2022 BMW 8 Series Coupe

Starting at an MSRP of $85,000 in the USA - $3,000 cheaper than last year - the 840i RWD is the most affordable 8 Series. It's followed by the 840i xDrive at $87,900 and, finally, the M850i xDrive at $99,900 - $12,000 cheaper than last year. All prices exclude BMW's destination charge of $995, along with taxes, licensing, and registration costs. By comparison, a Porsche 911 Carrera carries a starting price tag of $101,200. Although it's quicker than the 840i, the BMW is far more lavishly equipped out of the box. With all the options ticked on the M850i, the price of the BMW 8 Series will surpass $125,000.

The exemplary powertrains of the 8 Series aren't let down by the chassis. All versions receive dynamic damper control and an M sport differential. The setup does a brilliant job of disguising the bulk of the coupe, which feels lighter on its feet than you'd expect. The chunky steering wheel responds keenly to swift changes of direction, even if feel is merely okay without ever approaching the talkative and more natural feel at the helm of a Porsche 911. Three driving modes - Eco Pro, Comfort, and Sport - are on offer, with the latter seeing the traction control system intervening later. The coupe feels more playful in this mode, but the majority of drivers will be happy with Comfort mode most of the time. In this setting, the 8 Series proves to be an adept cruiser, with a well-damped ride. It's matched by a cabin that remains quiet at speed. With standard integral active steering, the xDrive versions can turn the rear wheels too, adding to the coupe's agility. The brake pedal is firm and is allied to a braking system that brings the 8 Series to a quick and controlled stop. In any of the three available configurations, the 8 Series is a fantastic coupe to drive.

Although the 8 Series may not be a hot seller for the brand, it represents the perfect step up for BMW enthusiasts coming from smaller coupes in the lineup. As long as you don't need to carry rear-seat passengers, the 8 impresses with its wonderfully comfortable cockpit, athletic driving dynamics, and superb engines. All versions are equipped to a grand standard, making for a GT that can cover hundreds of miles without blinking. The 523-hp M850i offers nearly as much performance as the M8 for a lot less money. At close to six figures, some may argue that the 8 Series doesn't feel as special as luxury coupes like the outgoing Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe and the current Lexus LC. But in terms of raw all-round ability, the BMW 8 Series is tough to match.

The gap in performance between the 840i and M850i is great enough that if we could stretch to the V8, we would. But the 840i shouldn't be discounted, especially in RWD guise, as it's $15,000 less expensive than the V8 model, while offering plenty of power and most of the same features. With the the 2022 model's drop in prices and the M850i xDrive now starting at less than $100,000, it is probably the pick of the bunch. We'd equip it with the Driving Assistance Professional Package at $1,700 and the Bowers & Wilkins sound system at $3,400. These extras will bring the price tag to exactly $105,000.

Not every executive who buys a 7 Series sedan gets chauffeured around. For the customer who does the driving themselves, is the less practical but more stylish 8 Series Coupe a serious alternative to the 7 Series? Well, if you need back-seat space, this is a no-brainer - the 7 Series' plush and spacious back row is in a different league compared to the 8 Series' restricted quarters. Both BMW flagships are great to drive, but the 7 Series is undoubtedly quieter and smoother, whereas the 8 Series is the more agile machine. The two are both lavishly equipped, but the 7 Series has even nicer seats and more standard safety gear like a surround-view camera system. The V8-powered 750i has the same engine as the M850i but comes in at $3,100 more expensive. If you already have an X7 for family duties, get the 8 Series for the weekends. But the 7 Series can simply do more than the coupe.

The BMW 8 Series plays more of a dual GT/sports car role than the 911, which is a far more focused machine. But the Porsche can also play the role of an easygoing daily commuter without kicking up much of a fuss. With its lighter weight and Porsche's knack for near-perfect chassis tuning, the 911 is much more involving to drive than the 8 Series. Both have peppy turbocharged six-cylinder engines lower down in the range, but the BMW is the only one of the two to offer V8 power, which is a unique selling point in favor of the 8 Series. Both have rear seats without much space at all, but the BMW's trunk is a lot bigger than either of the 911's luggage compartments. You also get many more standard features in the BMW, whereas Porsche is especially stingy with standard safety features. That said, the 911 is infinitely more customizable. As accomplished as the BMW is in most areas, it doesn't hit the same high notes as the incredible 911, which drives like little else on the road. We'd take the Porsche.