2021 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe
2021 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe Review
- Engines are smooth and powerful
- Nimble handling for such a big car
- Surprisingly usable cargo space
- Luxurious and comfortable interior
- Low roofline compromises rear headroom, ease of entry and visibility
- Infotainment system takes a long time to master
- Lane departure warning is standard
- Night-vision technology is no longer available
- Part of the first 8 Series Gran Coupe generation introduced for 2020
Are large luxury sedans too stodgy for you? Are midsize luxury sedans lacking a certain presence or exclusivity? If so, you're in luck because there's a wonderful Goldilocks zone right between the two with some great choices. The best in that middle ground is the 2021 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe. Don't let the name fool you — it is indeed a sedan.
The 8 Series Gran Coupe is one of those rare vehicles that expertly blends performance, luxury and technology in a stunning package that is greater than the sum of its parts. There are a handful of alternatives in this select class (Porsche Panamera, Mercedes-AMG GT and Audi S7) that may hold an edge in performance, but none are as balanced as the BMW. Check out our Expert Rating below to learn more.
Our verdict | |
With the 8 Series Gran Coupe, BMW has created a winner. It has a decent amount of passenger space and utility for people with families. On top of this, you get impressive performance and sleek coupe-like style. | |
How does the 8 Series Gran Coupe drive? | |
We tested the 840i xDrive, which has all-wheel drive. BMW's turbocharged six-cylinder provides more power than you'll need on a daily basis, and it delivers it in an impressively smooth manner. At the Edmunds test track, our car hit 60 mph in 4.7 seconds. That's a quick time though typical for a base-engine luxury sedan of this size. Braking performance is strong, but the pedal's lack of finesse can make it hard to consistently stop smoothly. Around turns, the 8 Series Gran Coupe is stable yet deceivingly quick. There's heaps of traction and you don't have to tiptoe around it either. Just mash it and go. The steering effort is light, and the 840i is easy to maneuver around town. The steering doesn't provide much feedback, but it's accurate and complements the very accessible handling capabilities of this car. This is a well-sorted luxury sedan. | |
How comfortable is the 8 Series Gran Coupe? | |
The 840i strikes a nice balance of comfort and sport. The adaptive suspension's Comfort setting filters out a lot of the ride harshness we experienced in the high-performance M8. The front seats provide a nice amount of support and adjustability. In back, the 8 Series is pretty comfortable, though we'd like the seatbacks to be less upright. The 840 cabin is well insulated against wind and tire noise. You'll hear the six-cylinder when you rev it out. Unfortunately, it doesn't sound as sweet as the M850i's V8. The climate controls aren't very intuitive to use, and the air conditioning lacks the cooling power we'd want for really hot days. The optional seat ventilation is also pretty weak. | |
How’s the interior? | |
There's plenty of passenger space inside the 8 Series Gran Coupe. Sure, it concedes some headroom because of the sleek roofline. But legroom is abundant, and the driver's seat and steering column have more adjustment range than most of us will know what to do with. The lower roofline is a bit of a hassle when it comes to getting in and out of the car, particularly the back. It also slightly impedes rear visibility. But if you spring for the Driver Assistance package, the 360-degree camera system and parking sensors eliminate any need to guess. BMW's iDrive isn't the most intuitive to learn, but once you've become acquainted, it works well and doesn't distract you from the road. The use of a dial controller and touchscreen provides good redundant control, unlike Audi and Porsche, which have gone full touchscreen. | |
How’s the tech? | |
The 8 Series makes a strong showing on the tech front, primarily with an excellent suite of advanced driver aids and capable voice command system. These features fall a bit short of what Mercedes offers, but they prove convenient when it comes to easing the burden of rush-hour traffic or turning on your seat ventilation without lifting a finger. The standard Harman Kardon audio system delivers solid sound. We don't see any real benefit to upgrading to the pricier Bowers & Wilkins systems. The 840i also comes with onboard navigation that's easy to use. Wireless Apple CarPlay smartphone integration is also included, and Android Auto is finally rolling out as a late addition on the 8 Series. Our test car had four USB ports and two 12-volt power ports. | |
How’s the storage? | |
With trunk space of 15.5 cubic feet, the Gran Coupe slots between the AMG GT and the Porsche Panamera. Helping matters out are the 40/20/40-split rear seats that fold nearly flat via the trunk-mounted releases. The low liftover height (it's lower than the AMG GT's and Panamera's) and hands-free trunk function make loading groceries easier if your hands are full. In-cabin storage is a bit lacking, but the available areas including the center armrest and glovebox are more usefully sized. If car seats are a part of your life, rest assured that the Gran Coupe has you covered. It has an abundance of backseat space and easy-to-access car seat anchors. | |
How economical is the 8 Series Gran Coupe? | |
The 840i Gran Coupe with all-wheel drive has an EPA-estimated 23 mpg combined (20 city/27 highway). That's more fuel-efficient than the Panamera 4 (20 mpg combined) or Mercedes-Benz AMG GT 53 (22 mpg combined). We averaged 22.5 mpg over 600 miles of mixed driving, which is an indication that the EPA figures are realistic. Traffic was particularly light due to the 2020 pandemic, but it's still a good indication the 840i is one of the more efficient models in its class. | |
Is the 8 Series Gran Coupe a good value? | |
You might have a hard time believing a $100,000 car could be considered a "good value," but hear us out. Within this class, the 840i xDrive Gran Coupe actually comes in around $12,000 less than its closest competitor without any compromise in performance or build quality. Cabin design will always have an element of subjectivity, but we think the BMW's is as solid as any, even if it's not designed to elicit as much luxury. BMW's warranty and ownership perks are better than most, too. The basic and powertrain warranties align with other German makes at four years/50,000 miles, with a generous 12-year rust-through warranty and roadside assistance for four years. BMW is also the only one in this class that offers complimentary maintenance for three years/36,000 miles. | |
Wildcard | |
Sure, the 840i packs almost 300 horsepower less than the M8, but it is still rewarding and fun to drive. It also devours curvy roads with surprising ease. The beauty of all this is you don't really give up much by adding two extra doors. This coupe-style sedan has style to draw the right kind of attention plus genuine space for family or friends. | |
Which 8 Series Gran Coupe does Edmunds recommend?
BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe models
The 2021 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe is a four-door sedan with seating for five. It is offered in three trim levels: 840i (rear-wheel drive), 840i xDrive (all-wheel drive) and M850i xDrive. The high-performance BMW M8 Gran Coupe is covered in a separate review.
2021 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe pricing
in Ashburn, VA
Features & Specs
| 840i 4dr Sedan 3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $85,000 |
| MPG | 22 city / 29 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 5 |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Horsepower | 335 hp @ 5000 rpm |
| M850i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD 4.4L 8cyl Turbo 8A | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $108,900 |
| MPG | 17 city / 24 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 5 |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Horsepower | 523 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| 840i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD 3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $87,900 |
| MPG | 20 city / 27 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 5 |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Horsepower | 335 hp @ 5000 rpm |
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Safety
Our experts’ favorite 8 Series Gran Coupe safety features:
- Side Collision Avoidance
- Automatically steers the 8 Series back into its lane if it wanders, if the driver attempts an unsafe lane change, or if an adjacent vehicle drifts too close to the BMW.
- Traffic Jam Assistant
- Helps keep the 8 Series centered in the lane and follows the car in front in stop-and-go traffic.
- Active Protection System
- Automatically tensions seat belts, closes the windows and sunroof, and activates the brakes when it detects an imminent collision.
BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe vs. the competition
BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe vs. Porsche Panamera
Both the BMW 8 Series and the Porsche Panamera deliver impressive performance and luxurious refinement. The 8 Series gains a significant advantage when it comes to value, offering more standard features. Plus, Porsche options are notoriously expensive. On top of that, the BMW's infotainment system is a little easier to use.
BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe vs. Mercedes-Benz AMG GT
BMW and Mercedes-Benz compete in just about every market segment, so it should be no surprise that they offer rival coupe-style sedans too. Overall, they're pretty evenly matched, but we've found the 8 Series Gran Coupe is a little quieter and provides more cargo space.
BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe vs. Audi S7
The Audi S7 is another coupe-style rival from Germany. As an upgraded version of the A7, the S7 has 444-horsepower turbocharged V6 and standard all-wheel drive. That makes it just as entertaining to drive as the BMW. It has a more versatile cargo area too. But we're not fans of Audi's latest infotainment interface.
FAQ
Is the BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe a good car?
What's new in the 2021 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2021 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe:
- Lane departure warning is standard
- Night-vision technology is no longer available
- Part of the first 8 Series Gran Coupe generation introduced for 2020
Is the BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe reliable?
Is the 2021 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe a good car?
How much should I pay for a 2021 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe?
The least-expensive 2021 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe is the 2021 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe 840i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $85,000.
Other versions include:
- 840i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $85,000
- M850i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $108,900
- 840i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $87,900
What are the different models of BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe?
More about the 2021 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe
2021 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe Overview
The 2021 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe is offered in the following submodels: 8 Series Gran Coupe M850i xDrive, 8 Series Gran Coupe Sedan. Available styles include 840i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A), 840i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A), and M850i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 8A).
What do people think of the 2021 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2021 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe and all its trim types. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2021 8 Series Gran Coupe.
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2021 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2021 8 Series Gran Coupe featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
What's a good price for a New 2021 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe?
2021 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe 840i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
The 2021 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe 840i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $85,995. The average price paid for a new 2021 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe 840i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) is trending $8,290 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $8,290 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $77,705.
The average savings for the 2021 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe 840i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) is 9.6% below the MSRP.
2021 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe 840i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
The 2021 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe 840i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $88,895. The average price paid for a new 2021 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe 840i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) is trending $7,930 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $7,930 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $80,965.
The average savings for the 2021 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe 840i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) is 8.9% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 5 2021 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe 840i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2021 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe M850i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 8A)
The 2021 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe M850i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 8A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $109,895. The average price paid for a new 2021 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe M850i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 8A) is trending $9,056 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $9,056 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $100,839.
The average savings for the 2021 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe M850i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 8A) is 8.2% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 1 2021 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe M850i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 8A) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
Which 2021 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupes are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2021 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe for sale near. There are currently 7 new 2021 8 Series Gran Coupes listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $92,645 and mileage as low as 0 miles. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2021 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe.
Can't find a new 2021 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupes you want in your area? Consider a broader search.
Find a new BMW for sale - 3 great deals out of 24 listings starting at $15,368.
Why trust Edmunds?
Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color.
Should I lease or buy a 2021 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out BMW lease specials