BMW 8 Series 840d xDrive Gran Coupe 2019 UK review
Should I buy one?
It’s certainly not a straightforward recommendation to contemplate. In some ways, this 8 Series would fit into your daily motoring better than any other. You could use it like a 5 Series, get comparable daily fuel economy and practicality out of it, and make your motorway miles quite a lot more special by the substitution.
To look at it another way, though, this car would be a pretty plain-looking and clinical way to replace a more traditional, beautiful, exotic GT coupé. While it’s very dynamically competent, it’s not soulful or particularly enticing to drive; while it’s lovely to be in, it’s not that lovely to look at; and while it’s practical and pragmatic enough, it doesn’t cosset or cocoon you like the very best luxury cars of its size and price.
The BMW 840d xDrive Gran Coupe is, in short, an unusually rational car in a part of the motoring landscape where they’re not generally called for, yet it doesn’t quite get over the line in rational terms alone. Moreover, its few attempts at reaching out on an emotional level as often fall flat as hit home. It’s good in parts, clearly – but still probably not the 8 Series most would want.
BMW 8 Series 840d xDrive Gran Coupe specification
Where Waddesdon, UK Price £73,915 On sale Now Engine 6 cyls in line, 2993cc, twin-turbocharged, diesel Power 316bhp at 4400rpm Torque 502lb ft at 1750-2250rpm Gearbox 8-spd automatic Kerb weight 1925kg (DIN) Top speed 155mph (governed) 0-62mph 5.1sec Fuel economy 38.7mpg (WLTP Combined) CO2 190g/km (WLTP Combined) Rivals Audi A7 Sportback 50 TDI, Mercedes CLS 400d 4Matic
BMW flagship returns after a 20-year hiatus to inject some glamour into the brand
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