The 2019 BMW M850i goes on sale in the United States next month and Edmunds has taken a spin in the all-new coupe which revives the celebrated 8-Series moniker.
Set to compete with the Mercedes S-Class Coupe, the M850i starts at $111,900. This means the model costs nearly as much as the 2017 M6 Coupe which carried a base price of $113,700.
While the model is certainly expensive, the car is pretty impressive as features a 4.4-liter TwinPower Turbo V8 engine that produces 523 hp (390 kW / 530 PS) and 553 lb-ft (748 Nm) of torque. It is connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission which enables the M850i to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 3.6 seconds before hitting a limited top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h).
So how it is to drive? Reviewer Mark Takahashi says the car feels heavy, but is nicely balanced. The engine also produces plenty of power and it’s mated to a good transmission which produces quick shifts. The good news doesn’t stop there as the high-performance coupe also comes with excellent brakes and a traction control system that isn’t overly aggressive.
The interior is also pretty nice as the reviewer praises the 8-Series’ material quality and equipment. Speaking of the latter, the car comes standard with a 12.3-inch digital instrument, a 10.25-inch infotainment system and Merino Individual leather. Other niceties include heated seats, an ambient lighting system and a Harman Kardon audio system.
Of course, everything isn’t perfect. The 8-Series doesn’t have seat belt presenters, so drivers have to awkwardly reach behind them in order to buckle up.
That isn’t the only issue as the rear seats are tiny and there’s not even enough headroom for someone who is 5’ 10” (177.8 cm) tall. Entry and egress is also an issue and Takahashi says he wouldn’t want to sit back there even in a pinch.