While BMW previewed the new 8 Series Gran Coupe as an M8 model last year, its first production version is going to be this M850i. But with a 4.4-liter V8 engine producing 530 HP and a price tag of around $120,000, this is hardly a "base model."
In truth, we're not really looking at a successor to the 650i Gran Coupe because this M Performance model has a great deal more torque. However, that's to be expected, since the 650i only costs about $90,000.
The tech we're talking about includes a new version of the 4.4-liter V8, which uses fresh turbos and internals to deliver 530 HP plus a healthy boost of torque. It's going to be sent to a permanent but rear-biased all-wheel-drive system.
If you're looking for the biggest four-door coupe around, the M850i is going to be your prime pick. For this kind of money, no other automaker will offer you as much power or even a V8 engine (Audi S7 and CLS 53 use 6-cylinder units).
Even though there's no getting around the fact that the M850i is a big as a limo, it handles pretty well around the Nurburgring. It also sounds way better than some of the other V8 models, especially the M550i.
While undoubtedly sexier, the non-Gran Coupe version of this car is only really suited for two people. However, the slightly dorkier body we see on the Nurburgring is superior. We can see that compared to the 6er GC, the roof extends further back to create more headroom. The easiest way to spot this is to also examine the rear windows.
When it comes to the U.S., the Gran Coupe should have some pretty nice toys included as standard, including the LaserLight LED headlights, 6-speaker Harman Kardon stereo, adaptive suspension and M-sport brakes. Of course, you will be able to spend even more money on things like a carbon fiber roof, cosmetic pack, black wheels or the Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound system.
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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