The last time BMW rolled out a new model of their flagship coupe was 1997. After 22 long years away, the 2019 BMW M850i xDrive Coupe seems well worth the long wait for a luxury sport coupe.
A slick, modern exterior gives this 8 Series a refined yet sporty appearance that you would expect in an $119,000 price tag.
A Twin Turbo V8, pumping out 523hp, motivates the coupe with great urgency. The AWD system makes sure all the power gets to the ground providing a quick sprint to 60 mph in about 3.6 seconds.
The BMW M850i handles twisty roads easily with high handling limits that beg to be driven on a racetrack. Large brakes do a tremendous job of slowing the coupe quickly and firmly when needed.
This new coupe is also very comfortable doing the daily commute or quietly eating up miles on long trips.
The interior is bathed in handsome, two-tone leather and the heated and ventilated front seats offer 20-way power adjustments. There might be four seats but the back seat space is scarce.
One unique option, priced at $650, is the “glass-enclosed” shifter knob with the number 8 lit up in the middle of the knob for added adornment.
The Harmon Kardon Surround Sound has great clarity at any volume.
Cost: Starting at $111,900; As tested $119,295
MPG: 18 City/25 Highway; I managed 19.2 MPG of premium.
Safety: Items include Active Guard with Frontal Collision Warning, Automatic City Collision Mitigation and Braking including Daytime Pedestrian Detection. BMW ‘s Active Protection detects an imminent accident and prepares the car by closing windows and sunroof, pre-tensioning seat belts and will even apply brakes after the accident.
Options: $3,000 M Carbon Roof; 1,850 Cooling & High Performance tire package; $900 Comfort Seating Package; $650 Glass Controls
Things to know: This all-new high performance luxury coupe has twin turbo V8 power, AWD and a smooth eight speed automatic. While luxury is important, the performance is surprising with high handling limits. It is seriously fast!
Pros:
- High-style coupe that gets noticed, a big plus for a six-figure price tag
- Power is intoxicating with 523hp
- Modern and luxurious interior
Cons:
- Coupe style leads to very limited back seat space
- Low ground clearance; use caution around curbs and over taller speed bumps
- Large doors make parking in smaller spaces a squeeze in or out affair
