The current BMW 8-series coupe came out in 2018, and it replaced the previous 6-series. The 8-series is the world’s best-selling luxury coupe, and there is a good reason for it. It’s absolutely amazing to drive and it does everything that all the more expensive coupe and convertible GT cars do. The 8-series has had hundreds of four to five-star reviews worldwide by many car journalists.
You can purchase an 8-series in coupe, convertible, or sedan form. The best-selling body style is the coupe form which is by far the most elegant looking of all the body styles. Inside, these cars are packed full of technology and the build quality is excellent. The interior design looks fabulous, by far one of the best interiors of any car on sale today.
Quite recently though, BMW has facelifted the 8-series giving it a new nose and a new interior screen. Have the changes made this car even more special? Let’s find out.
picture via: seriesmotor.com
Subtle Exterior Changes
The new 8-series facelift includes some subtle exterior changes. These include a bigger newer grille, newer alloys, new paint options, and a slightly revised front and rear bumper. Nothing too fancy, but it does keep the car looking fresh for the next few years.
In all honesty, BMW didn’t need to do much to this car to keep it looking fresh. The 8-series is one of the most modern-looking cars around, and that is thanks to its sleek design. The shape definitely stands out and even a model from 2018 still looks very fresh and modern even today.
I think BMW have learned their lesson when it comes to facelifting cars. The 7-series facelift a few years ago was just way too controversial and largely unnecessary. The huge grille was in all honesty cringe-worthy though it did make way for some great meme content.
The grille on the facelift 8-series is very similar to the one on the new facelift 5-series which came out only a few years ago. It looks far better in black in my opinion. In chrome, it does look like a cheese grater. However, it does illuminate which is pretty cool. The slats are pushed back into the grille to make the grille as a whole look deeper, and the slats in themselves are now a “U” shape. On the M850i model, you now get a little M logo on the grille as well as M8 mirror covers.
Furthermore, all M models of BMW’s lineups (including the m35i, m50i, m40i, etc) will be fitted with the retro BMW M logo instead of the normal BMW logo. On an M-lite model like the M850i that doesn’t really sit right since that car is not an M-car but it is what it is.
A Subtle But Noticeable Change Inside
via: carmagazine.co.uk
The facelift 8-series inside has had one very noticeable change in comparison to the pre-facelift. That is the touchscreen since it has gotten a lot larger. the previous touchscreen in the pre-facelift car was 10.25 inches whilst the facelift model adapts a new 12.3-inch live display. It is a huge improvement, though some may argue that it isn’t as sleek as the old smaller screen. It looks as if they’ve bolted it on as an afterthought.
Otherwise, the interior relatively is the same. Build quality is fantastic, and the car most definitely feels a lot more luxurious than it actually is. I love how BMW really has put in a lot of effort in making sure that the interior of this car is a nice place to be. Some may call it boring in comparison to newer cars like the SL Mercedes, but the interior on the 8-series is functional and easy to use.
The new screen will use the new iDriev system which is a very responsive operating system. Nota s good as Mercedes MBUX though not far off. It will probably feature a lot of new technology which will blow your mind. The 8-series comes with as standard Harmon Kardon audio, touchscreens, etc. The facelift will probably integrate gesture control etc as a standard feature, though we will have to see.
Overall, a lovely interior that still looks very fresh and modern today. It is very much driver-focused and it does feel like a proper cabin. This is fine German build quality at its very best.
Engine Choices and Prices.
The new 8 series facelift features the same engine choices as before. You have the base 840i model with around 330hp, you then have the M850i which has around 530hp, and finally the M8 models. Pretty much the same as before, though the diesel 840D model has been eliminated from the lineup.
No real changes here then. I do suspect BMW will launch a hybrid 8-series model since there is a hybrid platform for both the 5 and 7 series sedan models. Those two cars share the same engines as the 8-series.
The cheapest model is the 840i, and currently, it is the most popular model. That car starts at $85,000 in coupe form. The most expensive 8-series model is the M8 Competition Convertible at almost $140,000 which is crazy.
The M8 Competition has around 617hp, making it the most powerful model. It can hit 60 in around 3 seconds and flat out do over 200 mph. However, all models as standard have a limiter of 155 mph. The M-models do have an increased speed limiter as optional extras.
To Conclude:
The new 8-series facelift is a lovely-looking car that really does stand out. The small changes really do keep this car fresh, and ahead of the competition. These changes will probably keep this car as a best-seller despite stiff competition from Mercedes with their new SL.
The grille won’t be to everyone’s liking, especially since it illuminates. There is a way for owners to turn that off if they wish. The grille will illuminate when the car’s doors are open, etc. Inside, the new screen does look like it has been stuck into the dash as an afterthought, but it is more practical nevertheless. The interior build quality is amazing,a nd the interior still looks and feels ultra modern.