Used 2019 BMW 8 Series Coupe

Among luxury sport coupes, you typically have choices that either bias toward comfort or performance. The new BMW 8 Series is remarkable for its ability to deliver both in abundance. On top of that, the interior is elegantly modern, has plenty of new tech and there's more trunk space than its sleek exterior suggests. Choosing between this and the venerable Porsche 911 will be a tough decision. We took the 2019 BMW M850i to the Edmunds test track to put it through its paces. Read on to see all of the numbers and information from our proprietary testing process, plus exclusive driving impressions from the best testing crew in the business.

2019 BMW M850i Coupe Performance Testing Results

Price as tested: $119,295
Date of test: 6/3/2019
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Odometer: 2,810
Powertrain: 4.4L V8 Turbo | 8-Speed Automatic | AWD
Horsepower: 523 hp @ 5,500 rpm
Torque: 553 lb-ft @ 1,800 rpm

2019 M850i Coupe Acceleration

"For such a heavy car, and with turbos, the 850 got off the line very well in its key-up run. Even more impressive considering it's not a mild hybrid. The gearing is pretty damn tall — I think second gear goes to nearly 70 and third is taller still. But the motor makes the power to pull those gears. Indicated redline is 6k and that's where it shifted. Motor sounds great and the shifts were near seamless and always fast. With launch control selected (gear selector in S, ESC off and with throttle brake overlap to 3k rpm), I could swear it picks the front wheels off the ground. The rear end squats pretty hard and you get some wheelspin from the front axle. Nuts. Shifts are now handled at 6.5k and are typically German and overly firm for effect. The motor never really stops pulling and the 118 mph trap speed confirms that. Did I mention it sounds great?"

2019 M850i Coupe Braking

"Stable, confident, et cetera. The pedal is fairly firm and requires a good bit of pressure but you're rewarded with pretty tremendous stopping power. The shocks firm up under hard braking and I noticed no discernible difference between Comfort and Sport Plus during my runs. There was quite a lot of spring back after each stop — my head whacked the headrest on four out of the five runs. The pedal does feels strangely wooden, but the driver is never bothered by ABS pulsing or other vibrations. Total confidence."

2019 M850i Coupe Handling

"Big numbers from a big car. The ESC is very well-calibrated (at least on the skid pad), as there was no real difference in times/numbers no matter what mode I had selected. Turn-in is very quick and it feels like there's fast-acting rear steering at these speeds. Throttle control is a bit clunky and I'd like something more finite — especially with these capabilities. Very accurate steering, but there's not much mention of grip from the wheel. Thankfully the car defaults to a mild push and feels totally safe. Sport Plus steering mode feels really good and isn't unduly heavy."

2019 BMW M850i Coupe Vehicle Details

Drivetrain
Drive Type: All-Wheel Drive
Engine Type: Conventional Gasoline                                                                 
Engine Configuration: V8                                                    
Engine Displacement (liters): 4.4                                                   
Engine Induction Type: Turbocharged                                                               
Indicated Redline: 6,000
Actual Redline (rev limit): 6,500                                           
Fuel Type: 91 octane                                                                    
Transmission Type: Automatic                                                                
Transmission Speeds: 8
Paddle Shifters: Yes, wheel mounted                                                       
Downshift Rev Match/Throttle Blip: Yes                                    
Holds Gears at Rev Limiter: No

Curb Weight and Weight Distribution
Curb weight as tested (lbs): 4,382                                       
Weight L/F (lbs): 1,168                                   
Weight L/R (lbs): 1,000                                             
Weight R/F (lbs): 1,223                                             
Weight R/R (lbs): 991                                               
Weight distribution, front (%): 54.6                                                 
GVWR (lbs): Not given                                   

Brakes
ABS Type: Full ABS                                                           
Brake Rotor Type - Front: 1-Piece Disc                                    
Brake Rotor (other) - Front: Vented                                                                   
Brake Caliper Type - Front: Fixed                                                            
Brake Pistons - Front: 4                                            
Brake Rotor Type - Rear: 1-Piece Disc                                                              
Brake Rotor (other) - Rear: Vented                                                          
Brake Caliper Type - Rear: Sliding                                      
Brake Pistons - Rear: 1                                                                 
Parking Brake: Button                           

