2026 BMW 8 Series

When it's time to move on from that large four-door luxury barge into something smaller, sportier and more stylish, the 8 Series coupe and convertible have you covered. But these two-doors won't send you to the chiropractor; their plush seats and silky ride make any kind of trip a pleasant experience. Fortunately, the 8 Series hasn't forgotten its BMW roots. It can still put a smile on your face with its effortless power and stable handling. Since its introduction in 2019, the 8 Series has been an excellent grand tourer, but its interior and exterior design are starting to age. We expect something new is around the corner.

There's an 8 Series for just about anyone, as long as you can afford its $100K starting price. To start, the 8 Series is available as a coupe, convertible or sporty four-door called the Gran Coupe, which is separately reviewed. All three body styles are offered in base rear-wheel-drive 840i and all-wheel-drive 840i xDrive models. There's also an M850i xDrive performance model that packs a V8 for power-craving shoppers with a larger budget. However, the top model is the 617-horsepower high-performance M8, which is only available in Gran Coupe or convertible form. The M8 coupe has been discontinued. If the 8 Series' price tag is too high, check out BMW's smaller 4 Series that offers a similarly varied lineup.

Mercedes-Benz has two alternatives to consider: the impressive but convertible-only SL and the recently introduced CLE. The CLE coupe and convertible are similar in size and are more affordable. There's also the Lexus LC, a stunning two-door available as a coupe or convertible and with a V8 or hybrid powertrain. However, the king of the class is the iconic Porsche 911. It sports a sky-high price tag, but if you can afford it, make sure it's on your short list. For a full rundown of the 8 Series, check out our test team's Expert Rating below.