The BMW 8 Series is one of the new models the Bavarian brand unveiled in 2018 to take on the now-defunct Mercedes-Benz S-Klasse Coupe & Cabriolet. And although Mercedes no longer produces the competitor, the Bavarians did not give up and renewed in the middle of the cycle, this impressive model. We’re talking about the entire 2023 BMW 8 Series range – coupe, convertible and four-door GC version. The car is now also available on the home market, and our team had the opportunity to get up close and personal with all three versions of the updated “eight”. Our impressions are that there are not many noticeable changes in the appearance of the car, but even more technologies are already integrated into it. Here is more specifically what it is about.
Exterior
As already mentioned, the changes apply to the entire BMW 8 Series range, including coupe, cabriolet, Gran Coupe sedan, as well as the top-of-the-range M8 Competition. It’s our opinion that, with its original design, the 8 Series is perhaps the best-looking BMW currently available. The large “kidneys” of most other BMW models really made the 8 series easier, but regardless of who likes which grille, there is no disputing the fact that the “eight” looks extremely good.
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With the current refresh, BMW thankfully didn’t fit a massive grille on the front of the 8er either. Instead, the grill is already lit, but if this extra doesn’t bother you, it can be turned off. Other exterior changes are mostly limited to a few new body colors – Skyscraper Gray metallic, San Remo Green metallic, Portimao Blue metallic, BMW Individual Frozen Tanzanite Blue metallic and Frozen Pure Grey. New wheel options are also included in the package.
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Delving into the trim levels revealed a few more minor design updates. The trim of the M850i xDrive modification, for all body styles, receives M mirrors on the outside, as well as an M logo on the grille. Previously, these attributes were reserved solely for the M8 model. A new optional M Sport Package Professional is also available for the M850i xDrive Coupe, which adds black brake calipers, grille, spoiler and dark inserts in the headlights. In the M8 Competition, exterior updates are limited to those with dark inserts (you can check out the M8 Competition in the video we made at the end of the material).
Interior
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The biggest change in the BMW 8 Series range is found in the car’s interior. It’s about the larger infotainment screen. The old 10.5-inch display is now replaced by a 12.3-inch Live Cockpit Professional display. The M8 Competition also has optional M Carbon seats available as an optional extra. Under the hood, there are no major changes after the 2023 facelift for any 8 Series model. The previous year’s engines continue to be installed there.
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Engines and driving characteristics
As we have already mentioned, the engines and the main assemblies and units on the car are not new, and we have already told you about our impression of them. The 840 and 850 versions we tested offer a lot of dynamics, and both have only one significant drawback – the excessive total mass of the car, which is over two tons. And this despite the carbon elements of the body. It is the high weight that makes the car one idea worse to drive than the BMW M5, for example. However, this fact does not mean that you will feel instability.
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The overall center of gravity is very low and the car in all three versions is stable in turns, and only due to the heavier unit, a slight understeer can be felt at high speed. Despite the higher weight, we must say that the brakes are unique and can bring the car to rest in negative time. As for the ride, it can be both firm (in sport modes) and quite comfortable, despite the large 20-inch wheels.
Price
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However, you should be aware that all this dynamics and weight cannot correspond with low fuel consumption. In practice, even with calm driving, it is difficult to bring the consumption below 12 per 100. As for the prices, do not expect them to be low either. Cars, regardless of the segment, have risen in price dramatically, and here we are talking about top technologies, high-quality materials and the well-known ultra-precise German execution.
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Place a rating:
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3.5
Assessment 3.5 from 8 voice.
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