Overview

What's New for 2025

The 2025 BMW 8 Series is available in two standard trim levels: 840i and M850i xDrive. Both are offered as a two-door coupe, two-door convertible, or Gran Coupe four-door sedan. There is also a performance-oriented Alpina B8 Gran Coupe. The 840i comes with rear-wheel drive, but BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system is available. The more powerful M850i xDrive and Alpina B8 get standard all-wheel drive. The 840i is the most popular version, and it is our recommendation for most buyers. We'll explain why.

840i

The BMW 840i coupe and Gran Coupe sedan start at $91,795, and the convertible costs $99,000 (all include BMW's $995 destination fee), which makes them some of the most affordable cars in this luxury class. For that reason, they're our recommended picks for most buyers. Standard equipment includes a powerful six-cylinder engine, a smooth-riding suspension, and LED headlights. All 840i models feature power-adjustable leather seats, remote engine start, keyless entry/ignition, a Harman Kardon audio system, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, a Wi-Fi hotspot, Apple CarPlay, and 19-inch wheels. The convertible has a power-retracting soft-top. All-wheel drive can be added to any model for an additional $3,000. Other options include 20-inch wheels, heated front and rear seats, and glass interior controls.

M850i xDrive

The M850i coupe and Gran Coupe ($107,295) and convertible ($115,295) are powered by a big twin-turbo V8 that produces a massive 523 horsepower. For increased stopping performance, we recommend the available M Sport Brakes with black calipers, a no-cost option. Other desirable options include carbon-fiber roof and trim and 20-inch wheels with high-performance tires.

Alpina B8 xDrive

The Alpina B8 ($150,295) is like the M850i Gran Coupe with some extra, more exclusive dress inside and out. Alpina has been tuning BMWs for decades, increasing their performance, their exclusivity, and in some cases their refinement. The Alpina B8 is powered by the same twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine as the M850i, but it's been cranked up to 612 hp, making it one of BMW's most powerful sedans. It also gets special 20-inch wheels and tires, Alpina badging, a signature exhaust system with four huge tailpipes, and the Alpina's distinctive front apron, rear diffuser, and rear spoiler. Inside, there's an Alpina production plate, contrast stitching, piano black trim, illuminated doorsill finishers, and other touches. Options are few and include a carbon-fiber roof and chrome exterior trim.

Inside, the BMW 8 Series is modern, inviting, and comfortable. The design beautifully blends luxury and technology. The materials and build quality are exceptional, especially with the glass controls option. The sleek, low roofline does impede outward visibility, but not enough to be a serious issue. The interior is extremely quiet, even in the convertible with the top up. With the top down, wind control is excellent, with very little buffeting. The BMW's power-adjustable front seats are very comfortable, especially on long drives, and there's plenty of storage for phones and wallets. The back seat of the 8 Series coupe and convertible is so cramped it is borderline unusable for passengers. Consider it extra storage for personal belongings instead. The rear seat of the Gran Coupe seats two comfortably. By comparison, the interiors of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class coupe and convertible are more visually impressive, while the Audi A7, S7, and RS 7 have sleeker, ultra-modern interior designs.

The 8 Series coupe and convertible also have a small trunk with about 12 cubic feet of cargo space. That's about the same size as the trunk of the S-Class Coupe. The trunk of the Gran Coupe measures 15.5 cubic feet, which is still significantly smaller than the hatchback A7's 24.9 cubic-foot trunk.

The BMW 8 Series has not been crash-tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). This is not uncommon for vehicles in this class.

Many of the latest driver aids are standard on every 8 Series, including automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection and frontal-collision warning. Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go technology, blind-spot detection, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and front and rear cross-traffic alert are available. To further help in case of an accident, BMW's standard Active Protection System prepares for impact by automatically pretensioning the safety belts and closing the windows and moonroof.

The 2025 BMW 8 Series is a masterful blend of sportiness, style, and luxury. A great daily driver and long-distance cruiser, the 8 Series is a head-turner that lives up to the brand's reputation for luxurious performance and state-of-the-art engineering. It looks and feels special — not just comfortable and refined, but also exhilarating. Overall, the 8 Series doesn't quite have the presence of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class coupe or cabriolet, and it isn't as thrilling as the better-handling and sportier Porsche 911. But it's far more luxurious than the Porsche, and it's sportier than the big Benz and the Audi A7.

BMW 8 Series vs. Audi A7

BMW 8 Series vs. Mercedes-Benz S-Class

BMW 8 Series vs. Porsche 911