Though the 7 Series boasts more luxury and advanced technology, the 8 Series Gran Coupe often outshines its counterpart in attractiveness. Its appealing design sets it apart from the G70, which has a more divisive style.
Showcased at the 2023 Salzburg Auto Show in Austria, the practical 8 Series Gran Coupe features the M Sport Package. This package has been standard since the LCI’s 2022 debut. Although not an M850i or full-fledged M8, it remains highly desirable. This black beauty boasts a Shadowline trim with glossy dark accents and 20-inch two-tone wheels.
The anniversary emblems, added when BMW’s M division celebrated its 50th year, provide the exterior’s sole colour accent. Inside, the revamped 8 Series Gran Coupe maintains a dark theme. It features standard Merino leather and seatbelts accented by M colours. The carbon fibre trim and crystal gear knob further enhance the car’s sophistication.
The cabin might seem similar to the pre-LCI with iDrive 8 excluded. But it now features a larger 12.3-inch infotainment system. This replaces the previous 10.25-inch display. The Gran Coupe is a 4+1 seater with a centre-back seat. This feature is typically used by children or adults on short trips. The sleek sedan gained standard four-zone automatic climate control with the LCI update.
With the 8 Series facelift, multifunction seats, once exclusive to the M850i, are now available on six-cylinder models like this one. All 2023 8 Series versions feature electroplated surfaces on electric window lifts, door locks, and seat memory controls. The M-branded steering wheel includes shift paddles for manual operation of the standard eight-speed Steptronic transmission in the M Sport Package.
After the LCI 8 Series, BMW is rumoured to be developing a third-generation model. This will likely be available only as a Gran Coupe and possibly an all-EV vehicle. Expected to carry the “G77” codename, it will likely stay on the CLAR platform instead of adopting the promising Neue Klasse. Anticipate its arrival in late 2025 or 2026.