Tires
Tire pressure spec - Front: 39                                                                 
Tire pressure spec - Rear: 39                                             
Tire Make: Bridgestone                         
Tire Model: Potenza S007                               
Tire Tread: Asymmetrical                                                              
Tire Type: Regular                                                              
Tire Season: Summer                                                                   
Tire Size (sidewall) - Front: 245/35 R20 95Y                                  
Tire Size (sidewall) - Rear: 275/30 R20 97Y                                   
Spare Tire Type: Sealant plus inflator                                                      
Tire Treadwear Rating: 240                                                                    
Tire Temperature Rating: A                                                                     
Tire Traction Rating: A      

About the Driver
From radar guns to GPS-driven data loggers, Jonathan has been pushing cars to their limits (for science!) since 2005. Today, he helps manage Edmunds' testing dream team.

When BMW debuted the new 8 Series earlier this year, it had been two decades since we last saw the German automaker's flagship coupe. Though the new 8 Series didn't stun us with the avant-garde styling of its predecessor, its bespoke interior appointments and wealth of high-tech features impressed us. When we finally got behind the wheel last week in Portugal, we lauded its thundering V8 and surprisingly dynamic chassis.

We also noted the lack of room behind the driver. The 8 Series is nearly the same size as the previous 6 Series coupe, and while its design commands attention from pedestrians and drivers alike, the swoopy roof makes it nearly impossible to fit another pair of adults in the back.

Enter the 2019 BMW 8 Series Convertible. Although rear legroom is still at a premium, the soft top provides an additional inch of headroom with the top up and a limitless amount while lowered. So there's a good, practical reason to drop an extra $10,000 on this particular convertible super-coupe.

Coupe Versus Convertible

Chopping off the roof does little to spoil the 8 Series' near-fastback profile. The decklid is slightly longer to accommodate the multi-layered fabric roof and folding mechanism. When lowered, they are hidden under a stitched cover that matches other interior trim pieces.

Fashioning a convertible out of a coupe does, however, come with a weight penalty. At 4,478 pounds, the coupe wasn't a lightweight to begin with, and the soft top adds roughly 250 pounds. Drivers are unlikely to notice the difference when hitting the accelerator — the M850i xDrive's twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 produces ample power (523 horsepower, 553 pound-feet of torque), allowing the 8 Series convertible to hit 60 mph from a standstill in 3.8 seconds, just 0.2 second slower than the coupe.

The Same Excellent Grand Tourer

For the most part, the two body styles share the same level of equipment and features, but there are a few notable differences. Since taller passengers can now sit in the back, the rear headrests are attached to the rear bulkhead, rather than simply being a padded upper portion of the seat. Both the standard Harman Kardon and optional Bowers & Wilkins audio systems employ 12 speakers, versus the coupe's 16. Finally, the convertible offers optional neck warmers for top-down comfort. Front occupants can select between three heat settings or an automatic mode that adjusts based on vehicle speed.

The 2019 BMW M850i xDrive Convertible goes on sale in March 2019, with an MSRP of $122,395, including destination. With the exception of the exclusive neck-warming system, optional features are expected to mirror those of the coupe. These include an exterior carbon-fiber package, additional driver support systems, glass interior controls and a night-vision system.

There was no shortage of one-hit wonders in the 1990s, and that term wasn't limited to recording artists such as Chumbawamba, Lou Bega and Natalie Imbruglia. BMW's 8 Series coupe was another '90s icon that faded from view like the Y2K computer bug. Nostalgia has a funny way of dusting off the past, though, and today the 8 Series is back on a revival tour.

The all-new 2019 BMW M850i has little in common with the original 8 Series except, crucially, its ability to turn heads and stir the imagination. In this current age where SUVs dominate sales, a sleek and sporty coupe is just what we needed to reinvigorate our love of aspirational cars.

