Used BMW 8 Series 2019-present review

If what you seek is a big, luxurious, conventionally powered two-door grand tourer, cast a glance at this second-generation BMW 8 Series Coupé.

On its launch, BMW said it would offer the performance of a Porsche 911 mixed with the luxury of a Mercedes S-Class Coupé. That's a heady promise, and one that – if you're prepared to accept a little compromise here and there – it goes some way to achieving.

For starters, it looks great, and there's even some choice just to spoil you: you can get a drop-top 8 Series Convertible or a rakish four-door 8 Series Gran Coupé model.

Engines: Engine-wise, there was initially a choice of three for the Coupé, all available in one M Sport trim: the 840i, the 840d and the M850i. The diesel engine was dropped in a 2022 facelift that also introduced a full-fat 616bhp M8 Competition version.

The 840i petrol is the only version of the 8 Series that comes with rear-wheel drive, but it's the 840d xDrive, the four-wheel-drive car with a diesel under the bonnet, that really impresses on the road.

The 840d's power delivery is silky smooth, there’s plenty of low-down shove and it can cover 0-62mph in a swift 4.9sec. As a bonus, the diesel is throaty under hard acceleration and wonderfully hushed at a steady cruise.

The range-topping M850i has 523bhp, and the twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 feels immensely strong. Plus, it sounds terrific – at least when you select Sport Plus mode. It’s quick to respond to accelerator inputs and, thanks to traction-enhancing four-wheel drive, you can deploy all the power with minimal drama when the road opens up.

The 8 Series is pretty good at shutting out wind and road noise, too, even though it doesn’t deliver quite the stately progress of the S-Class Coupé.

Ride and handling: There’s more good news on winding roads, because this big grand tourer positively shrinks around you, aided by four-wheel steering. It’s certainly more fun for keen drivers than the S-Class Coupé and the Bentley Continental GT, but the steering doesn’t tell you a great deal. If you're looking for sports car thrills, buy a 911 instead.

The ride, meanwhile, is firmer and more unsettled than the S-Class and Continental’s. But the 8 Series is far from harsh over poorly surfaced roads, even when fitted with optional 20in alloy wheels.

Interior and practicality: Inside, BMW has traditionally focused on restrained visual design, preferring to focus on build quality over showiness, and it’s here where the 8 Series scores highly. From the stitching on the leather dashboard to the numerous brushed chrome trim pieces, everything feels sturdy and expensive.

The good news continues when it comes to infotainment. BMW’s latest-generation iDrive system is currently the best on the market: it's responsive, intuitive to use and easy to operate while you're driving, thanks to voice control and a rotary controller. It works in conjunction with a 12.3in digital instrument display that’s standard across the range.

There’s plenty of head, leg and shoulder room in the front of the 8 Series, along with lots of useful storage cubbies. However, the rear is much more cramped, with even smaller adults likely to find their knees jammed against the seat in front and their head touching the ceiling.

The boot is impressively long but has quite a narrow opening and a big lip at its entrance. So, while a set of golf clubs will go in with no trouble, a big box probably won't.

If you'd like to buy a used BMW 8 Series, or any of the other cars mentioned here, check out our Used Cars For Sale pages

Prices for a used 8 Series start at around £35,000 for an early 840d with an average mileage for the year, which is quite a healthy saving on what it costs new. Up the ante to between £39,000 and £45,000 for a good 2019 or 2021 model, and between £45,000 and £50,000 for a 2022 or even 2023 car. The M850i will set you back at least £40,000 for a 2019 car. Expect to spend £50,000 to £75,000 on a newer model.

If you want to find out whether the 8 Series you’re considering buying is well-priced, use our free What Car? Valuations tool.

MPG

According to the official WLTP figures, the 840i averages 33.2mpg, the 840d 46.3mpg, while the M850i averages 26.9mpg.

Road tax

All 8 Series will have been registered after April 2017 and will attract a premium payment on top of the standard road tax, as they all cost more than £40,000 new. Current road tax costs are £180 a year, and luxury car tax £390 a year, payable from years two to six.

Insurance and servicing

Insurance groups are high at between 44 and 50, while servicing at a BMW main dealer is going to be expensive, certainly on a par with its major rivals.

Engine

The fact that the 8 Series was available from 2019 to 2022 with a diesel engine is good news, because that unit makes buying and running costs very respectable. And while it could be argued that the reason the 840d has no direct rivals is because a luxury diesel coupé is somewhat out of touch with the current political landscape (hence its discontinuation) an official average of 46.3mpg (not to mention around 600 miles between fill-ups) is not to be sniffed at.

Specification

You won’t have to spend a fortune on options. M Sport versions come with dual-zone climate control, leather upholstery, keyless entry and start, ambient interior lighting and a head-up display that projects key information on to the windscreen.

Our favourite BMW 8 Series: 840d xDrive M Sport

The Aston Martin DB11 marked a return to form for the British sports car firm. The V8 version makes most sense, as it’s lighter than the rorty V12. The result is sharper handling and a sportier drive. Rear room is not as convincing as the likes of the Mercedes S-Class Coupé though, and nor is refinement. It also costs more to buy.

The S-Class Coupé is supremely refined, fast and comfortable, with a more composed ride than the 8 Series, and it’s stuffed full of high-tech kit. It's a great used buy, too.

The Porsche 911 is an iconic sports car. It's seriously rapid and grippy, yet it's also refined and can even be comfortable. It generates lots of noise, not all of it welcome, but it's a terrific driving experience. There are plenty to choose from, and hundreds of models – all fast and fun and surprisingly frugal.

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If you'd like to buy a used BMW 8 Series, or any of the other cars mentioned here, check out our Used Cars For Sale pages