Unveiling the Power and Luxury of the 2024 BMW M850i 8 Series: A Closer Look

2024 BMW 8-Series Gran Coupe
Starting at $91.795

Highs: Slick styling, potent turbocharged engines, added sensibility of four doors.
Lows: Tall folks may feel pinched in the back seat, the hot V-8 engine is an expensive option, steering lacks road feel.
Verdict: The 8-series Gran Coupe offers plenty of presence to augment its turbo muscle.

Overview

BMW didn't invent the four-door coupe body style, but its 2024 8-series Gran Coupe is one of the best-looking examples we can think of. Its flowing lines and dramatic fastback roofline cut an elegant silhouette whether it's cruising or parked. A silky-smooth turbocharged six-cylinder engine is standard, but a honking twin-turbo V-8 is available if you want more muscle. Both are quick, dispatching the big sedan to 60 mph in 4.7 and 3.0 seconds, respectively. The downside of the 8-series' dramatic exterior styling, though, is a rear seat that's tight for tall passengers—but that's true of its rivals as well. Speaking of which, the 8-series runs in a class of excellent sports sedans that includes the Audi S7, the Porsche Panamera, and the Mercedes-AMG GT four-door, all of which offer similar performance and panache.

What's New for 2024?

BMW hasn't changed a thing on the 8-series Gran Coupe for 2024 and it rolls into the new year the same stylish and luxurious sedan it was last year.
Pricing and Which One to Buy

The price of the 2024 BMW 8-series Gran Coupe starts at $91.795 and goes up to $150.295 depending on the trim and options.
840i: $91,795
M850i: $107,295
ALPINA B8: $150,295

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

A smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission and a pair of velvety engines highlight the 8-series Gran Coupe. The 840i features a 335-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder powertrain that feeds either rear- or all-wheel drive. The M850i boasts a 523-hp twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 and standard all-wheel drive. While the base engine doesn't pack the wallop that the V-8 does, it's still plenty quick and produces a pleasant timbre when rushed. Those looking for more substantial thrust won't be disappointed by the M850i, which has a detuned version of the engine in the BMW M8 Gran Coupe (reviewed separately) that makes up to 617 ponies. The Alpina B8 model nearly matches the M8 Gran Coupe with a 612-hp version of the twin-turbo V-8; BMW claims it's capable of a zero-to-60-mph time of just 3.3 seconds. All of the 8s provide a splendid ride and playful handling responses. While the steering delivers little feedback when the road turns twisty, the big Bimmer compensates with strong brakes and the aforementioned powertrain refinement.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Like the two-door 8-series coupe and convertible, the Gran Coupe's interior is lavishly outfitted—albeit sedately styled. All models have a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, customizable ambient lighting, a large head-up display, leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, and wireless charging. The cabin can be further upgraded with fancier headliners, glass switchgear, and multifunctional seats with increased adjustability. The driving position is very comfortable thanks to a well-placed dead pedal. Forward visibility is excellent, but the rearward view through the steeply angled fastback's glass is restricted. Legroom is more generous in the back seat of the Gran Coupe than in its two-door counterparts but—thanks to the car's sharply angled roofline—headroom is tighter. The four-door 8-series is also more practical than its coupe sibling. We managed to fit up to 15 carry-on suitcases inside with its rear seat stowed versus the 11 total bags in the coupe. Both body styles held five suitcases in their trunks, while the convertible held one fewer for four total.