The Car Connection Expert Review
Likes
- Sleek lines
- Nice interior
- Lots of tech
- Impressive acceleration
Dislikes
- M versions are very thirsty
- Best driver-assistance tech is optional
- Cramped interiors
- Hefty price
Buying tip
features & specs
Sleek both in terms of style and performance, the 2024 BMW 8-Series lineup is a suitable flagship for this performance-oriented brand.
What kind of vehicle is the 2024 BMW 8-Series? What does it compare to?
BMW applies its 8-Series badge to a coupe and a convertible as well as a low-roof sedan. They’re rivals to the Audi RS7 and Mercedes-Benz AMG GT, as well as the Lexus LC and Porsche 911.
Is the 2024 BMW 8-Series a good car?
It’s a fabulous choice, as it should be for six figures (or well more). We base our 7.0 out of 10 rating on the Gran Coupe sedan, which is the most practical choice. (Read more about how we rate cars.)
What's new for the 2024 BMW 8-Series?
After a refresh last year, the 8-Series sees few notable changes for 2024.
The 8-Series comes in three basic flavors, all of which share powertrains and underpinnings. The Gran Coupe is the four-door model, which is more like a sexy 5-Series than a sleek 7. The big 8-Series Coupe and Convertible models share styling elements outside, plus they are essentially the same as the Gran Coupe from the driver’s seat. Look for elegant styling and upscale materials inside, plus a large 10.3-inch touchscreen.
Base 840i models use a 335-hp 3.0-liter turbo-6 that does duty in a variety of BMW models. The 523-hp 4.4-liter V-8 in M850i models can be tuned to a hefty 617 hp in the M8 Competition. All but the base 840i come with all-wheel drive. Don’t look for a manual; this lineup is 8-speed automatic-only. All models are downright rapid and boast a comfortable ride and willing handling.
Fuel economy isn’t bad in 840i guise at 24 mpg combined. Other models are guzzlers, though.
Toward the top of the lineup, you’ll also find the 2024 Alpina B8 Gran Coupe. Its high-zoot interior is paired with a 612-hp version of the 414-hp V-8. Performance-wise, look for it to deliver a more comfortable ride than the similarly priced M8.
These are driver’s cars through and through, including in their cabins. Even the Gran Coupe isn’t really all that practical. It’s best appreciated from the driver’s seat, which is supportive and all-day comfortable. Two-door models have a rear seat that’s best considered an extension of their trunks.
As with most high-end, low-volume models, the 8-Series lineup has not been crash tested. BMW includes a good array of driver-assistance tech, though it leaves off some of its top hands-free tech.
How much does the 2024 BMW 8-Series cost?
Both the two-door coupe and the Gran Coupe start at $91,795 in 840i guise, and they can climb quickly from there. Base trim includes premium audio, leather seats, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto projection. It’s not hard to find your way into more power, more drive wheels, and plentiful luxury features as you work your way up to a $175,000 M8 Competition.
Where is the 2024 BMW 8-Series made?
In Germany.
2024 BMW 8-Series Styling
Sinister, sporty, and svelte, the 2024 BMW 8-Series is a styling standout.
Is the BMW 8-Series a good-looking car?
Indeed, and it mostly escapes the automaker’s rather garish recent designs. We rate the lineup at 9 out of 10, with two points each for its interior and exterior.
Gran Coupe models have a low roofline paired with a four-door configuration, in the vein of the smaller Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class. Coupes and convertibles have a more traditional profile, though all share a front end with a wide version of BMW’s classic kidney grille and swept-back headlights. Narrow taillights finish things off. Wheels range from 20 to 21 inches in most versions, and BMW offers plenty of choices. Shop accordingly.
Inside, look for an elegant, modern look with a 12.3-inch touchscreen canted toward the driver atop a slew of controls that are easy to sort through. All models have leather, though nicer hides and many interior finishers are optional. Don’t just settle for black or tan.
2024 BMW 8-Series Performance
BMW’s 8-Series lineup is agile, quick, and comfortable.
These cars come in four fast setups, depending on the body style, and they’re all refined and quick. We award points above average for stellar ride quality, quick acceleration, and great handling. They’re an 8 on the TCC scale.
Is the BMW 8-Series 4WD?
Base 840i versions are rear-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive is $3,000 more. Other models come with all-wheel drive, though the M8 Competition can be set to a rear-drive mode.
How fast is the BMW 8-Series?
