BMW 8 Series review | Is it the ultimate GT car?

Watch our video review of the new BMW 8 Series Coupe. Slotting in at the top of the German manufacturer’s range, this sleek two-door coupe resurrects the iconic 8 Series name of the 1990s and features the latest BMW has to offer in both driving dynamics and in-car tech.

But does that mean it’s better than key rivals such as the excellent Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe and Bentley Continental? We test the 840d model to find out.

Don’t forget to LIKE the video and SUBSCRIBE to the Parkers channel if you enjoyed this video, and give us your feedback in the comments section below.

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[theoneandonly]

This video was very informative and the presenter did a good job of being engaging whilst being professional and I didn't find him boring at any point. Please continue with similar car reviews but also consider doing drag races and perhaps laptimes with back to back comparisons, that will capture a larger audience but so far so good from a newish channel. Keep up the good work, you have gained a new subscriber!

[AndrewKNI]

Informative and comprehensive review as usual James. Nice car, looks well on the road but way beyond of my price point! Now where is my lotto ticket!!

[dendemano]

I delivered a 840D on a 200 mile run. In Comfort mode it was Uber smooth, slick, seamless changes and effortless mid range takeover pull. The torque was impressive, as in the delivery was more akin to a petrol engine. A constant linear surge from about 11000 rpm, with virtually no lag. Sport plus mode gave the car a definite and noticeable difference. The change in dynamics offered you the feeling that you were driving two separate cars. It wasn’t my vehicle, so I treated it with respect, but I still feel like I have a fair idea of what the car is like. It’s slightly academic, as I can’t afford it anyway, but I cannot imagine myself paying the asking price for the car that I drove. £82:000! Lexus LC 500 I’m afraid, folks.

[swiss]

Best to buy this in a few years time and then it will be a bargain just like my 640d gran coupe

[Mentis-de]

Ths is the 4 series for rich.
Sadly i can't afford that car now :( maybe in 10 years without riding into a life long credit debt...

[omsval]

How does this compare as a GT car compared to the new 4 series’s?

[malcolmdarer]

Just had a Cayman GTS which was fun I now own 850I conv which is just as fun more confortable and practical however a touch pricey!

[br_i]

"I can't quite figure out what you're going to get in here that you won't get in the new 4-series when it comes out". This has to be one of the most baffling statements I've heard in any car review. Do you already somehow know what the upcoming 4-series is like? Has your future self somehow already reviewed it and told your current self this? If not, then what was the point of this statement? None of us can buy an "upcoming 4-series" yet, and 99% guaranteed, it's not going to have the same fascia, wheelbase, handling, or engines.

Also, I don't know how you expect the BMW to be "more engaging" when you expect it to have a softer suspension than the Mercedes you kept comparing this to. Road-feel through stiffer suspension is what BMWs are known for, which is part of the engagement factor. An M8 would have even stiffer suspension. Seems you spent a lot of time in the 8 series, but not enough time thinking about the car you were reviewing over spending time thinking about other cars that don't even exist yet or those you'd rather be in.

[lewisratford]

Good fair review and it’s a shame that the car wasn’t more dynamically engaging. I find that’s what BMW do so well. I think what let’s BMW down is they lack uniqueness ( although well made ) with the Interiors as they are all the same. You know the 8 series style interior will be on the next 1 series. Something I wouldn’t like if I was spending 80k!

[charliemontero]

James this is a beast beautiful powerful impressive

[boopadin]

Today you can pick up a tidy 840d for the same price as a well spec'd Focus. I don't know why you'd want the Ford over this, depreciation has done us a favour again.

[jamiec]

Have you been in a S class ? It has some cheap materials in it too.

[lukaposeidon]

??? CHEAP MATERIALS THAT YOU CAN'T GET IN A S CLASS COUPE? IT HAS MORE CHEAP STUFF THAN THIS DOES. I FEEL LIKE EVERYONE IS HATING ON THIS CAR ON PURPOSE. ALSO IT'S NOT S CLASS COUPE COMPETITOR. MORE OF A GT63S AMG COMPETITOR.

[NickLiang]

It's too firm and not engaging enough? what the hell are you talking about. The point of a very stiff set up is to feel the road, which is why you feel the bumps and what the wheels are doing, like the reviewer said its too firm and this makes its uncomfortable but engages you with the road. Yet somehow its not comfortable enough and not engaging? This literally makes no sense at all. find another job.

[josephwong]

Not all 8 series are 4 wheel drive as you mentioned in the review. The base model 840i is rear wheel drive only. Be a responsible car reviewer check all your facts first before starting your review.

[Toddmars]

Wow u are wrong. The m8 and m850i allows you to switch between 4wd and 2wd like the new M5

[Aliens_Gonna_Get_Ya]

Beemer’s are just big fat useless cars
Buy a Boxster

[dkpirie]

You forgot to say, that it is also the ugliest looking GT currently available.