This is it. The all-new BMW 8 Series has arrived in Australia. It touches down in M850i form only, but you can get it as a coupe or a convertible.
While other markets are also offered a diesel version in the form of the 840d, us Aussies are a brute bunch, so we get the V8 only. It’s newly-redeveloped 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 that produces a snarling 390kW and 750Nm. Behind the engine is an eight-speed sports automatic transmission and then an xDrive all-wheel drive system.
In the coupe, acceleration from 0-100km/h comes up in a claimed 3.7 seconds. That’s an incredibly quick time for what is really just a grand touring luxury coupe. Even the convertible is quick, stopping the clock in a claimed 3.9 seconds. Despite the astonishing performance, fuel economy isn’t that bad. The coupe has an average consumption of 10.4L/100km, while the convertible stands at 10.6L/100km.
Being a product of BMW’s M Performance sub-brand, the M850i comes with a range of sporty highlights. You get multi-piston M Sport brakes, an M Sport differential, and a carbon fibre roof for the coupe. There’s also the full suite of M Performance exterior trimmings, including grey side mirrors, dark front grilles, and a lip spoiler at the back. A set of 20-inch M light alloy wheels complete the look.
This is a flagship model for BMW, sitting at the very top of its two-door sports car hierarchy. This means the interior is packed with luxury and convenience. The driver views a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster while media and vehicle settings are controlled through a 10.25-inch display. Passengers are treated Merino leather, and sounds are pumped through a 16-speaker Harman/Kardon sound system. Wireless phone charging, BMW Night Vision camera technology, BMW Laserlights, and CraftedClarity glass appointments are also standard.
For those wanting added exclusivity, buyers can also specify a range of no-cost options, such as the Chrome Line exterior trim, or Shadow Line, as well as model designation delete, and simplified Chinese language for the BMW Operating System. Of course, there are also some extra-indulgent options available at a cost. See below.
“The legendary BMW 8 series has made its return, and Australian markets will have access to two model variants this time – the all new BMW 8 Series Coupe and Convertible,” said BMW Group Australia CEO, Vikram Pawah. “The classic Coupe body caters to customers who are seeking that classic sporting feel, and the Convertible provides an option for those who enjoy a premium open-air grand touring experience.”
The new model is on sale in Australia now, with prices starting from the following (excluding on-road costs). See further below for standard highlights, and options.
2019 BMW M850i Coupe xDrive: $272,900
2019 BMW M850i Convertible xDrive: $281,900
Standard highlights:
- Eight-speed Steptronic sport automatic transmission
- BMW xDrive all-wheel drive system
- 20-inch M light alloy wheels Y-spoke style 728 M Bicolour Cerium Grey with performance tyres
- Tyre pressure indicator
- M Sport brakes
- M Sport differential
- M Seat belts (NCO)
- Adaptive M Suspension Professional with:
- Integral Active Steering
- Active anti-roll stabilisation
- M Carbon roof (Coupe)
- Black soft top (Convertible)
- M Rear spoiler (Coupe)
- Comfort Access including automatic tailgate
- Wireless smartphone charging
- Soft close doors
- BMW ‘CraftedClarity’ glass application
- Driving Assistant Professional
- Parking Assistant Plus, including rear view camera, 3D view and reverse assistant
- BMW Laselights
- Connected Package Professional, including:
- Remote services, real-time traffic information, Apple CarPlay and Concierge Services
- BMW Live Cockpit Professional, including:
- 12.3-inch instrument cluster, 10.25-inch Control Display, BMW Head-Up Display and Gesture Control
- BMW Night Vision Camera with Pedestrian Recognition
- BMW Air Collar Neck Warmer (Convertible only)
- BMW Individual metallic paintwork
- BMW Individual leather Merino upholstery
- Heat Comfort package
- Front heated door/console armrests and steering wheel
- M Carbon roof (Coupe)
- Heated front seats
- 16-speaker Harman/Kardon Surround Sound System
No-cost options:
- Runflat safety tyres (note: only available on certain rim styles)
- Model designation delete
- Chrome Line exterior
- M Seat Belts
- BMW Individual high gloss Shadow Line with extended contents
- Simplified Chinese language for BMW Operating system
- Body colour aluminium roof (removes carbon roof)
Cost options:
- Sun protection glazing ($1000, Coupe only)
- TV function ($2300)
- 16-speaker Bowers & Wilkins Diamond surround sound system with 10-channel
1400W amplifier ($8200 for Coupe, $6900 for Convertible) - M Carbon exterior package, including ($7500 for Coupe, $6600 for Convertible):
- M Carbon Air Curtain intake
- M Carbon mirror caps
- M Carbon rear spoiler
- Single-piece carbon rear section, around exhausts Rear diffuser inser
