Overview
BMW didn’t invent the four-door coupe body style, but the 2024 Gran Coupe 8 series is one of the best examples we can think of. Flowing lines and a dramatic fast rear roofline cut an elegant silhouette whether 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, sending the big sedan to 60 mph in 4.7 and 3.0 seconds, respectively. The downside to the 8-series’ dramatic exterior styling, however, is a tight rear seat for tall passengers— but so are its rivals. Speaking of which, the 8-series runs in an excellent sports sedan class that includes Audi S7which Porsche Panameraand also Mercedes-AMG GT four-doorall of which offer similar performance and excellence.
What’s New for 2024?
BMW hasn’t changed anything on the 8-series Gran Coupe for 2024 and it’s launching into the new year the same stylish and luxurious sedan as last year.
Price and Which One to Buy
It’s hard not to covet the 523 horsepower and growling soundtrack offered by the V-8-powered M850i, except for the fact that those attributes require an additional $15,000 reduction. 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 get going after a rush. We’ll also opt for 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 optional extras include a set of 20-inch wheels on performance run-flat tires for maximum cornering ability and a Comfort Seat package. It includes additional front seat adjustment, heated front and rear seats, ventilated front cushions, and power sunshades for the rear seats.
Engine, Transmission and Performance
A smooth eight-speed automatic transmission and a pair of velvety engines highlight the 8-series Gran Coupe. The 840i has a 335 hp turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder powertrain that feeds either rear or all-wheel drive. The M850i has a 523-hp twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 and standard all-wheel drive. Although the base engine doesn’t pack the walls that the V-8 does, it’s still plenty fast and produces a pleasant timbre when rushed. Those looking for more thrust won’t be disappointed with the M850i, which has a detuned version of the engine BMW M8 Gran Coupe (reviewed separately) which produces up to 617 horses. The Alpina B8 model nearly matching the M8 Gran Coupe with a 612-hp version of the twin-turbo V-8; BMW claims it can do a zero to 60 mph time of just 3.3 seconds. All 8s provide a great ride and fun handling response. Although the steering wheel provides little feedback when the road is winding, the big Bimmer compensates with strong brakes and the refinement of the aforementioned powertrain.
Real World Fuel Economy and MPG
The EPA estimates the rear-drive 840i will get 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-powered M850i is all-wheel drive only, and it’s expected to get 17 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. We tested all three configurations on our 75-mph fuel economy route to evaluate their real-world mpg. The rear-drive 840i returns an impressive 34 mpg highway, the all-wheel-drive 840i gets 30 mpg, and the M850i gets 28 mpg. For more information on the fuel economy of the Gran Coupe 8 series, visit EPA website.
Interior, Comfort and Cargo
Like the two-door 8-series coupe and convertible, the Gran Coupe’s interior is lavishly appointed—albeit quietly styled. All models feature a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, adjustable ambient lighting, a large head-up display, leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof and wireless charging. The cabin can be further upgraded with a more attractive headliner, glass switchgear, and multi-function seats with greater adjustability. The driving position is very comfortable thanks to the well-placed dead pedal. Forward visibility is excellent, but rearward visibility through the steeply angled fastback glass is limited. Legroom is cheaper in the back seat of the Gran Coupe than in the two-door but—thanks to the 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 suitcases in it with the rear seats stowed compared to 11 bags total in the coupe. Both body styles fit five suitcases in their trunks, while the convertible holds one less for a total of four.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The 12.3-inch touchscreen is the centerpiece of the Gran Coupe 8 series’ iDrive infotainment system, which is mounted high on the dashboard and operated via various functions. In addition to simple touch input and rotary knobs on the center console, the system responds to a combination of voice commands, traditional buttons and even optional gesture controls. Every Gran Coupe features 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 missing. Buyers can also opt for a throbbing Bowers & Wilkins stereo if they’re willing to pay a hefty surcharge.
Safety Features and Driver Assistance
Bimmer offers several standards driver assistance technology such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning, but more sophisticated equipment costs extra. For more information on the crash test results of the 8-series Gran Coupe, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) website. Key safety features include:
- Adaptive cruise control is available with stop-and-go technology
- Lane keeping assistance available
- Blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic assist are available
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Every BMW includes a limited warranty and a powertrain that’s on par with luxury competitors from Audi and Mercedes-Benz. BMW also offers one of the best free maintenance plans in the industry apart from Jaguar.
- The limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
- Free maintenance covered for 3 years or 36,000 miles
Specifications
Specifications
2020 BMW 840i Gran Coupe
TYPE OF VEHICLE
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): multi-link/multi-link
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 cubic feet; Trunk volume: 16 cubic feet; Curb Weight: 4201 lb
C/D TEST RESULT
Zero to 60 mph: 4.7 seconds
Zero to 100 mph: 11.8 seconds
Zero to 120 mph: 17.6 seconds
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 5.2 seconds
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 2.6 seconds
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 3.4 seconds
Standing ¼ mile: 13.3 seconds @ 106 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 129 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 161 feet
Road grip, 300-foot skid pad: 0.95 g
C/D OIL 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
TYPE OF VEHICLE
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 head, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 268 in34395 cm3
Power: 612 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque: 590 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
TRANSMISSION:8-speed automatic
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 119.0 in
Length: 200.4 inches
Width: 76.1 inches
Height: 56.0 in
Passenger Volume: 97 feet3
Trunk Volume: 16 feet3
Curb weight (C/D approx): 4800 lb
PERFORMANCE (C/D EST)
60 mph: 3.1 seconds
100 mph: 6.9 seconds
1/4-Mile: 11.2 seconds
Top Speed: 201 mph
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 19/17/24 mpg
–
–
C/D TESTS EXPLAINED
–
–
–
More Features and Specifications