Originally introduced in 1990, the first-generation BMW 8 Series was a unique grand tourer. With its sporty design, it was the first road car to offer a V12 engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission and was also one of the first vehicles to be fitted with electronic drive-by-wire throttle.
After a gap of nearly two decades, BMW reintroduced their flagship 8 Series brand in 2018, firstly with a production coupé then a four-door Gran Coupé variant. Recently, the 8 Series Gran Coupé underwent a few tweaks and updates to help it keep pace with the competition.
The BMW 8 Series Gran Coupé offers sleek coupé-like styling, delivered with the practicality of a saloon. BMW are more than aware that some customers would prefer to drive a two-door coupé, however, a practical four-seat saloon serves more as an everyday car, thus the Gran Coupé is aimed at combining the best of both worlds.
In the eyes of the motoring world, the 8 Series Gran Coupé is slightly unusual in that it was the third model in the range to be released. Typically, four-door models come first, then manufacturers base their two-door models off that premise. BMW’s logic to do things the opposite way around was to establish that the solid grounding and character of their sports model shone through in their new Gran Coupé, as well as its usability and practicality.
The Gran Coupé is an excellent four-door, four-seater luxurious saloon oozing style, charm and charisma. It offers more room than the standard 8 Series Coupé, while still retaining the high-quality interior finish, design features, excellent standard spec list and state-of-the-art technology.
The main brief for designing the Gran Coupé 8 Series was to offer more practicality and usability. This brief has been achieved on all fronts, with a clear emphasis on performance and style for the luxury segment. By adding four doors and extending the wheelbase slightly, BMW have done very little to detract from the overall styling, balance and feel, creating a more sustainable car.
Despite its sloping roofline, rear passengers needn’t worry about lack of space; taller adults can sit in comfort without feeling encroached. There’s a central console in the back, thus only allowing for four passengers, however, it’s an extremely comfortable and relaxing place to be. Technically, BMW refer to it as a ‘4 + 1’ layout. Overall space is more usable than that of the two-door, with the Gran Coupé offering a 40/20/40 seat configuration and 440 litres of boot space.
BMW has ensured the Gran Coupé drives as well as it looks. The 8 Series is a big car; it’s wide and long, but it’s very easy to drive on the open road. Whether on winding country roads or motorway, the Gran Coupé is equally as confident, delivering a smooth ride with exemplary handling, agility and balance.
It’s extremely well built, as you’d expect from BMW, and carries familiar traits from some other models in the line-up. With fine leather and aluminium trim throughout the cabin, the interior feels solid and expensive options include wood and carbon fibre, along with a crystal-coated shifter. The large sweeping dashboard, which is angled towards the driver, consists of a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, along with a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen. Multimedia is controlled by the standard BMW Live Cockpit Professional system, which enables gesture and voice commands. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto sync up seamlessly.
The sat nav system provides real-time traffic updates, DAB radio and an excellent Harman Kardon sound system is standard throughout the range.
On the road, the Gran Coupé offers an engaging drive. The Servotronic speed sensitive steering is precise, with the four-wheel drive models featuring a neat integral active steering – in which rear wheels steer opposite to the front at low speeds when parking, then revert to the same direction at higher speeds.
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Adaptive M suspension is standard on all models, along with various modes settings – Eco Pro, Comfort and Sport. Eco allows the car to be driven with slightly softer suspension, looser steering and delivers better mpg. Comfort allows for everyday use and Sport stiffens the suspension and steering, delivering a firmer ride. Engine performance is impressive regardless of mode setting.
There aren’t any trim levels for the Gran Coupé, instead, specification is determined by the choice of engine. Merino leather upholstery is standard across the range as is a plentiful amount of standard equipment, including parking sensors, a rear-view camera, four-zone climate control and 19-inch alloys. The top of the range adds designer 20-inch alloys, a reprofiled front bumper and some subtle style tweaks. A panoramic glass sunroof is optional.
All model variants come equipped with an M Sports package as standard, with large lower air intakes at the front and a rear diffuser finished in dark metallic. M Sports callipers are also standard. An M Performance package is optional.
It holds a five-star NCAP safety rating and is equipped with a plethora of safety features as standard.
There are three powertrains available across the range – two petrols and one diesel, all using an eight-speed automatic gearbox, including steering wheel mounted paddles. There’s a 3.0-litre, 340hp straight-six petrol capable of 0-62mph in 5.2 seconds, a 3.0-litre, 340hp straight-six diesel with four-wheel drive managing 0-62mph in 5.1 seconds – with response being optimised via 48-volt mild hybrid technology, and the range-topping 4.4-litre, 530hp, twin-turbocharged V8 with all-wheel drive capable of 0-62mph in 3.9 seconds.
Fuel economy and CO2 emissions are surprisingly good given its size, with official figures for the 3.0-litre petrol at 37.7-38.2mpg and 191-211g/km, the 3.0-litre diesel at 44.8-45.6mpg and 174-186g/km, and the 4.4-litre managing 28.5mpg and 243-251g/km.
Prices for the 8 Series Gran Coupé start from £61,698 or £4,999 deposit with £777 per month.
The BMW 8 Series Gran Coupé is a charismatic luxurious cruiser. It may not have followed the conventional route in its evolution, but this saloon oozes charm, tech and driving pleasure.