Recently, I had the opportunity to test drive the current 8 Series Gran Coupe, and I’d like to share my review. As usual, I’ll focus more on the driving performance and compare it with the Porsche Panamera I previously owned.

BMW 8 Series

The BMW 8 Series has been one of my dream cars since childhood. I remember vividly the day when I first saw the previous generation 8 Series parked in front of a dentist’s office in my neighborhood, where foreign cars were a rare sight.

As a young boy, I was immediately struck by the elegance and size of its body, and the significance of the number “8”. I stood there, amazed, thinking, “Wow, BMW makes such a luxurious car!” It’s a memory that feels as fresh as yesterday.

The previous generation 8 Series

Since then, the previous 8 Series has always been a car that intrigued me. When the current 8 Series was released, I was thrilled and often thought about going for a test drive. (The local BMW dealership is a bit intimidating with their sales pressure, so it’s not easy to just drop by, haha.)

This time, I was fortunate enough to get a test drive of the 8 Series Gran Coupe. And it was the 840i, the inline-six gasoline engine model I would definitely choose if I were to buy one.

This particular model is a 2020, with an Alpine White body and a stylish Merino leather interior in a bi-color combination of Tartufo (brown) and Ivory, with a beige Alcantara roof lining. It’s so stunning that it makes you want it just by looking at it.

The suspension is an Adaptive M Suspension, with the optional active stabilizer that comes standard on the higher-end 850i model.

The Drive

Pressing the start switch, the engine comes to life with a sound that’s not overly loud but definitely audible.

The steering feel is very refined. There’s no friction to speak of, and compared to regular cars, it’s a world of difference.

To put it in terms of pens, it’s like comparing a regular ballpoint pen to a PILOT FriXion pen (laughs).

The steering is lighter than older BMWs, but it offers a smooth, silky rotation feel. It effectively filters out road roughness while providing a clear sense of tire direction and road contact, making it very reassuring to hold.

In my opinion, BMW’s current automatic transmissions are the best in the world, and the 8 Series starts off very smoothly. There’s no clunky shift shock. Within just a few meters of driving, I found myself exclaiming, “Comfortable!”

Personally, I prefer this feeling over the 7 Series I test drove before. In normal mode, it truly feels like an ultra-refined sedan.

The owner mentioned, “In normal mode, it feels like an ordinary car, doesn’t it?” But it’s far from ordinary in terms of comfort and ease.

I heard that the owner later switched from run-flat tires to regular radial tires (BMW-approved BS S007), which reportedly made a significant difference, eliminating low-speed bumps and enhancing comfort. It’s highly recommended.

Engine Feel

BMW’s inline-six is often referred to as the “Silky Six,” and for someone like me, the naturally aspirated (NA) engines before turbocharging left a strong impression.

The engine in the 840i produces 340ps at 5000rpm and 51.0kg·m (500N·m) of torque from 1600 to 4500rpm. I didn’t check the specs before the test drive, and I was surprised by how flat the torque was from low revs.

It felt more like a naturally aspirated engine, with a smooth and expansive power delivery.

For example, in Porsche terms, the turbo engines in the 991.2 and 992 models provide torque from low revs, accelerating before the revs climb. In contrast, this BMW engine feels more NA-like, with a torque curve that seems to rise, despite being trapezoidal on paper.

This is quite refreshing, and while I’ve experienced turbo engines that don’t feel like turbos, this engine’s natural feel is exceptional. It’s so well-crafted that even turbo skeptics might be satisfied.

The sound, apparently enhanced through the speakers, is indistinguishable from the real thing. In Sport Plus mode, the cabin resonates with a truly pleasant sound, an elegant BMW-style “whoosh” that elevates the driving experience.

I pondered why this turbo engine feels so NA-like, and I realized that the sound design plays a significant role. The actual torque is flat, but the sound design cleverly creates an illusion.

Regardless of whether it’s an illusion or a gimmick, it feels great. I had no complaints, only pleasure while driving.

Even with four adults on board, the performance was more than adequate. It’s fast enough to safely avoid hazards, overtake, and pass in any situation.