2021 BMW 8 Series

With a beautifully designed exterior and stylish interior the 8-series comes after the success of the M850i. The 2021 BMW 8-series is expected to launch around fall of 2020. We’ll be pitting the 8-series against the Lexus LC 500, Jaguar F-TYPE and the Porsche 911 Carrera. Here’s our take on the 2021 BMW 8-Series Coupe that is going to be on sale soon in the American Market.

The 840i and the 840i xDrive are the different variants of the 8-series. All the trims are well-equipped with standard convenience features, safety gears and a power-packed entertainment system. The terrains are not akin but rather built for different purposes.

Model	BMW 840i coupe
MSRP	$87,900
Key Features	Bluetooth Connection and Satellite Radio
	Premium Sound System
	Multi-Zone A/C
	Steering Wheel Audio Controls
	Cruise Control
	18-inch V-spoke alloy wheels

The 840i Coupe is the base model that comes with an impressive list of standard features and starts at approx. $94,195. The 3.0L engine powers the rear wheels and offers a calm journey. The coupe comes loaded with 18-inch V-spoke alloy wheels, 14-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and 2-way power-adjustable lumbar support.

The 840i xDrive version is similar to the 840i with an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) and integral active steering.

When buying a BMW, reliability does not seem to be a question as over the years BMW has proved why it is counted amongst the most respectable car makers. Customer feedback is always the most important report and that seems to be full of positive reviews and praises for this 8 Series.

Reliability and Ownership Costs

The J.D Power has not rated the 8-series yet, but the NHTSA has registered no official recalls for the 2020 BMW 8-series. The car stands equal to or rather proves itself to be a better performer in terms of fuel cost. The repairs and maintenance costs are not very pocket-friendly but the coupe does not ask for anything more than what it deserves.

To cover any flaws, which are rarely present, BMW provides a list of warranty features which include a surety of 12 years and unlimited miles rust perforation coverage amongst others. On average, the entry-level 8-Series Coupe costs around $94,000. Some of the counties enjoy a lower price tag because of different tax structures.

Washington	$93,327
Florida	$94,730
California	$94,345
New Jersey	$93,400
Arizona	$94,845

*2020 figures used for reference.

BMWs are pretty safe and reliable vehicles in general and the 2021 8-Series Coupe is going to be no different. However, its predecessors had its fair share of recalls wherein the rear-view camera as well as visibility has been rated poor by the NHTSA and there was also fuel system leak in 2019 models making it a point of concern. Nonetheless, these issues were addressed by the company and the necessary steps were taken to not repeat it in the future.

Since BMW 8 Series Coupe is relatively new, we won’t be able to give you exact figures for 5-year ownership costs. However, we can give you an estimate by comparing it with its closest kin 7 Series which comes with a maintenance cost of nearly 112,000USD over a period of 5 years. To put things in perspective, 8 Series Coupe will cost you around the same if not more.

Warranty

BMW provides an impressive warranty package which is in a direct face-off with the Lexus LC 500. The 8-series offers complimentary scheduled maintenance with an additional two years or 26,000 miles, whichever is earlier whereas the LC 500 comes with a powertrain protection warranty for an extra two years or 20,000 miles.

Criteria	Period
Limited warranty	4 years or 50,000 miles; whichever is earlier
Powertrain warranty	4 years or 50,000 miles; whichever is earlier
24-hour roadside assistance	4 years / unlimited miles

In addition to the 24-hour road assistance, the 8-series also offers a 12-year period warranty for corrosion and a drivetrain warranty for 4-years or 50,000-miles. The warranty offered for different purposes seems moderate and serves its purpose.

Miles per Dollar

The BMW 8-series will have a MPD (miles per dollar) ratio of 2.77. This means the 8-series runs for 2.77 miles for every dollar you spend on it. This ratio is achieved by factoring all the running costs including taxes and insurance to the average distance covered in a year which comes to $5,400 and 15,000 miles respectively.

BMW has maintained a class for all the 8-series’ trims and made sure that none of them is left behind. The 840i xDrive is quite reasonable with all the features of 840i plus an AWD powertrain for a dazzling ride. The car has better mileage than the M850i xDrive and comes as a complete entertainment package.

The 840i xDrive has comfortable seating, predictable handling and stable control making it a very reasonable choice and would be a perfect fit for all. For people who are more inclined towards a sporty experience, the M850i xDrive serves just right with a stronger engine and M-Performance package.

Is buying a used car BMW 8-Series Coupe a good idea?

The expected value of the 8-series after 3 years should lie somewhere around 45% of the original value. The maintenance value of the coupe is also quite high which could make it more preferable for resale. Since it’s a fairly new car eyeing for a used BMW 8-series is still a good option. A used 2018 BMW 8 Series Coupe will have a minimum of 6-7 years of useful life before maintenance costs get high.

