2022 BMW 8 Series

　　

2022 BMW 8 Series Convertible Review

byDan FrioReviews Editor

　　Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to zzdcar, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.

　　, rating written byDan FrioReviews Editor

　　Travis Langness has worked in the automotive industry since 2011. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career.

　　In an era where "grand touring" means living vicariously through nomadic YouTubers, the BMW 8 Series reminds us that drivers once took to the open highway in luxuriously large coupes with powerful engines. The 8 Series might conjure up a nostalgic idea, but it's one of the best modern grand-touring cars around. Available as a coupe or convertible, with a stout six-cylinder engine or prodigious twin-turbo V8, the 8 Series is plush, fast and built for hours of comfortable driving.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2022 BMW 8 Series 840i 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$181/mo  for 8 Series 840i

　　8 Series 840i

　　840i 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) - $85,000 MSRP840i 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) - $94,400 MSRP840i xDrive 2dr Coupe AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) - $87,900 MSRP840i xDrive 2dr Convertible AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) - $97,300 MSRPM850i xDrive 2dr Coupe AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 8A) - $99,900 MSRPM850i xDrive 2dr Convertible AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 8A) (Most Popular) - $109,400 MSRP

　　vs

　　$165/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　For 2022, last year's optional M Sport package now comes standard. It includes black exterior trim, upgraded brakes, and sport seats with enhanced bolsters and shape. Nineteen-inch wheels are also now standard issue. The 8 Series isn't cheap, of course. A handful of worthy rivals cost about the same, including the Porsche 911, which offers sharper handling but a less decadent interior. The Lexus LC 500 and Jaguar F-Type also merit a look for anyone considering the big BMW. Read on for our Expert Rating and a deeper dive into today's 8 Series.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　7.9

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.5/10

　　How does the 8 Series drive? The 840i with the base six-cylinder engine has more than adequate power, and the eight-speed automatic transmission delivers smooth, lightning-fast shifts. At our test track, our 840i convertible test car accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in a quick 4.8 seconds. Dynamic back-road driving from this big grand tourer is impressive too, with relatively flat cornering and impressive braking performance.

　　There are a few drawbacks to the base 8 Series convertible, including heavy but vague steering, poor throttle calibration at slow speeds, and a lack of braking feel. Those are small gripes when you consider the car's overall aptitude.

　　

Comfort

9.0/10

　　How comfortable is the 8 Series? Ride quality in the 840i is excellent. The adaptive suspension soaks up almost all road imperfections. It's still smooth sailing even in Sport mode. Combine that with one of the quietest cabins in its class, and you've got a car that begs to be taken on a long road trip. The front seats are very comfortable for hours on end. The rear seats are a bit less comfortable, but they're adequate for small children, which is expected in this class.

　　The buttons for the climate control are a bit confusing at first, but the air conditioning and heated seats work well. The seat ventilation feature, on the other hand, doesn't provide much cooling effect.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below