The BMW 8 Series embodies the quintessential two-door grand tourer of the 2020s, featuring a bold exterior with sweeping lines and a spacious feel up front, while the rear seats are notably snug. Designed for high-speed, luxurious travel for two, it competes with models like the Mercedes-AMG SL-Class and the Lexus LC. Available as both a coupe and a convertible, the 8 Series is powered by a robust turbocharged inline-six or an optional twin-turbo V8. The interior boasts a sleek, sophisticated design with premium materials, reflecting its near six-figure starting price. Both the coupe and convertible versions offer a sporty ride, delivering dynamic performance, although the high-performance M8 (reviewed separately) is tailored for extreme speed and spirited driving. BMW also offers a four-door variant called the Gran Coupe (reviewed separately), which provides a similar driving experience but with added rear-seat comfort and a larger trunk.
The 2025 BMW 8 Series is a line of luxury grand tourers offering various body styles and impressive engines, with prices starting at $91,975.
Available as a coupe, convertible, or a 4-door Gran Coupe, the 8 Series exemplifies the luxurious cruiser category, combining high-speed performance with elegance. Whether navigating urban streets or heading to a countryside estate, the 8 Series delivers both driving excitement and a smooth, comfortable ride. It’s an ideal choice for those who value sophistication, power, and prestige over extra space.
This year, the 8 Series remains largely unchanged. Having debuted in the 2019 model year, there are whispers that this current generation may soon be phased out.
The 2025 BMW 8 Series starts at $91,975, with the high-end 8 Series ALPINA B8 xDrive Gran Coupe priced from $152,675.
MSRP | |
840i Gran Coupe | $91,975 |
840i | $91,975 |
840i xDrive | $94,975 |
840i xDrive Gran Coupe | $94,975 |
M850i xDrive | $107,475 |
M850i xDrive Gran Coupe | $107,475 |
ALPINA B8 xDrive Gran Coupe | $152,675 |
For those seeking a blend of luxury and performance, other notable options include the Lexus LC coupe, starting around $100K; the Mercedes-AMG SL, which begins at approximately $113K; and the Porsche 911 Carrera, priced close to $115K. Competitors to the 8 Series Gran Coupe include the Audi S7, starting in the high-$80K range, and the Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door, which begins at around $100K.
The 8 Series starts strong with a smooth, 335-horsepower turbocharged 6-cylinder engine, delivering a satisfying acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds. This performance rivals that of the 375-horsepower Mercedes-AMG SL 43.
For those craving more power, the 8 Series offers V8 options that provide exhilarating driving experiences and impressive exhaust notes. The top-of-the-line M8 Competition reaches 60 mph in a blistering 3 seconds.
Despite its substantial size, the 8 Series is surprisingly engaging to drive. It maintains comfort and composure at low speeds, while offering responsive handling when pushed. Optional rear-wheel steering enhances agility and maneuverability, and the brakes provide strong, confident performance.
BMW’s M and Alpina variants are celebrated for their power and refinement, and the 8 Series models adhere to these high standards.
Fuel economy remains consistent across different body styles and drivetrains. Every 840i version achieves a commendable 24 mpg in combined city and highway driving. The more powerful models manage a still-respectable 19 mpg combined.
Even the entry-level 8 Series features high-quality materials, including real leather upholstery on the seats, armrests, and dashboard. Standard amenities include a power-adjustable steering column, soft-closing doors, ambient lighting, and navigation with over-the-air updates.
The front seats offer excellent comfort for long journeys, though rear seating is more limited. The coupe and convertible provide less rear space, while the 4-door Gran Coupe offers 36.6 inches of rear legroom, about 7 inches more than the coupe. Rear headroom, however, can be tight.
While trunk space is not a primary concern for 8 Series buyers, there is sufficient room for a couple of weekend bags. The coupe and Gran Coupe offer more luggage capacity.
The 8 Series is roughly a foot shorter than the 7 Series, making it larger than many sports cars but giving it a commanding presence. It offers three body styles: a 2-door coupe, a convertible with a power-operated fabric roof, and a Gran Coupe with four doors that still maintains a sleek profile. Notably, the high-performance Alpina B8 is available exclusively as a Gran Coupe.
Choosing between six or eight cylinders is a delightful dilemma. The 840i models are powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine, delivering a robust 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. Rear-wheel drive comes standard, while BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system is available as an option for this engine and standard on the other models in the range.
For those seeking more power, the M850i xDrive features a 4.4-liter V8 with twin turbochargers, producing a formidable 523 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. The same engine is used in the M8 models and the Alpina B8 Gran Coupe, with the M8 delivering 617 horsepower (with the same torque) and the Alpina B8 offering 612 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque.
All 2025 8 Series models are equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission, with some variants tuned by BMW’s M division or Alpina for enhanced performance.
BMW provides a comprehensive new-vehicle warranty that covers the car and powertrain for four years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. This warranty is standard among luxury brands, particularly German automakers. Additionally, BMW offers three years or 36,000 miles of complimentary scheduled maintenance.
While the 8 Series has not been evaluated by independent safety agencies, this is typical for high-end, low-volume vehicles. Standard safety features include forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, low-speed automatic emergency braking, post-crash braking, driver fatigue monitoring, and automatic seat belt tensioning and window closing if an accident is imminent.