The 8 Series returns as BMW's grand tourer flagship, not a supercar

Since its 2018 revival, the BMW 8 Series has occupied a narrow slice of the market: a large, luxury-focused grand tourer offered in Coupé, Convertible, and four-door Gran Coupé bodies. Unlike the original 1990s car, it does not chase exotic supercar numbers. Instead, it competes with the Mercedes-Benz SL, the Lexus LC, and the Porsche 911 Carrera for buyers who want a daily-usable, high-performance grand tourer with a back seat that actually fits adults. The main reason to consider it is the Gran Coupé body style, which gives the sporty package genuine four-door practicality without losing the low-slung silhouette of the two-door versions. (Source: https://www.bmw.com/en-au/models/8-series.html)

Why consider BMW 8 Series

The 8 Series stands apart from the Mercedes-Benz SL and the Lexus LC by offering three distinct body styles on one platform, so you can choose the same powertrain with two doors or four. The Gran Coupé is the standout: it delivers the driving character of the Coupé but with a longer wheelbase and noticeably more rear legroom, making it a rare true four-seat grand tourer in this price class.

• Body style flexibility — Coupé, Convertible, and Gran Coupé share the same core, which is rare at this level.
• 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 in the M850i produces strong, linear torque with a muted, refined soundtrack rather than an aggressive one.
• xDrive all-wheel drive adds all-season confidence that rear-drive rivals like the Lexus LC cannot match.
• Interior materials and assembly quality are noticeably higher than earlier BMW generations, closer to the 7 Series than the 5 Series.

Against the Porsche 911, the 8 Series trades some sharpness for daily comfort, but it is quieter, roomier, and more usable as an only car. (Source: https://www.bmw.ca/en/all-models/8-series/2026-8series.html)

Specifications and powertrains

840i (3.0-liter inline-6) The base engine is a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six producing around 335 horsepower, available in all three body styles with rear-wheel drive or optional xDrive. EPA fuel economy is roughly 23-25 mpg combined depending on body and drivetrain.

M850i xDrive (4.4-liter V8) The volume performance model uses a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 rated near 523 horsepower with standard all-wheel drive. Expect about 19-20 mpg combined; the V8 is smooth and flexible but not frugal. (Source: https://www.bmw.com/en-au/models/8-series.html)

M8 (4.4-liter V8, high-output) The M8 and M8 Competition raise output to roughly 600-617 horsepower with the same displacement. EPA figures are comparable to the M850i at about 17-19 mpg combined, and the M8 comes only as Coupé, Convertible, or Gran Coupé with xDrive. All engines use an 8-speed automatic; there is no manual option across the range.

Payment reality

New U.S. pricing for the 8 Series starts in the mid-$90,000 range for the 840i and climbs past $115,000 for the M850i, with the M8 approaching $145,000. Monthly payments are driven by the same factors as any luxury car: down payment, loan term, interest rate, and residual value. The 8 Series depreciates significantly in the first three years, so a lease with a strong residual can sometimes cost less than financing a purchase, especially on the V8 models where demand softens quickly. Resale values tend to lag the Porsche 911 and hold better than the Mercedes-Benz SL in the long term. Use the calculator below with your term and rate to get an accurate figure — the sticker price alone does not tell the monthly story.

Warranty and maintenance

BMW backs the 8 Series with a 4-year/50,000-mile limited warranty and a 4-year/50,000-mile roadside assistance plan. Scheduled maintenance is covered for 3 years or 36,000 miles under BMW Ultimate Care, which includes oil changes, brake fluid, and the required services at those intervals. After the included period, service costs rise noticeably; the V8 engines use more oil and the run-flat tires wear faster than typical. Parts availability is strong nationwide through BMW dealers, but independent BMW specialists in larger metro areas can perform routine service at lower labor rates without voiding the powertrain warranty.

Who BMW 8 Series suits

This car fits buyers who want daily grand-touring comfort, rear-seat space for occasional passengers, and a V8 soundtrack — without the spartan focus of a Porsche 911. It works well for commuting on freeways, long road trips, and weekend canyon runs, and the Gran Coupé version replaces a sedan without sacrificing practicality. If you value sharp handling over comfort, the 911 Carrera and the Mercedes-Benz SL are sharper alternatives. If you prioritize a high-revving naturally aspirated V8 with a more dramatic design, the Lexus LC 500 is the emotional pick, though it lags the BMW in technology and body-style choice.