I'm Too Sexy

The styling of the BMW M850i embodies the classic lines of a luxury sport coupe. Up front is an aggressive fascia with massive inlets that suggest this beast needs a lot of air to perform. The long hood hints that there's a massive engine underneath, while the sculpted profile conjures up images of lean and muscular athletes trained for speed. It's stylish and sexy without being gimmicky or cartoonish.

Fortunately, the appearance is backed by real performance. Motivation comes from an updated version of BMW's familiar twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 that produces 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. That power is sent to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. BMW estimates it will reach 62 mph in 3.7 seconds and we're inclined to believe it.

All of these looks and performance don't come cheap. When the M850i arrives in showrooms this December, prices will start just shy of $113,000. A closer look at what you get for that hefty sum could make the cost a bit less painful, though. In addition to the expected luxury and technology features, the aforementioned all-wheel-drive system is standard, as is a sport exhaust system, an adaptive suspension, all-wheel steering and premium leather upholstery.

Whoomp! There It Is

A tap of the ignition button awakens the burly V8 with a sinister growl. Even though there's implied aggression from the engine and exhaust notes, the motor itself is buttery-smooth. Acceleration is effortless when driven conservatively and explosive when provoked. Switching from the default Comfort drive mode to Sport Plus opens up a flap in the exhaust for an even more pulse-quickening roar. From the outside, the sound is positively awe-inspiring, and inside, it's just as glorious. Yes, it is augmented by synthetic sounds pumped through the speakers, but that's a fair trade considering how quiet the cabin is. Thanks to the absence of European-mandated particulate filters, the American-spec 8 Series will sound even better.

We had an opportunity to explore the M850i's performance at the Estoril race circuit in Portugal. Extracting the most from the coupe is as easy as it is enjoyable. You certainly feel all 4,400-plus pounds of the car's weight when tossing it into corners, but it responds with the kind of grace that encourages the driver to push harder still. Exceeding the handling limits results in a manageable slide, and the stability control allows these theatrics to reach very rewarding levels as long as the driver stays committed. Once the throttle pressure is decreased or the limits are further exceeded, the system kicks in and snaps the car back to its intended path. Reducing the traction control one step allows for even more entertainment while still maintaining a fail-safe if the driver gets in too deep.

The capable brakes offer additional assurance, but the pedal is just a bit too soft for track duty, although it feels appropriate for this kind of car. Overall, the M850i exceeds our expectations in regard to performance. For the rare driver who desires even more thrills (ourselves included), there will be a true M8 version to follow.

Truly Madly Deeply

Despite the 8 Series' impressive performance, comfort remains praiseworthy. The ride is stiffer than that of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe or Lexus LC 500 but still compliant enough to soak up rough pavement, contributing to the BMW's pleasing blend of luxury and sport. The same can be said of its striking interior. The cabin design is as sharp as the body, with beveled accents that echo exterior elements. High-quality materials are abundant, as supple leather covers the dash and door panels, interrupted by attractive metallic trim pieces that add to the overall appeal.

The front seats are understandably biased toward long-distance comfort rather than sporty lateral support and feature plenty of adjustments to suit a variety of body types. We would suggest adding the climate-controlled seat option since the leather can get a bit steamy, especially when the driver is exploiting the car's performance potential.

The rear seats deliver an entirely different experience. The lack of headroom and legroom makes those seats only suitable for children, and even then, comfort could be questionable. The forthcoming 8 Series convertible will obviously solve the headroom issue with the top down, but legroom will still be limited and shoulder space will be narrower. Accessing the rear compartment also requires an awkward squeeze between the front seat and the door jamb. If this is a deal-breaker for you, fear not because there will also be a four-door Gran Coupe model that promises much more space.

As is the case with many coupes of this variety, you're better off using the rear seats for luggage overflow instead of passengers. Because this is a common coupe shortcoming, we don't judge the M850i too harshly. It partially redeems itself with a trunk capacity of almost 15 cubic feet, which is more generous than the norm.

We also don't deduct many points for the absence of a seat-belt presenter, which would eliminate the twisting and straining required to reach the belts. Likewise, we give the comically large key fob a pass because you can set up your smartphone to replace it. There's also a credit-card-size substitute to gain access and start the car. Other technologies, such as the typical advanced safety features and low-level automated driving assistants, are either present or available. The standard infotainment system is the latest iteration of BMW's commendable iDrive interface that boasts cordless Apple CarPlay and a new screen layout that simplifies operation.

