2023 BMW 8 Series Coupe

The 2023 BMW 8 Series Coupe still delivers one of the best-resolved driving experiences in any large coupe and has a loyal band of fans in the USA. It has powerful engines, but its tight handling stops short of being truly sporty although it fulfills its brief as a big two-door luxo-barge. The six-cylinder 840i offers the best blend of performance and economy, along with the signature straight-six soundtrack that a true-blue BMW should have. The powerful V8 dispenses more than 500 horsepower with steel-fisted discipline through its standard AWD system and will fit the bill if too much performance is just enough.

Some of the BMW Series Coupe's competitors, like its own Gran Coupe sibling, present a more compelling case and the Lexus LC 500's knock-out looks dismiss all comers for visual drama, even if it's not the last word in handling and practicality. So, while the BMW is mellowing well, like good wine, it perhaps doesn't do quite enough to rise to the top of the class. The tight rear seat is not uncommon for a car in this class as it's for occasional use anyway, but the front-seat occupants will be living large in sumptuous luxury, with more than enough cargo space for two.

Pricing has not changed for any of the trim levels, and the 2023 cars still cost what they did last year despite the updates. The new 2023 BMW 8 Series Coupe's price breakdown per trim looks like this: The RWD 840i is the base model starting at an MSRP of $87,500; adding xDrive AWD to it increases its price to $90,400, while the M850i xDrive costs $102,500. Each 8 Series MSRP listed above excludes the $995 destination charge.

Two engines are available, a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with 335 hp and a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 with 523 hp. Its Driving Dynamic Control system provides various driving modes, namely Eco Pro for optimized economy, the balanced Comfort mode, and Sport for the sharp responses demanded by enthusiastic driving. The six-cylinder is smooth and powerful, developing its torque from low down in the rev range. For all its impressive performance numbers, the V8 is, nevertheless, also very refined and its ability to gather pace effortlessly and rapidly never ceases to amaze.

The 8 Series is a large luxury coupe and doesn't offer the go-kart responses of a Mini JCW, but it does a good enough job with precise, kickback-free steering, a firm brake pedal operating powerful anchors, and a resolute cornering stance with body lean well contained, especially if the Sport drive mode is dialed in. Ride quality is absorbent, and it's extremely hushed on the move, which means it is probably pitched just right for its target market. If you want a truly sporty coupe with electric responses, buy a Porsche 911, right?

The new BMW 8 Series Coupe does enough to retain the patronage of the BMW faithful and is everything you would expect from a large BMW coupe. It's not as sharp or sporty as a 911, but it is far more refined. And while it may not be as beautiful or reliable as a Lexus LC 500, it is far more practical with its fold-down rear seats and large trunk. It has no obvious flaws and in recent years, more equipment was added, and the pricing made more accessible, so the 8 is good value if one could use such a word on such an expensive premium coupe. The drivetrains are absolutely superb, and although the ballistic M850i is a hoot, the surprisingly thrifty-yet-fast six-cylinder is the sweet spot. It does precious little wrong with the xDrive AWD fitted.

The sweet spot in the range is the 840i xDrive Coupe. For the vast majority of people, a 4.4-second dash to 60 mph is more than fast enough, and the sweet straight-six combines this athleticism with excellent fuel economy. The added traction provides superb surefootedness in wet weather or snow and hardly affects the fuel economy at all. Since the M Sport package and various other nice extras have become standard on this trim over the past few years, it is now virtually as well equipped as the over-the-top M850i. We wouldn't even bother with any of the upgraded leather, trim or exterior cosmetic packages. Just add the Active Driving Assistant and Driving Assistance Professional package combination for $1,800 and the glass controls for $650 and the resultant $93,845 - destination charge included - is still well short of the $105,945 that an M850i xDrive would have cost, specced the same. Be careful when ticking those option boxes because you'd be shocked at how much you can add to the base price of the car.