2020 BMW 8-Series Gran Coupe Combines Good Looks With Up To 523 HP

The BMW 8-Series lineup is growing as the company has unveiled the all-new Gran Coupe variant.

Looking significantly more attractive than the 6-Series Gran Coupe, the 8-Series has a familiar front fascia that closely echoes the standard model.  As a result, the car has a wide grille that is flanked by adaptive LED headlights with laserlights.

Despite the familiar design, the Gran Coupe has a less rakish windscreen and a taller roof. The model also has two rear doors and a pronounced shoulder line.  A panoramic glass moonroof will come standard, but the M850i xDrive Gran Coupe will eventually be offered with an optional carbon fiber roof.

Compared to the Coupe, the Gran Coupe is 9.0 inches (228.6 mm) longer, 1.2 inches (30.5 mm) wider and 2.2 inches (55.9 mm) taller.  The wheelbase has also been stretched by 7.9 inches (200.7 mm) to allow for more practical rear seats.

Speaking of the latter, the model has an extra 3.4 inches (86.4 mm) of rear seat headroom as well as an additional 7.1 inches (180.3 mm) of legroom.  Rear shoulder room also improves by 7.7 inches (195.5 mm), while trunk space climbs by 0.7 cubic feet (19.8 liters).

The cabin largely carries over and drivers will find a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster as well as 10.25-inch infotainment system.  Other highlights include heated front sport seats, ambient lighting and a 40:20:40 split folding rear seat.  There’s also a head-up display, a wireless smartphone charger and a 16-speaker Harman-Kardon audio system.

An assortment of options will be available including a Driving Assistance Professional package. It includes Active Cruise Control, Active Blind Spot Detection, Lane Departure Warning, Surround View Camera, Parking Assistant, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Speed Limit Information.

At launch, the model will be offered with an assortment of different engines including a 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder that produces 335 hp (250 kW / 340 PS) and 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque. It is connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission which can be paired to an optional all-wheel drive system. With the latter option checked, the car can accelerate from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 4.9 seconds, before hitting a limited top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h).

Diesel fans can opt for the 840d xDrive Gran Coupe which has a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine producing 316 hp (235 kW / 320 PS) and 501 lb-ft (680 Nm) of torque. It is paired exclusively to an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard all-wheel drive system. This allows the model to run from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 5.1 seconds and onto a limited top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h).

Driving looking for something more powerful can wait for the M8 Gran Coupe or settle for the M850i xDrive. The latter has a 4.4-liter TwinPower Turbo V8 developing 523 hp (390 kW / 530 PS) and 553 lb-ft (750 Nm) of torque. Thanks to the extra power, the dash to 62 mph (100 km/h) is cut to 3.9 seconds while the top speed remains unchanged.

The United States won’t get the diesel-powered variant, but customers can opt for the 840i, 840i xDrive or M850i xDrive. They will arrive in America this September and pricing starts at $84,900. All-wheel drive adds $2,900 to the base price, while the M850i xDrive Gran Coupe will begin at $108,900.