8 Series Coupe

Make
BMW
Segment
Coupe

BMW's most recent designs have been either polarizing or just plain ugly. And this coming from someone who once considered getting Bavaria's crest tattooed somewhere. However, one recent offering that we can all agree is rather well styled is the BMW 8 Series. BMW seems to agree, and is maximizing the model's exposure with special editions in every corner of the globe. Switzerland and Liechtenstein just got the Haute Couture Edition, and Japan got the Collector's Edition and the Kyoto Edition. The Asian nation seems to love the 8, as it's also the recipient of the latest special model, called the Frozen Black Edition.

As has been the case with all these special editions, there's no bump in power over the stock model. Interestingly, this special edition is not based on the range-topping M850i but rather the lesser 840i. That means you get a 3.0-liter turbocharged straight-six producing a respectable 335 horsepower and 368 lb-ft of torque, with an eight-speed automatic handling gearchanges. What makes this special edition different is that it's available as both a coupe and a four-door Gran Coupe, with five examples of the former being produced and 15 of the latter. The coupe costs ¥15 million, while the Gran Coupe costs ¥15.1 million. In our money, that's $135,340 and $136,240, respectively at current exchange rates. So what do you get for your cash?

As you can see, fresh paint in the from of BMW Individual's Frozen Black adorns the body. Complementing it are black finishes for the kidney grilles, tailpipes, 20-inch 728M wheels, and brake calipers. Inside, the dark theme continues with extended Merino leather and BMW Individual piano black trim. An Alcantara roof liner features too, as does a Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound audio setup. It'll only be available in right-hand drive, which approximately 35% of countries prefer. Perhaps the reason that Japan gets so many special editions of the 8 Series is that BMW simply isn't selling enough of them in those markets. Either way, we wonder when America will get a special edition, if ever.