2021 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe Review: A Pragmatic And Premium Grand Tourer

Anyone that's been behind the wheel of a high-end grand tourer has experienced something very few people ever will. In the sphere of premium 4-door cruisers, the 2021 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe stands confidently atop the podium, peacocking its authoritative and pristine aesthetic and performance prowess to the likes of the Mercedes-AMG GT 53 and Audi RS5 Sportback. It's not just their bespoke impressions, extravagance, and lavish prices that set them apart from the more conventional passenger cars most of us drive, but also a dynamic driving experience balanced between exhilarating and serene and an emotional factor that only these cars can elicit. The second-gen 8 Series Gran Coupe doesn't emit quite as much of a sentimental quality that, say the Porsche Panamera does, but whether the 335-horsepower inline-6 engine or the 553-hp V8 is in play, it's still certain to evoke some passion.

8 Series Gran Coupe Exterior

Dimensions

8 Series Gran Coupe Performance

Engine and Transmission

BMW offers two phenomenal engines for the 2021 8 Series Gran Coupe line - in the two 840i variants is a 3.0-liter 6-cylinder turbo gas unit attuned to develop up to 335 hp and 368 lb-ft of torque. Outputs are forwarded through an 8-speed automatic transmission to either the rear wheels or the all-wheel drivetrain in the xDrive. Quaking beneath the hood of the M850i is a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 that freights up to 523 hp and 553 lb-ft through the 8-speed auto to its AWD. A review of the 2021 8 Series Gran Coupe's fuel economy shows that it is slightly better than the competition, but it won't be saving you much.

8 Series Gran Coupe Interior

8 Series Gran Coupe Trunk and Cargo Space

Warranty

Verdict: Is the 2021 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe A Good car?

BMW managed to seamlessly blend the 8 Series's coupe design with four doors - resulting in one of the most sophisticated and best-looking Gran Coupes on the US market. That keen eye for superlative design was also carried through to the Gran Coupe's beautiful and contemporary interior, which brims with the latest and greatest creature comforts and tech. While the 840i variants offer a favorable balance in performance capability and ride refinement, the M850i leans more towards high performance, falling only slightly short of the BMW M8. Though some competitors may have an edge over the 8 Series Gran Coupe in performance and soul, none are quite as dapper or well-rounded. As with most vehicles at the 2021 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe's price, it too hasn't undergone a crashworthiness review for an official safety rating. While $85,000 is a lot of money to drop on a car, the 8 Series Gran Coupe makes where that money goes obvious.

What BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe Model Should I Buy?

Power and responses from both the 840i and 850i powertrains are copious and meticulous, so if you're looking for a vehicle that will avail you with a good time, any 8 Series Gran Coupe will do. Of course, the M850i is in a league of its own with its 523-hp V8 motor, M suspension, and sport brakes, but all that goodness comes at a hefty price over the 840i variants, which come standard with just about all the same creature comforts, conveniences, and safety features. If you do go for one of the 840i models, we'd suggest the xDrive for the added all-weather proficiency and reliability of the AWD system. It also doesn't compromise on fuel economy as much as the 850i does.