The 2021 8 Series Coupe is buttery smooth and athletic under the hood. The 840i is equipped with a 3.0L twin-turbocharged Inline-6 engine that gives 335HP with 368lb-ft of torque. With an 8-speed automatic transmission, the trims also offer a Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) or an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) which serves the xDrive trim.

The M850i which has better performance comes with a 4.4L turbocharged V-8 engine with an 8-speed automatic transmission and a standard AWD. By giving out 523HP and 553lb-ft of torque, the athletic vehicle clearly wins everyone’s heart as well as a considerable amount of the market share with its performance and output.

Models	BMW 8-Series 840i (Expected)	Jaguar F-TYPE P380 R-Dynamic	Porsche 911 Carrera	Lexus LC 500 Coupe
MSRP	$87,900	$81,800	$97,400	$92,950
Engine	3L Twin-turbo Inline-6	3L Supercharged V6	3L Twin-turbo Flat-6	5.0L V8
Drivetrain	AWD	AWD	AWD	AWD
Transmission	8-speed Automatic	8-speed Automatic	8-speed Automatic	10-speed Automatic
Power	335hp@5000rpm	380hp@6500rpm	379hp@6500rpm	471hp@7100rpm
Torque	368lb-ft@1600rpm	339lb-ft@3500rpm	331lb-ft@1950rpm	398lb-ft@4800rpm

Although the 840i moves swiftly and provides a subtle ride, it falls short amongst its rivals where the Lexus LC 500 proves to be the best performer with 471HP, following which comes the Jaguar F-Type and the Porsche 911 Carrera. The M850i has proven its position by defeating all its rival brands.

2021 BMW 8-Series Coupe Acceleration and Braking Performance

The Coupe will give you the confidence to shimmy around with ease even in the hardest of times with its predictable and rich handling. The acceleration goes hand-in-hand with the brand image since it’s impressive and delivers on what it promises, a hard to beat drive. The 840i covers 0-60MPH in 5 seconds flat. The braking system especially with emergency brake assist, brake drying, a firm pedal and ABS with electronic brake-force distribution adds to the calm driving experience.

Models	BMW 8-Series 840i (Expected)	Jaguar F-TYPE P380 R-Dynamic	Porsche 911 Carrera	Lexus LC 500 Coupe
0-60 MPH	5.0 sec	4.9 sec	4.2 sec	4.4 sec
Quarter Mile	13.4 sec	N/A sec	12.7 sec	13.8 sec
Top Speed	150 mph	N/A	191 mph	168 mph
60-0 MPH	108-ft	N/A	N/A	105-ft

The Porsche 911 Carrera proves its stand in the competition with an impressive 0-60 sprint in 4.2-seconds which is much more than what any class competitor can offer. The 840i does not have much to brag about in this segment with moderate performance and comparatively better results in the quarter-mile speed trap.

The BMW does not stay behind for a long time as it grabs the top position in one way or the other. With a surprisingly big engine, the 840i offers 23MPG in the city and 30MPG on the highway. The M850i returns 18MPG in the city and 25MPG on the highway. The Coupe defies all odds by offering an impressive fuel mileage for its class.

Models	BMW 8-Series 840i (Expected)	Jaguar F-TYPE P380 R-Dynamic	Porsche 911 Carrera	Lexus LC 500 Coupe
MPG (City)	23	N/A	18	16
MPG (Highway)	30	N/A	24	25
MPG (Combined)	25	N/A	20	19
Fuel Capacity	18.0 gallons	18.5 gallons	16.9 gallons	21.7 gallons
Range (City/Hwy/Combined)	414/540/450 miles	N/A	304/406/338 miles	347/543/412 miles

The fuel mileage offered by the 840i takes the coupe to the very top as no other rival can match it. The 911 Carrera manages to move past the Lexus LC 500 with figures of 18MPG in the city and 24MPG on the highway but it is still not enough to compete with the 840i.

The interior of the BMW 8-series is luxurious and appealing. The Coupe can be seen with a trim of chrome, metallic-wood inlays and silver aluminum finish which enhances the vibe of the car. The front seats are cozy and spacious with Merino leather upholstery and micro-filter ventilation. The pair of vestigia rear seats turn out to be quite the opposite with a congested arrangement leading to space crunch even for children. A multifunction sports steering wheel is provided with heating, memory, tilt and telescopic adjustment making it the best steering wheel out there.

The fact that the 8-series Coupe comes well-equipped with almost everything makes it easy to go for the standard trim which proves to be sufficient with a classy interior. Besides providing an illuminated passenger vanity mirror and auto climate control with air filtration, for a more up-class feel BMW even offers Interior Courtesy Lights with Auto Dimming, front map lights, LED light carpet, door mirror memory, cruise control, ambient lighting and valet function. The 2021 model is expected to be no less than what we already see and might come with more standard and upgraded features.

