2023 BMW 8-Series Gran Coupe

Based on the 8-series coupe, the 2023 BMW 8-Series Gran Coupe adds two extra doors to create a more practical sedan body style while preserving the two-door’s playful handling and sleek roofline.

The 8-series Gran Coupe receives a light styling refresh for 2023 that includes a reworked front bumper, a revised grille with standard illumination, new wheel designs, and an updated color palette.

The sedan’s interior is enhanced by a larger, 12.3-inch infotainment display. The Alpina B8 model returns for 2023 with similar styling enhancements as the standard car.

A new 8 X Jeff Koons model is available in very limited numbers (it costs an eye-popping $350,995) and features a special exterior paint treatment and a tailored interior styled by the famed American artist.

ENGINE AND IMPLEMENTATION

A smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission and a pair of velvety engines highlight the 2023 BMW 8-Series Gran Coupe. The 840i features a 335-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder powertrain that feeds either rear- or all-wheel drive.

The M850i boasts a 523-hp twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 and standard all-wheel drive. While the base engine doesn’t pack the wallop that the V-8 does, it’s still plenty quick and produces a pleasant timbre when rushed.

Those looking for more substantial thrust won’t be disappointed by the M850i, which has a detuned version of the engine in the BMW M8 Gran Coupe (reviewed separately) that makes up to 617 ponies.

The Alpina B8 model nearly matches the M8 Gran Coupe with a 612-hp version of the twin-turbo V-8; BMW claims it’s capable of a zero-to-60-mph time of just 3.3 seconds. All of the 8s provide a splendid ride and playful handling responses.

While the steering delivers little feedback when the road turns twisty, the big Bimmer compensates with strong brakes and the aforementioned powertrain refinement.

ENERGY AND REAL WORLD-MPG

The EPA estimates the rear-drive 840i will earn 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. Adding all-wheel drive to the mix drops those figures to 20 mpg and 27 mpg, respectively.

The high-powered M850i is all-wheel drive only, and it’s expected to get 17 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. We’ve tested all three configurations on our 200-mile fuel-economy route to evaluate their real-world mpg.

The rear-drive 840i returned an impressive 34 mpg highway, the all-wheel-drive 840i got 30 mpg, and the M850i earned 28 mpg. For more information about the 2023 BMW 8-Series Gran Coupe’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.

INTERIOR, CONVENIENCE, AND BOOTH

Like the 8-series coupe and convertible, the 2023 BMW 8-Series Gran Coupe‘s interior is lavishly outfitted—albeit sedately styled. All models have a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, customizable ambient lighting, a large head-up display, leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, and wireless charging.

The cabin can be further upgraded with fancier headliners, glass switchgear, and multifunctional seats with increased adjustability. The driving position is very comfortable thanks to a well-placed dead pedal. Forward visibility is excellent, but the rearward view through the steeply angled fastback’s glass is restricted.

Legroom is more generous in the back seat of the 2023 BMW 8-Series Gran Coupe than in its two-door counterparts but—thanks to the car’s sharply angled roofline—headroom is tighter. The four-door 8-series is also more practical than its coupe sibling.

We managed to fit up to 15 carry-on suitcases inside with its rear seat stowed versus the 11 total bags in the coupe. Both body styles held five suitcases in their trunks, while the convertible held one fewer for four total.

IN-VEHICLE INFOTAINMENT AND INTERCONNECTIONS

A 12.3-inch touchscreen is the centerpiece of the 2023 BMW 8-Series Gran Coupe‘s iDrive infotainment system, which is mounted high on the dashboard and operated through myriad functions.

In addition to touch inputs and the convenient rotary knob on the center console, the system responds to a mix of voice commands, traditional buttons, and even optional gesture controls.

Every Gran Coupe features Apple CarPlay, a Harman/Kardon audio system, several charging ports, and subscription-based services such as SiriusXM satellite radio and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

Android Auto is still noticeably absent. Shoppers can also opt for a thumping Bowers & Wilkins stereo as long as they’re willing to pay the hefty surcharge.

PROTECTION AND DRIVER-ASSISTANCE ASPECTS

The Bimmer offers some standard driver-assistance technology such as forward-collision warning, automated emergency braking, and lane-departure warning, but more advanced equipment costs extra.

For more information about the 2023 BMW 8-series Gran Coupe’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.

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