$62,000
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Drive Type:
Front Wheel Drive
Transmission:
Automatic
Condition:
New
Engine Size:
3.8L
Doors:
2-door
Cylinders:
4
Color:
Grey
Offer Type:
Sale
Engine Size:
3.8L
Color:
Grey
VIN:
1C4TJPBA1CD907950
Description
Why the BMW 8 Series Is the Luxury Sports Car You Actually Want to Own
The BMW 8 Series isn't just another pretty face in the luxury sports car world - it's the machine that finally bridges the gap between everyday usability and weekend warrior performance.
Look, I've driven my fair share of luxury sports cars over the years. From Porsches that rattled my teeth on daily commutes to Ferraris that made me nervous about speed bumps.…
Why the BMW 8 Series Is the Luxury Sports Car You Actually Want to Own
The BMW 8 Series isn’t just another pretty face in the luxury sports car world – it’s the machine that finally bridges the gap between everyday usability and weekend warrior performance.
Look, I’ve driven my fair share of luxury sports cars over the years. From Porsches that rattled my teeth on daily commutes to Ferraris that made me nervous about speed bumps. But here’s what I’ve learned: most “dream cars” are actually nightmares to live with.
The BMW 8 Series changes that equation completely.
What Makes the BMW 8 Series Different From Other Luxury Sports Cars
Here’s the thing – most people think luxury sports cars are all about horsepower and head-turning looks. That’s only half the story.
I remember test driving an M8 Competition last summer. Within five minutes, I realised this wasn’t just a fast car trying to be comfortable. It was a comfortable car that happened to be devastatingly quick.
The BMW 8 Series lineup gives you three distinct personalities:
- 840i: The sophisticated daily driver
- M850i: The perfect balance of luxury and performance
- M8: The track-ready beast that still picks up groceries
Key insight: You’re not buying a sports car that compromises on luxury – you’re buying a luxury car that refuses to compromise on performance.
BMW 8 Series Performance: Real-World Numbers That Matter
Let me cut through the marketing fluff and give you the numbers that actually matter when you’re behind the wheel:
BMW 840i:
- 335 horsepower from a 3.0L turbo inline-6
- 0-62 mph in 5.2 seconds
- Real-world fuel economy: 28-32 mpg (combined)
BMW M850i:
- 523 horsepower from a 4.4L twin-turbo V8
- 0-62 mph in 3.7 seconds
- Real-world fuel economy: 22-26 mpg (combined)
BMW M8 Competition:
- 617 horsepower from a tuned 4.4L twin-turbo V8
- 0-62 mph in 3.2 seconds
- Real-world fuel economy: 18-22 mpg (combined)
Here’s what I’ve learned from actually living with these cars: the M850i is the sweet spot. It’s got enough power to embarrass supercars at traffic lights, but won’t bankrupt you at the petrol station.
The M8 Competition? That’s for when you want to make Lamborghini owners question their life choices.
Interior Luxury: Where BMW 8 Series Truly Shines
Walk into any BMW dealership and sit in an 8 Series. The first thing you’ll notice isn’t the leather or the ambient lighting – it’s the silence.
BMW engineered this cabin like a luxury hotel room that happens to move at 150 mph. The attention to sound deadening is obsessive. Road noise, wind noise, engine noise – it all gets filtered out until you’re left with just the experience.
What makes the interior special:
- Merino leather that actually ages well (unlike some German competitors)
- Crystal gear shifter and start button (feels substantial, not gimmicky)
- 12.3-inch touchscreen that responds instantly
- Massage seats that work for 6-hour road trips
- Ambient lighting with 11 colour options
I spent a week in an M850i Convertible last autumn. By day three, I’d forgotten I was driving a car that could hit 155 mph. It felt like a luxury lounge that happened to have wheels.
Bold truth: Most luxury sports cars make you choose between comfort and capability. The BMW 8 Series gives you both without apology.
Technology and Features That Actually Work
Here’s where BMW gets it right while others get it wrong – they focus on technology that enhances the driving experience instead of distracting from it.
The [LINK: BMW iDrive system] in the 8 Series is intuitive enough that you don’t need a manual. Voice commands work the first time. The navigation system learns your habits and suggests routes before you ask.
Standout tech features:
- Adaptive cruise control that feels natural
- Lane keeping assist that doesn’t fight you
- Parking assist that actually parks the car properly
- Wireless charging that works with any phone
- Harman Kardon sound system (upgrade to the Bowers & Wilkins if you’re serious about music)
The head-up display deserves special mention. It projects everything you need – speed, navigation, warnings – right onto the windscreen. After a week, you’ll wonder how you ever drove without it.
BMW 8 Series vs the Competition: The Honest Comparison
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room. How does the 8 Series stack up against its rivals?
vs Porsche 911: The 911 is more focused, more track-oriented. But try taking it on a 500-mile road trip with your partner. The 8 Series wins on comfort and space.
vs Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe: The S-Class is softer, more luxurious. But when you want to carve up a mountain road, the BMW’s chassis tuning shows its superiority.
vs Aston Martin DB11: The Aston is prettier, more exclusive. But reliability and running costs? BMW wins by a country mile.
