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 high-performance M8 returns to the BMW 8-Series lineup for 2022. It now has a standard Competition Package that ups horsepower to 617. The base 840i models gain a standard M Sport package with upgraded brakes, 19-inch wheels, and unique trim. 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). The rear-wheel-drive 840i and all-wheel-drive 840i xDrive are powered by a 335-horsepower turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six. The all-wheel-drive M850i xDrive packs a 523-horsepower twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8. The M8 Competition has a 617-hp version of the M850i engine and also has all-wheel drive. All engines are paired with an 8-speed automatic. 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 2022 BMW 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.
Class | Premium Sporty/Performance Car |
Body Style(s) | 2-door coupe, 2-door convertible |
Passenger Count | 4 |
Drive Wheels | rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive |
Manufacturer | BMW |
Nation of Manufacture | Germany |
Base Prices | 840i coupe: $85,995 AWD 840i xDrive coupe: $88,895 840i convertible: $98,095 AWD 840i xDrive convertible: 100,995 AWD M850i xDrive coupe: $100,895 AWD M850i xDrive convertible: $113,095 AWD M8 Competition coupe: $131,995 AWD M8 Competition convertible: $141,495 |
Base Engine turbocharged 3.0-liter six (840i) |
Horsepower 335 |
Std. Transmission 8-speed automatic |
Avail. Transmission NA |
EPA City Range (mpg) 20-23 |
EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 27-30 |
Base Engine turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 (M850i, M8 Competition) |
Horsepower 523 (617 M8 Competition) |
Std. Transmission 8-speed automatic |
Avail. Transmission NA |
EPA City Range (mpg) 15-17 |
EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 21-25 |