What if we ask you to think about the best BMWs? What names pop in your mind? We are guessing stylish and super luxurious sedans like the Nes Class from the 60s and 70S, 80s E30 3 series, 90s E39 5 series, and the early 2000s E46 3 Series. Now, we aren't saying that the 8 Series is as capable as these icons, however, it has got the substance of its own. Don't you agree with us?

The 840i is high on our list of BMW cars we'd consider for its fun-to-drive character, sonorous powertrain, and easy sportiness. All these and more factors make it a fine entry in the BMW lineup.

Also Read: BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe: Detailed in pics

Not to forget that this 8 Series Gran Coupe falls short in a few noteworthy ways. Like, it doesn't communicate with the driver, a feature possessed by almost every BMW model on sale. There's no doubt that BMW cars have developed amazingly over the past 20 years on the intuitive front, but over the past few years, the company is building systems that are complex and harder to operate.

BMW 8 Séries Gran Coupe: Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Amazing styling	Unrefined start/stop system
Capable inline-six	Tech implementation lags behind
Four-door practicality (sporty & comfortable)	Doesn't talk back to the driver

Let's now discuss each of the above pointers in detail, starting with pros followed by cons.

BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe Pros

 

Amazing styling

The 8 Series Gran Coupe is a stunner, it captures some of the iconic design elements that are conservative but attractive at the same time. The car sits low and wide, features a traditional long hood-short deck setup emphasising the rear-wheel-drive architecture. Even though the grille and headlight styling look odd, and the rear bumper has a busy lower section, the overarching design looks great.

Overall the BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe is hard to miss on road.

Capable engine

Nowadays, the BMW M engines get all the attention, but the 3.0-litre straight-six turbo engine still wins hearts and can be found powering several BMW cars. Why? Well, this particular mill offers smooth and refined everyday drive, is powerful, and emitted a fine sound.

The 8-speed automatic gearbox sends power to the rear wheels and makes gear change seamless.

Sporty but comfortable

The 8 Series combines BMW's best powertrain with a balanced suspension and a quick steering rack, resulting in a fun everyday drive. It is quick enough to thrill but is not so powerful that it becomes difficult to drive.

Overall it is a fine luxury sedan with a composed ride, quiet cabin, comfortable seats, and soft & supple material.

BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe Cons

Engine start/stop system issue

Well, the engine start/stop system is not as smooth and stealthy as one would expect. Especially compared to Mercedes models with new mild-hybrid inline-six mills.

Problem with tech implementation

The 840i packs a lot of tech elements like the brand's latest Drive system and digital gauge cluster. A similar setup can be found in comparable rivals from Mercedes, Porsche, or Audi. However, each of the competitors seems to be doing a better job when it comes to integrating the systems. For instance, there is no real relation between the Drive display and the digital cluster, the former features fewer customisation offers, while the latter is too deep with menus.

Doesn't talk back to the driver

In the 8 Series, there's virtually no feedback from the steering or via the chassis. Sure the sedan is agile and its steering offers the right amount of heft, but it never tells what's happening between the tyres and the road.

Should you buy one?

Definitely. The BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe is a stunning sedan that brings in the best of yesteryear with the practicality & gears of modern times.

Also Read: Check out the 20 unit limited BMW 8 Series Frozen Black Edition range