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Expert Rating

BMW 8 Series

(2018 - present)

Expert Rating

New car score:

57
%
D

Used car score:

53
%
E

Expert Rating report card

Media Rating:

69
%
C

Safety Rating:

-

Eco Rating:

49
%
C

Reliability Rating:

-

Running Costs:

22
%
E

How are our Expert Rating scores calculated?

Expert Rating

New car score:

57
%
D

Used car score:

53
%
E

Expert Rating report card

Media Rating:

69
%
C

Safety Rating:

-

Eco Rating:

49
%
C

Reliability Rating:

-

Running Costs:

22
%
E

Summary


The original BMW 8 Series first appeared in 1990 as the German brand’s largest two-door coupe, but by 1999 it was not selling well and was dropped.

Two decades later, BMW decided there was now room for a luxury grand tourer with enormous power, in 2018 launching an all-new 8 Series in coupe and soft-top convertible body styles. Later a four-door Gran Coupe was added to the range – we are building a separate page for this version, so check back soon.

There are two petrol engine options or a diesel and all are potent. The 840i puts out 333hp, while diesel fans get 340hp and an all-wheel drive powertrain.  

Most rapid of all is the M850i ,with 530hp, put through the all-wheel-drive to produce a blistering 3.8-second 0-62mph time. It’s not the quickest, however, as BMW also offers an the M8 (also not covered by this rating; we’ll add this to our index soon).

Reviewers focus on the 8 Series’ luxury, its potency and price – the Telegraph believes BMW has pitched its car as “a piece of high-performance automotive art, with the emphasis on performance”. Mind you the review adds that such cars with big engines are about to be killed by emissions regulations.

The price exercises the Mirror’s reviewer too, who argues that the 8 Series might “depreciate savagely and within a decade you’ll be able to pick one up for pennies.”  

Top Gear sums the 8 Series as possibly the ultimate car for those who like BMWs – “but it is less special than its rivals”. However the Daily Mail, testing the convertible with its top that opens or closes in just 15 seconds, argues that it is; “a sensational luxury grand tourer for those old and experienced enough to appreciate the good things in life – more mature than a regular sports car.”

As of December 2024, the BMW 8 Series holds a New Car Expert Rating of D, with a score of 57%. Although the media reviews have been positive, the 8 Series is a brutally expensive car to live with. Currently, we don’t have safety or reliability data, so check back soon.

BMW 8 Series highlights

  • Potent performance
  • Very refined
  • Lots of cockpit tech
  • Luxury interior

BMW 8 Series lowlights

  • Not that distinctive for its high cost
  • So-so steering feel
  • So much cockpit tech it’s confusing
  • No room in the back

Key specifications


Body style: 2+2 coupé and convertible
Engines: petrol, diesel
Price: From £77,395 on-road

Launched: Winter 2018
Last updated: Spring 2022
Next update due: TBA


Media reviews


Reviews, road tests and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

The Car Expert

+

Auto Express

+

Car

+

Carbuyer

+

Carwow

+

Daily Mail

+

Daily Mirror

+

Evo

+

Heycar

+

Honest John

+

Motoring Research

+

Parkers

+

The Sunday Times

+

The Telegraph

+

Top Gear

+

Safety rating


Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

No safety rating

As of December 2024, the BMW 8 Series has not been tested by Euro NCAP. This is not surprising, given its high price tag and limited production numbers.

Eco rating


Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

As of December 2024, the BMW 8 Series has not been tested by Green NCAP.

Reliability rating


Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

No reliability rating

As of DEecember 2024, we don’t have enough reliability data on the BMW 8 Series to generate a reliability rating.

The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively to us using workshop and extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy. As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the 8 Series, we’ll publish the score here.

Running cost rating


Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

Fuel consumptionAverageScoreVariationScore
Petrol models29 mpgE25 – 34 mpgD – E
Diesel models42 mpgD40 – 44 mpgC – D
CO₂ outputAverageScoreVariationScore
Petrol models221 g/kmD188 – 261 g/kmC – D
Diesel models176 g/kmC168 – 185 g/kmC – C
Insurance groupAverageScoreVariationScore
All models49E47 – 50D – F
Service and maintenanceCostScore
Year 1£507D
Year 2£1,046D
Year 3£1,610D
Year 4£1,986D
Year 5£2,627D
Overall£7,776D

The BMW 8 Series has expensive running costs, according to data exclusively provided by our partner Clear Vehicle Data. Petrol models offer 30mpg, which is low compared with the rest of the market. Diesel variants are much more efficient.

Insurance premiums are predictably more expensive than the market average, and service and maintenance costs over five years are more expensive than other models in BMW’s range.

Similar cars


If you’re looking at the BMW 8 Series, you might also be interested in these alternatives

Aston Martin DB11 | Bentley Continental GT | Bentley Continental GT Convertible | Lexus LC | Mercedes-AMG GT | Mercedes-AMG SL | Polestar 1 | Porsche 911

The closest direct rival to the 8 Series – at least in convertible form – is the Mercedes-AMG SL, but it also poses a viable alternative to a host of other upmarket performance machines such as the Porsche 911 or the Lexus LC.

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The BMW 8 Series is a luxurious and very powerful large two-door coupe or convertible – but its price is equally as large.BMW 8 Series