The BMW 8 Series still looks and feels very modern, but BMW has decided it's already time for a little tinkering. So, this is the facelifted 8 Series, complete with a handful of minor upgrades to keep it up there with the best luxury coupes on sale.
Sporty spice
At first glance, there's little to separate the new 8 Series from its predecessor. As before, M Sport is the minimum specification.
That means all cars get an "aerodynamically optimised" body kit with special aero tweaks to the front and rear bumpers, as well as the side skirts. There are new lower air intakes with horizontal struts and a dark rear diffuser insert in the bumper. The look is rounded off by 19-inch light alloy wheels and an M brake system with blue callipers. All M850i xDrive versions come with aerodynamic door mirrors and a fresh front spoiler attachment, while the M850i xDrive Coupe additionally comes with a rear spoiler.
The BMW kidney grille has also been updated with a new U-shaped design in the vertical bars, as well as the 'Iconic Glow' illumination feature, which is said to create "a particularly extravagant expression". The light-up grille is standard on all models of the 8 Series, but we suspect some would-be customers will be relieved to know it can be switched off.
True colours
A BMW's options list is traditionally quite lengthy, and the 8 Series is now being offered with a choice of four new exterior paint colours: Skyscraper Grey metallic, San Remo Green metallic, M Portimao Blue metallic and BMW Individual Frozen Tanzanite Blue metallic.
As a final flourish, and to mark the 50th anniversary of BMW's M division, the cars are also being offered with an optional motorsport logo, which replaces the traditional black, white and blue emblem. With staggered semi-circles in blue, purple and red, the logo is designed to ape the original trademark first used on BMW M racing cars in 1973.
High tech
Inside, there's a new sports steering wheel, dark roof lining and M pedals in stainless steel, as well as a special driver's footrest and M-specific floor mats. There's also an updated touchscreen infotainment system, which has grown from 10.25- to 12.3 inches in size, and that works with the standard-fit head-up display, wireless smartphone integration and intelligent personal assistant.
The six-cylinder models - the 840i and 840d - will also get the multifunction seats that were previously only standard in M850i cars. Designed to offer lateral support during cornering and long-distance comfort, the electrically adjustable seats come with memory settings as standard.
Meanwhile, the Gran Coupe models will come with a four-zone climate control system as standard, including a separate control panel in the back seats. In normal trim, the Gran Coupe offers two distinct rear seats, but the car is also available with a third rear seat for occasional use on short journeys, creating the '4+1' version.
Three in one
Like the pre-facelift 8 Series, the new model will come with a choice of three body shapes. There's the two-door Coupe, which is expected to be the cheapest option, and that's joined by a Convertible version with a folding fabric hood. A more practical Gran Coupe adds back doors, extra rear head- and legroom and a bigger boot, as well as the optional third rear seat.
Power range
As before, the 8 Series engine range comprises two 3.0-litre straight-six engines: the petrol-powered 840i and the mild-hybrid diesel 840d. Both come with eight-speed automatic transmissions as standard, but the 840d is slightly more powerful, producing 340hp compared with the 840i's 333hp. The 840d is also offered with xDrive all-wheel drive as standard, whereas it's an optional extra for the 840i.
Both models are trumped by the M850i, which hides a 4.4-litre V8 petrol engine under the bonnet. With 530hp, it's a more high-performance option, albeit less potent than the M8, which will crown the updated 8 Series line-up.
Performance is still ample across the range, with the slowest-accelerating model - the 840i Convertible - getting from 0-100km/h in 5.5 seconds. The diesels are all a tenth or so faster than their 840i-badged siblings, while the M850i models will manage the benchmark sprint in four seconds or less.
How much?
BMW Ireland has confirmed pricing of the updated 8 Series range. The entry-level 840i Coupe is €127,865 on the road, the 840i Convertible is €152,065 and the 840i Gran Coupe starts from €134,495. The M850i xDrive variants start at €188,165 on the road.