Everybody Dance Now

Even though it took almost two decades, the 2019 BMW 8 Series has broken free of its one-hit-wonder status. This sophomore entry distinguishes itself with attractive style and exciting performance. With convertible, Gran Coupe and true M Division variants on the way, the M850i should also have a broader appeal than its predecessor. It pays just enough homage to the original 8 Series while forging an identity all its own.

The last time that BMW made an 8 Series coupe, Bill Clinton was president of the United States, the Green Bay Packers were reigning Super Bowl champions, and Steve Urkel was one of the biggest names in television. And now, for the first time in 20 years, BMW is bringing back the 8 Series nameplate.

What is it?

The 2019 BMW 8 Series is a two-door, four-seater coupe that will sit near the top of BMW's lineup. If you're at all familiar with BMW's naming scheme, you know that the higher the numbers go, the more luxury you get. Cars like the 2 Series and 3 Series are more entry-level, while the 5 and 7 Series get more power and more accoutrements. BMW will introduce the 8 Series in just one trim level to start: the M850i xDrive. With a length of 191.2 inches and a wheelbase of 111.1 inches, the 8 Series is about the same size as BMW's 6 Series coupe that was last produced for the 2017 model year.

What's under the hood?

While more powertrains are likely to be announced in the near future, for now, we only get one. The M850i version of the 8 Series Coupe will be powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8. It's a revised version of the one that you get in the current 5 and 7 Series and produces a stout 523 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. It's connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive system, both of which BMW says have been tuned for sportier performance.

There is a lot of lightweight material used in the construction of the 8 Series Coupe, including aluminum for the doors and hood, magnesium for pieces of the passenger compartment, and carbon fiber for the transmission tunnel and optional carbon-fiber roof. That doesn't stop the M850i from being heavy, though. This two-door coupe weighs in at 4,478 pounds. For some context, that's 100 pounds more than the current M5 — a hefty two-door, no doubt. With the twin-turbo V8 and all-wheel drive, BMW claims that the new 8 Series is capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds and is limited to a top speed of 155 miles per hour.

What comes standard on the M850i?

Since the M850i xDrive theoretically sits near the top of BMW's lineup, it comes packed with all sorts of standard equipment. Underneath, it gets an adaptive suspension with electronically controlled dampers, active rear-wheel steering and 20-inch alloy wheels. It also comes standard with full LED headlights, a head-up display, premium leather upholstery, a 50/50-split folding rear seat, an 11-speaker sound system, a 12.3-inch center console display screen, wireless smartphone charging, forward collision warning with pedestrian sensors, front and rear parking sensors, parallel parking assist, and a 360-degree parking camera. It comes with four drive modes: Eco Pro, Comfort, Sport and Sport+. We don't have a full list of available options yet, but we do know that some of the items will include heated and ventilated seats, adaptive cruise control, steering assist and lane departure mitigation, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and braking, BMW night vision, and two available 16-speaker sound systems (one from Harman Kardon and the other from Bowers & Wilkins).

What's it like on the inside?

We haven't had a chance to sit inside the all-new 8 Series coupe yet, but there are a couple of things we can glean from the photos. The interior design isn't just a copy of what you'll find in the 5 or 7 Series. The gauges, air vents and driver-canted center stack are all special to the 8 Series. Of course, you still get BMW's iDrive system, which controls the infotainment through a large knob on the center console. The system is one of our favorites because it's easy to use and precise and it doesn't require taking your eyes off the road for long periods of time. We can also expect crisp, easily legible center console and driver displays. An improved head-up display with bigger and crisper graphics is also standard.

How much does the M850i cost?

According to BMW, pricing will be released closer to the on-sale date in fall of 2018. BMW's 2017 6 Series coupe started at around $78,000. With options, you could easily spec one out to well above $100,000. So naturally, we expect the 8 Series coupe to be priced a bit higher. For more details and a full review of the 2019 BMW 8 Series Coupe, be sure to stay tuned to Edmunds.