It is no slouch. The base 840i uses a strong 335-hp 3.0-liter turbo-6 good for a 4.7-second run to 60 mph. We’d spend up for the M850i with its 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8, which delivers a hefty 523 hp and slices a second from the 60-mph run. The V-8 is stronger all around, delivering near-instant passing response.
In fact, we’d stick with the M850i over the M8 Competition’s 617-hp version of the V-8. Sure, it’s quicker, and it can go up to 189 mph in top form, but it’s just so pricey. And the M8 trades the supple ride in other versions for a downright stiff setup.
If anything, the M8 Competition may be a selling point for the Alpina B8. It’s softer and more refined, while just as quick.
The standard 8-speed automatic gearbox delivers rapid shifts when left in drive. Numerous additional drive modes can tighten up shifts even more.
All models have great steering response and decent feel. For big cars, they’re nimble and light on their feet. Strong braking adds confidence, though the available carbon ceramic brakes on the M8 Competition are too grabby for city use. They’re also bound to cost a small fortune to service, so plan accordingly.
2024 BMW 8-Series Comfort & Quality
The 2024 BMW 8-Series trades space for style.
BMW’s big coupes and coupe-like sedan have gorgeous cabins, but interior volume and cargo space is at a premium. They’re a 7 on our scale thanks to a lovely feel and comfortable front seats, and a usable trunk. Tight rear seats mean we dock them a point.
All models have plentiful power adjustment and heating up front; cooling is widely available. Gran Coupes have small rear door openings that reveal a cramped second row. Coupes and convertibles are far worse; the second row there is best for small luggage. Gran Coupes have a 15.5 cubic-foot trunk that is on the big size for a sleek four-door, though coupes and convertibles have a bit less space.
Look for lovely materials across the lineup. Optional softer leather dresses things up even more.
2024 BMW 8-Series Safety
BMW offers lots of driver-assistance tech on the 8-Series, though much of it is optional.
How safe is the BMW 8-Series?
It hasn’t been subjected to federal or independent crash testing, which is typical for a high-end luxury model sold in low volumes. Accordingly, we can’t assign a rating here.
BMW includes basic standard crash-avoidance and driver-assistance tech, which seems stingy for six figures or more. You’ll find automatic emergency braking and adaptive LED headlights with automatic high beams in all. BMW wants extra for adaptive cruise control, hands-free low-speed driving for high-traffic situations, blind-spot monitors, automatic parking, front/rear parking sensors, cross-traffic alerts, and a surround-view camera system. A lot of that tech is standard on cars costing a fraction of what BMW charges for the 8-Series.
2024 BMW 8-Series Features
The 2024 BMW 8-Series is as well-equipped as it should be for nearly six figures.
The 8-Series lineup comes well-equipped from the get-go, as you should expect from a lineup that can quickly climb into six figures. We rate them at 9 out of 10 thanks to good standard fare, plentiful options, and a big infotainment screen. Plus, we add a point for BMW’s 4-year/50,000-mile warranty, which includes 3 years/36,000 miles’ worth of free maintenance.
The lineup begins at $91,795 for either an 840i Coupe or an 840i Gran Coupe. The convertible is nearly $10,000 more. That money buys leather seats with power adjustment up front, a 10.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 19-inch alloy wheels, a head-up display, and Harman/Kardon audio.
Which BMW 8-Series should I buy?
If you’re spending this much, you might as well go all in. The M850i costs $107,295, though it includes all-wheel drive ($3,000 otherwise), plus a sport suspension and upgraded brakes. It’s not hard to add another $10,000 in features.
How much is a fully loaded BMW 8-Series?
The M8 Competition costs nearly $140,000 to start, and even then BMW charges extra for its best driver-assistance tech, a surround-view camera system, and Bowers & Wilkins audio. Those so inclined can spend $10,000 on carbon fiber trim inside and out, plus another $8,500 on strong carbon ceramic brakes. We’d be most inclined to opt for the M Driver’s Package that for $2,500 includes a day-long performance driving course.
The Alpina B8 at the top of the lineup runs about $150,000, though it’s offered with few customization options aside from high-zoot audio and additional driver-assistance tech.
2024 BMW 8-Series Fuel Economy
The 8-Series can be somewhat frugal in 840i form.
Is the BMW 8-Series good on gas?
It’s actually not bad in its base form. The 840i models are estimated as high as 21 mpg city, 29 highway, 24 combined, regardless of drive wheels. M850i and Alpina models check in at just 19 mpg combined, though. And the M8 Competition? It’s among BMW’s thirstiest new cars at just 15/22/17 mpg.
All models need premium fuel.
