BMW itself admits that the days of big GT-style coupes are probably numbered - at least in this form anyway. Forthcoming emissions legislation won't look kindly on a 4.4-litre V8. So maybe we should just enjoy this car while we can. It isn't the most luxurious large coupe of its kind - Bentley or Aston Martin will give you that. Nor is it dynamically the most focused - your local Porsche dealership will help you there. You sense though, that the designers of this car wanted a combination of these two virtues, rather than an extreme expression of either one. Their stated mission was to deliver what BMW calls a 'Gentleman's Racer' - which is a rather good description for what we've ended up with.
Which leaves us with well what? Possibly the most complete large coupe you can buy? We'd say so. But is it the 'ultimate driving machine' the ads will promise? Well it'll depend on how you define that. This car does so in its own very distinct way, with elegance, arrogance and excellence in equal measure. For a particular kind of customer, that'll be a very appealing combination indeed.

BMW Live cockpit professional with 12.3" instrument display

ISOFIX child seat mounting for the two outer rear seats

Alarm system (Thatcham 1) with electronic engine immobiliser

Ambient light with dynamic interior light

Storage compartment under front centre armrest with light, 1 x 12V power socket and USB

Eight speed sport automatic transmission with gearshift paddle switches

Rain sensor and automatic driving lights control

Automatic air conditioning with 2-zone control

Electromechanical parking brake with automatic drive away release and auto hold function

Bluetooth hands free facility with USB audio interface, voice control and enhanced bluetooth + Wireless charging

Exterior mirrors - Floating design mirror, electric adjust/heated/folding, aspherical

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage

BMW 8 Series Coupe

840i M Sport 2dr Auto