2020 BMW 8 Series Coupe

So just how much will it cost you? The starting price of the BMW 8 Series is for the 840i at $87,900, excluding tax, licensing, registration, and a destination/handling fee of $995. The 840i xDrive is next and has an MSRP of $90,800, while the M850i enters six-figure territory at a price of $111,900. It's generally less expensive than the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe - that car costs $130,150 for the S560 4Matic, and it's down on power relative to the M850i. The gorgeous Lexus LC 500, on the other hand, starts at just over $90,000 but also can't match the M850i's sheer power.

Able to switch between grand tourer and a corner-carving sports car at will, the 8 Series offers a neat balance between these two spectrums. Three driving modes can be selected: Eco Pro, Comfort, and Sport, each catering to various needs. Although not quite as wafty as the S-Class Coupe, the 8 Series still rides really comfortably when Comfort mode is selected, soaking up bumps and rougher surfaces with composure. It's a car that prefers space to do its best work, so high-speed cross-country drives see the BMW most in its element.

The steering system is responsive and accurate, and especially in the M850i, feedback through the helm and via the chassis is better than has been the case on some other modern BMWs. It doesn't match a Porsche 911 in this respect as the 8 Series is still quite isolating, but it's also a lot more involving than the S-Class coupe. In xDrive configurations, more power is sent to the rear wheels so you never entirely lose that RWD feeling. When Sport mode is activated, the traction control system is a bit less conservative, and you'll need to be paying attention in the wet, whereas Comfort mode is always incredibly secure. The xDrive models' four-wheel steering (integral active steering) also helps to make the coupe feel more agile and stable, but overall, BMW has done a fantastic job of masking the car's size. It also helps that refinement is top-notch - wind and road noise are well suppressed. While some have criticized the 8 Series for not being exciting enough, this is ultimately more of a grand tourer than a track tool like the M4 coupe. In that context, we think BMW has done its homework.

The return of the 8 Series in the USA has been a success for BMW. The first-generation gained a cult-like following for its timeless styling and the over-engineering evident in its electronics and V12 engine, but it wasn't actually the most amazing driver's car. The latest 8 Series is, combining stellar handling with the ability to munch up the miles on the highway in comfort. It's also viciously fast, especially the M850i with that 523-hp V8. Along with the superbly detailed cabin and enough trunk space for a weekend away, the 8 Series ticks many of the grand tourer boxes it needs to. The only real criticisms are those minuscule back seats, plus the more intangible question of whether the 8 feels special enough as the brand's flagship coupe. Perhaps the Bentley Continental and the Mercedes S-Class Coupe make their driver feel even more pampered, and a Porsche 911 provides greater thrills, but the 8 Series strikes an appealing middle ground among these competitors - a task that is far easier said than done.

As accomplished as the 840i twins are, the 8 Series isn't about compromising on power and performance. For that reason, we'd go for the full-fat M850i to get access to that magnificent V8 and the tasty M styling and performance upgrades. There aren't many driving aids fitted as standard, so we'd add the Driving Assistance Package at $1,100. The Carbon Black Metallic exterior paintwork looks properly menacing, and we'd pair it with the $2,000 Ivory White/Night Blue Merino leather interior. The total works out to $115,995.

Like the S-Class Sedan, the S-Class Coupe is one of the most luxurious and stately cars on the road. The base price for the S560 4Matic starts at around $20,000 more than the BMW M850i, but is down on power at 463 hp - the BMW is also faster to 60 mph by a full second and is a much more adept handler than the Mercedes. But it's the S560 that has the measure of its German rival with its ability to shut out every bump or noise long before they reach the incredibly refined passenger compartment. The S560's cabin is also a marvel of technology and extravagant design. Even if the Mercedes' interior isn't any better put together than the BMW's by comparison, it certainly feels a lot more special. Add in the sumptuous massaging seats and more usable rear-seat space than the 8 Series, and it's the S-Class that's the better grand tourer. It's not the sharper driving tool, however, and it's the BMW's ability to entertain and cosset simultaneously that is its unique selling point. Your choice will come down to whether you want your coupe to be more luxurious (Mercedes) or dynamic (BMW).

The Porsche 911 is the sports coupe gift that just keeps on giving. Its rear-mounted engine and Porsche's renowned chassis tuning combine for a driving experience that is second to none. From the superbly communicative steering to the car's lithe body control and the harmonious workings of every major control, it makes virtually everything else feel dull. That includes the BMW 8 Series Coupe, which, although far from a disappointment, can't match the Porsche's electrifying dynamics. For sporty coupes, both of these cars are surprisingly easy to live with, although the rear seats are mostly for show. At $113,300, the 911 Carrera S is just $1,400 more than the M850i. Although the BMW has a lot more power (523 hp relative to 443 hp), the 911 is far lighter and offers comparable straight-line acceleration. The BMW wins points with a more luxurious cabin and a longer list of standard features, so its closer to a traditional grand tourer than the 911. For its superlative driving experience, we'd have to side with the Porsche.