BMW 8er Gran Coupé 2025: Elegance and Performance
When is a coupe not a coupe? When it’s a BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe, which despite its sloping roofline and sporty stance is a four-door sedan. Before you dismiss the 8 Series Gran Coupe as stylistically compromised, consider the practical reasons why it makes more sense than the two-door 8 Series models (separate review). The rear seats are much easier to reach and can accommodate two adult drivers relatively comfortably.
BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe
The trunk is also more comfortable, and the four-door layout results in virtually no degradation in the car’s handling. Buyers can choose from the same engine options as in the regular 8 Series – a silky-smooth turbocharged inline-six or a burly twin-turbo V-8 – both of which deliver plenty of power. To top it all off, the sleek bodywork commands the same attention on the road as the two-door’s – and looks just as expensive as it is.
What’s new ?
BMW has launched a new Alpina B8 model in the 8 Series Gran Coupe range, which gets a 612-horsepower version of the car’s twin-turbo V-8 engine. The Alpina B8 also features several unique design flourishes, including special 20-spoke 21-inch wheels, a front lower spoiler with the Alpina logo, a revised lower rear bumper and a rear spoiler lip on the trunk lid. The cabin also gets a number of upgrades, including untreated Lavalina leather, walnut trim and a crystal glass infotainment controller with a laser-engraved Alpina logo.
It’s hard not to get excited about the 523 horsepower and growling soundtrack offered by the V-8-powered M850i, except for the fact that those attributes require an additional €21,000 (Euros). That’s the difference between the M850i and the all-wheel-drive six-cylinder 840i. We’d recommend the latter, which still has more than enough power to move quickly. We’d also choose the M Sport package, which adds a more muscular body kit and black exterior trim, as well as an M-specific steering wheel and other interior upgrades. Our other favorite add-ons include a set of 20-inch wheels on performance run-flat tires for maximum cornering ability and the Comfort Seat package. It includes additional front seat adjustments, heated front and rear seats, ventilated front seat cushions, and power sunshades for the rear seats.
Engine, transmission and performance
A smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission and two velvety engines set the 8 Series Gran Coupe apart. The 840i features a 335-hp, 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six powertrain feeding either rear- or all-wheel drive. The M850i features a 523-hp, 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8 and standard all-wheel drive. While the base engine doesn’t offer the wallop of the V-8, it’s still plenty quick and produces a pleasant timbre when rushed. Those looking for more shove 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 is almost the same as the M8 Gran Coupe with the 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, but we haven’t had a chance to test it yet. All 8s offer a great ride and playful handling. While the steering offers little feedback when cornering, the big Bimmer compensates with powerful brakes and the aforementioned drivetrain.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The EPA estimates that 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 numbers to 20 mpg and 27 mpg, respectively. The high-performance M850i is all-wheel drive only and is expected to get 17 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. We tested all three configurations on our 200-mile 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 on the 8 Series Gran Coupe’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, comfort and cargo
As with the 8 Series coupe and convertible, the Gran Coupe’s interior is lavishly equipped – if modestly styled. All models feature a 12.3-inch digital instrument 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 multifunction seats with increased adjustability. The driving position is very comfortable thanks to a well-placed dead pedal.
Forward visibility is excellent, but rearward visibility is limited through the steeply raked fastback glass. Rear legroom in the Gran Coupe is more generous than its two-door counterparts, but headroom is less thanks to the car’s sharply angled roofline. The four-door 8 Series is also more practical than its coupe brother. We managed to fit up to 15 carry-on suitcases with the rear seat stowed compared to the coupe’s total of 11 bags. Both body styles held five suitcases in their trunks, while the convertible held one less for a total of four.
Infotainment and connectivity
A 10.3-inch touchscreen is the heart of the 8 Series Gran Coupe’s iDrive infotainment system, mounted high on the dashboard and operated by a myriad of functions. In addition to touch inputs and the convenient rotary knob on the center console, the system responds to a mix of voice commands, classic buttons and even optional gesture control. Every Gran Coupe comes with Apple CarPlay, a Harman/Kardon audio system, multiple charging ports and subscription-based services like SiriusXM satellite radio and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Android Auto is still noticeably absent. Buyers can also opt for a thumping Bowers & Wilkins stereo, as long as they’re willing to pay the hefty premium.
Safety and driver assistance functions
The Bimmer offers some standard driver-assistance technologies such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency barking and lane departure warning, but more advanced equipment costs extra. For more information on 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 departure warning system
- Blind spot monitor and rear cross traffic assistant available
Warranty and maintenance coverage
Every BMW includes a limited warranty and a powertrain warranty that matches luxury rivals from Audi and Mercedes-Benz. BMW also offers one of the best free maintenance plans in the industry, alongside Jaguar.
Price BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe
The new BMW 8 Series Gran Coupé will go on sale on the European market in September this year. Buyers will be offered four modifications with the following price tags (relevant for Germany):
BMW 840i Gran Coupe – 91,500 euros;
BMW 840i xDrive Gran Coupé – 94,800 euros;
BMW 840d xDrive Gran Coupe – 97,000 euros;
BMW M850i xDrive Gran Coupe – 122,700 euros.