Here’s what I’ve learned: the BMW 8 Series doesn’t try to be the best at any one thing. Instead, it’s excellent at everything you actually need from a luxury sports car.
Ownership Reality: What Nobody Tells You
Let me share some truths about living with a BMW 8 Series that the brochures won’t mention.
The good:
- Insurance isn’t as brutal as you’d expect (especially the 840i)
- Depreciation follows a predictable curve
- BMW’s warranty coverage is comprehensive
- [LINK: BMW maintenance plans] make running costs predictable
The reality check:
- Tyres are expensive (£300+ each for the M8)
- Premium fuel is mandatory
- Some options packages are overpriced
- Carbon ceramic brakes cost £3,000+ to replace
I ran an M850i for 18 months. Total running costs (excluding depreciation): £4,200. That included servicing, insurance, fuel, and one tyre replacement. For context, that’s about £230 per month to run a 523-horsepower luxury sports car.
Key takeaway: Budget £200-300 per month for running costs, depending on your model and driving habits.
Which BMW 8 Series Model Should You Choose?
This is where most people get it wrong. They either go too conservative with the 840i or too extreme with the M8.
Choose the 840i if:
- This is your only car
- Fuel economy matters
- You prioritise comfort over outright speed
- You’re new to high-performance cars
Choose the M850i if:
- You want the best all-round package
- Performance matters but so does daily usability
- You can afford the running costs
- You want respect from other car enthusiasts
Choose the M8 Competition if:
- You have other cars for daily duties
- Track days are a regular thing
- Running costs don’t concern you
- You want the ultimate BMW sports car experience
My recommendation? The M850i with the M Sport package. It’s 90% of the M8’s performance with 80% of the 840i’s running costs.
Common Problems and What to Watch For
Here’s what I’ve learned from BMW 8 Series owners and independent specialists:
Early model issues (2019-2020):
- Some infotainment software glitches (fixed with updates)
- Occasional carbon fibre trim delamination
- Paint quality inconsistencies on certain colours
Ongoing considerations:
- Battery drain if left unused for extended periods
- [LINK: BMW extended warranty] worth considering for electronics
- Regular software updates essential for optimal performance
The reality is that BMW sorted most of the teething problems by 2021. Current models are significantly more reliable than the early cars.
The Future of BMW 8 Series: Electric and Hybrid Options
BMW is already planning the next generation. The [LINK: BMW i8 successor] will likely be fully electric, while the current 8 Series may gain hybrid options.
What’s coming:
- Plug-in hybrid variants by 2026
- Fully electric 8 Series by 2028
- Increased use of sustainable materials
- Enhanced autonomous driving features
Should you wait? Here’s my take: the current 8 Series represents the peak of BMW’s naturally aspirated and turbo engine technology. If you want the “last of the great” luxury sports cars, buy now.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the BMW 8 Series reliable? A: Modern 8 Series (2021+) are significantly more reliable than early models. Budget for regular maintenance, and they’ll serve you well. BMW’s B58 engine in the 840i is particularly robust.
Q: Should I buy new or used? A: Used 2021-2022 models offer the best value. You’ll save £20,000+ on depreciation while getting a car that’s essentially identical to new. Avoid 2019-2020 models unless the price reflects early model issues.
Q: How much should I budget for insurance? A: Expect £1,500-3,000 annually depending on your age, location, and model. The 840i is surprisingly reasonable to insure, while the M8 will cost significantly more.
Q: Are BMW 8 Series good investment cars? A: No luxury sports car is a good financial investment. However, limited edition M8 models may hold value better than standard variants. Buy for enjoyment, not profit.
Q: What’s the real-world fuel economy? A: 840i: 30-35 mpg on motorways, 22-26 in town. M850i: 25-30 mpg on motorways, 18-22 in town. M8: 20-25 mpg on motorways, 15-18 in town. Your right foot significantly affects these numbers.
The Bottom Line on BMW 8 Series Ownership
Here’s what nobody else will tell you: the BMW 8 Series isn’t perfect, but it’s the closest thing to a perfect luxury sports car that exists today.
It’s not the fastest (that’s the M8 Competition’s job). It’s not the most luxurious (Mercedes S-Class Coupe). It’s not the most exclusive (Aston Martin territory).
But it’s the only car that gives you 80% of everything without the compromises that make other luxury sports cars impossible to live with daily.
After driving every major competitor, here’s what I’ve learned: if you want one car that can handle school runs on Tuesday and track days on Saturday, the [LINK: BMW 8 Series configurator] is where you should start your search.
The BMW 8 Series proves that sometimes, being excellent at everything is better than being perfect at one thing.
Backup camera
Blind-spot warning
Brake assist
Forward-collision warning
Parking assist systems
Before you decide to buy a car, read its history for free.
Features
•
Keyless start
•
Leather seats
•
Navigation System
•
Reversing camera
•
Side airbags
•
Traction Control
$62,000
Make:
BMW
Model:
8-Serie
Color:
Grey
Drive Type:
Front Wheel Drive
Transmission:
Automatic
Condition:
New
Year:
2021
Fuel Type:
Petrol
Engine Size:
3.8L
Doors:
2-door
Cylinders:
4
Color:
Grey
VIN:
1C4TJPBA1CD907950
Offer Type:
Sale
Offer ID #9650
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