedback remains engaging without becoming fatiguing, while the braking system provides confident deceleration capability.

Powertrain Efficiency and Operating Costs

The 8 Series achieves combined fuel economy ratings of 20 miles per gallon, respectable considering the vehicle’s substantial displacement, twin-turbocharged configuration, and all-wheel-drive system. Real-world consumption varies significantly based on driving patterns, with spirited driving reducing efficiency considerably, while highway cruising at moderate speeds can approach EPA figures.

The manufacturer provides a four-year, 50,000-mile limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship, a standard duration for luxury vehicles in the current market. Premium fuel (91 or higher octane) is recommended to optimize engine performance and longevity.

Pricing and Market Positioning

The 2019 BMW 8 Series M850i xDrive coupe carries an MSRP of $121,400 before destination charges. This pricing positions the vehicle between volume-production luxury cars and ultra-exclusive hypercars, targeting affluent enthusiasts seeking pinnacle engineering and design rather than mainstream luxury features.

The M850i xDrive at launch represents BMW’s sole offering, though the manufacturer has indicated intentions to introduce lower-powered variants with alternative powertrains and drivetrain configurations at future model updates. This staged introduction allows BMW to establish the brand identity of the resurrected nameplate before expanding the lineup.

Competitive Context

The 8 Series faces direct competition from equally prestigious competitors:

• Aston Martin DB11: Emphasizes British sports car heritage with spectacular styling and naturally aspirated V12 options, though less technological innovation than the BMW.
• Bentley Continental GT: Represents ultra-luxury positioning with opulent interiors and commanding presence, though at considerably elevated price points.
• Porsche 911: Prioritizes pure driving engagement and track capability over grand touring comfort, appealing to different buyer psychology.
• Mercedes-AMG S 560 Coupe: Offers comparable luxury and performance but with different design philosophy and technology approaches.

The M850i xDrive emerges as the most technologically advanced option in this segment, combining sophisticated chassis dynamics, engine performance, and integrated systems into a cohesive package delivering exceptional straight-line performance while maintaining grand touring refinement.

Final Assessment

The 2019 BMW 8 Series represents a triumphant return for a storied nameplate, demonstrating that BMW hasn’t lost its ability to engineer magnificent two-seat grand tourers. The combination of turbocharged power, sophisticated handling technologies, interior luxury, and technological integration creates a vehicle that satisfies multiple criteria simultaneously: it accelerates with sports-car urgency, handles with surprising precision for its dimensions, rides with luxury-car refinement, and incorporates technology typically reserved for much more expensive vehicles.

While the substantial curb weight and front-biased chassis setup prevent it from matching dedicated sports cars in pure agility, the M850i xDrive excels as a vehicle designed for enthusiast owners seeking sustained performance capability, refined comfort, and unmistakable prestige. The 8 Series serves equally well consuming transcontinental miles or attacking mountain passes, adapting seamlessly to driver demands and driving conditions. For those seeking the apex of BMW’s capabilities in a two-door package, the resurrected 8 Series delivers comprehensively on that promise.