2020 BMW 8-Series

Pros: Robust power; refined cabin; good handling for a large car

Cons: Poor fuel economy in V8s; steep prices; limited back-seat room

CG Says: The 2020 BMW 8-Series line gains entry-level 6-cylinder models and high-performance M8s. The rear-wheel-drive 840i and all-wheel-drive 840i xDrive are powered by a 335-horsepower turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six. The M8 packs a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 that develops 600 hp in the base M8 and 617 hp in the M8 Competition. For 2019, the 8-Series nameplate returned to BMW’s model lineup after an absence of 20 years. The 8-Series coupe and convertible took the place of the departed 6-Series coupe and convertible in BMW’s model lineup. Plus, there is an 8-Series Gran Coupe that is a 4-door sedan with a coupe-like roofline (see separate report). Besides the new 840i and M8, there is also an M850i xDrive powered by a 523-horsepower twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8. All engines are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and all have standard all-wheel drive—except the 840i. Both coupe and convertible seat four, although the back seat is of the “plus two” variety with little legroom. Available safety features include autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot alert, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, deployable roll bars (convertible), and surround-view camera. Other available features include a neck warmer (convertible), wireless cell-phone charging, Wi-Fi hotspot, 4-wheel steering, and park assist. The 8-Series is a large, comfortable touring machine that is also blindingly fast, with fine handling for its size. Prices are steep, but the 8-Series is a dual personality car that can waft along the boulevard or hustle down a curvy stretch of road with equal aplomb.