A subtle makeover for BMW’s 8 Series

When it comes to refreshing its cars, BMW is always on time. It’s been close to three years since the 8 Series graced the local motoring scene and already, the Munich-based carmaker is introducing a refreshed model of the luxury performance model. ‍

The new BMW 8 Series in its Coupe, Convertible and Gran Coupe variants have been honed with sharper exterior enhancements as well as an enhanced interior space to keep it fresh in its respective stable. 

As a mid-cycle facelift, changes are subtle on the outside but they come courtesy of a reworked front fascia, new illuminated grille, and tweaked u-shaped vertical bars. The trio comes standard with adaptive LED headlights with variable light distribution, adaptive cornering lights and the anti-dazzle high-beam assistant, BMW Selective Beam. 

BMW has added a choice of four new exterior body finishes in the form of Skyscraper Grey metallic, San Remo Green metallic, M Portimao Blue metallic and BMW Individual Frozen Tanzanite Blue metallic. 

Apart from the standard 19” M light-alloys, the refreshed BMW 8 Series can be optionally fitted with M light-alloy wheels that measure 20” while new 20” M Performance light alloy wheels are offered as part of the range of Original BMW Accessories. 

Inside, gone is the 10.25” digital instrument cluster along with the 12.3” Live Cockpit Professional display. They both have been replaced by a bigger 12.3” instrument cluster and a central control display of the same size that’s powered by the seventh-gen BMW iDrive system. According to BMW, the new systems are fast, convenient and boast intuitive operation of numerous vehicle functions. 

The interior is further fitted with standard ambient lighting and a model-specific M leather steering wheel with multi-function buttons and shift paddles. Other bits such as multi-function seats and BMW Individual Merino leather upholstery with extended features now also come standard in all models. Furthermore, the M sports package adds aerodynamically-optimised body features such as larger lower air intakes and a diffuser insert finished in Dark Shadow metallic that’s also part of the standard fare list. 

The extended M Performance Package features for the M850i xDrive include; M High Gloss Shadow Line, brake callipers in black, M Shadow Line lights with dark inserts while a black M rear spoiler is available for the first time. 

To mark the 50th anniversary of BMW’s M division, all M Performance and M high-performance models feature a classic ‘BMW Motorsport’ logo on the bonnet, tailgate and wheel hub covers in place of the normal BMW insignia.

For the standard 8 Series, BMW offers a choice of two engines while a choice between rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive is also available. 

The BMW 840i employs a 3.0-litre in-line-six engine with 245 kW sent to the rear axle while the M850i with its 4.4-litre V8 engine can be had with the xDrive system. The M850i gushes out 390 kW and 750 Nm of torque. 

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