Models	BMW 8-Series 840i (Expected)	Jaguar F-TYPE P380 R-Dynamic	Porsche 911 Carrera	Lexus LC 500 Coupe
Seating Capacity	4	2	4	4
Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)	38.9/57.2/42.1	37.0/56.5/43.0	N/A	37.2/56.5/42.0
Rear Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)	34.7/45.7/29.5	N/A	N/A	32.2/49.0/32.5

With a 14.8 cu-ft of cargo capacity, the 8-series is one of the best offerings for people facing storage problems in this class. The center console is spacious and consists of a coverable tray. The door pockets provide moderate space. Overall, the storing space would not be an issue even if you are planning to take the coupe on a long trip with your family.

The front row space as well as the cargo space provided in the 8-series is the largest in comparison to its rivals. The Lexus LC 500 comes after the 840i as it provides moderate space which is still better than the space offered by most cars in this class. On the other hand, the F-Type and 911 Carrera do not offer a satisfying solution for low cabin space.

How’s the 2021 BMW 8-Series Coupe’s infotainment system?

BMW provides us with a tech-loaded vehicle which is mind-blowing. A standard 12.3-inch infotainment system and a 12.3-inch instrument cluster screen with Live Cockpit Professional come together to serve our needs. To make the journey more entertaining, the coupe comes loaded with SiriusXM, a Wi-Fi hotspot, BMW Teleservices, wireless charging, navigation system and a 16-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound audio system amongst many other entertaining features.

The brand comes with few optional features as most of the required services are provided in the standard trim. A Bowers & Wilkins Diamond surround system can be opted for if the Harman Kardon system does not feel enough. In the 2021 model, the infotainment system is expected to be responsive and convenient to use.

The BMW 8-series is beautiful inside out. The car is designed in a way that you cannot help but keep staring at it. Each and every detailing has been thought about carefully. The sleek look of the coupe presents a brutish stance. The frameless doors with a stunning roof-line add to the strong and mesmerizing aura of the car. The design can be seen as a hindrance to rearward visibility.

The front is blessed with a chrome grille and LED headlamps with automatic high beams. The rear side comes with LED taillights and a dual chrome tip exhaust. The 18-inch V-spoke alloy wheels would not let your vehicle go unnoticed. The 8-series gives a bold and beautiful look at the same time. The 2021 trim is surely going to leave the same imprint on our hearts which spells out an unarguable fact that it is here to stay.

Models	BMW 8-Series 840i (Expected)	Jaguar F-TYPE P380 R-Dynamic	Porsche 911 Carrera	Lexus LC 500 Coupe
Curb Weight	3933 lbs	3640 lbs	3354 lbs	4340 lbs
Length	191.1”	176.0”	177.9”	187.4”
Width	74.9”	74.2”	72.9”	75.6”
Height	52.8”	51.6”	51.1”	53.0”
Ground Clearance	4.8”	N/A	N/A	5.2”
Wheelbase	111.1”	103.2”	96.5”	113.0”

The Lexus LC 500 is the heaviest of them all and offers the highest ground clearance of 5.2-inch. The 840i outshines the 911 Carrera and the F-Type by offering a 4.8-inch ground clearance and a 111.1-inch wheelbase.

The 8-series has not been tested by the IIHS and the NHTSA but we are sure that it’s going to pass with flying colors, if and whenever tested. The safety package is on point and there is nothing else you would need. Some of the safety features offered in the 8-series are Fatigue and Focus Alert, BMW Assist eCall, Active Guard with Frontal Collision Warning and BMW Active Protection System. An optional driver-assistance package is also available which includes a semi-autonomous driving mode.

2021 BMW 8-Series Coupe v/s Jaguar F-TYPE P380 R-Dynamic

The Jaguar F-Type comes with an impressive look and rich interior. The vehicle has a strong engine and provides a smooth ride. The F-Type gives a tough competition to the BMW 8-series but falls short because of its comparatively less functional aspects. To conclude, the 8-series comes with smooth performance and more functional features fitting your needs.

2021 BMW 8-Series Coupe v/s Porsche 911 Carrera

The Porsche 911 Carrera shows the way to a smooth acceleration, and an overall appealing ride. Besides a rich interior, the 911 Carrera also comes with a stunning exterior design. The BMW manages to beat the 911 Carrera with its safety features and tech-loaded 8-series coupe.

2021 BMW 8-Series Coupe v/s Lexus LC 500

The Lexus LC 500 is one of the best in this class and the toughest competitor to the 8-series. With better engine performance and more reliable acceleration and brake system, it is almost hard to beat the LC 500. On the other hand, the 8-series is able to stand strong with an unmatchable fuel mileage as well as cargo space. Both cars are neck-to-neck in competition and are equally good. The decision for the better car depends on the needs of the customer.

 

BMW has been successful in taking the 8-series to a new class and maintaining the image of its predecessor. With a fuel-efficient engine, spacious cargo and a dazzling exterior, the coupe leaves no stone unturned to make itself your favorite option to buy. It comes loaded with many convenient features that the base 840i is enough to satisfy your needs. With the reveal of the 2021 8-series Coupe expected around late 2020, BMW will proudly deliver the coupe with a plans for major market expansion in the near future.