2020 BMW M850i xDrive Gran Sport Test Drive

 

 

 

“2020 BMW M850i xDrive Gran Coupe”

When is a Sedan a Coupe?

OVERVIEW

The answer to the above question is, when it is a BMW that has four doors rather than two because BMW has changed their terminology in the description of vehicle varieties. Under the new nomenclature, their four-door hatchback model cars are now referred to not as sedans, but rather as “Gran Coupes” including everything from the BMW 2-Series through the X6. Crossover or SUV Bimmers with four doors are now designated as “Sports Activity Coupes “ or SAVs.


In addition, BMW now also uses the number 8 instead of 6 when referring to their classy upscale grand tourers, with the 8-series Gran Coupe taking its position on the top rung of the ladder as the best looking, classiest and most spacious of them providing comfortable seating for five adults and their personal lifestyle gear, with realistic, practical back seat accommodations, despite the fact that the rear seat headroom is encroached upon. The Gran Coupe is longer than its two-door siblings and also offers more cargo space.

POWER SOURCES

There are three 8-Series models: an 840i RWD; an 840i AWD (both are 3.0-liter, inline six-cylinder powered); and the M850i xDrive Gran Coupe which gets down the road courtesy of a 4.4-liter BMW M Performance TwinPower Turbo, DOHC 32-valve V8 longitudinally mounted engine with Double VANOS and Valvetronic and high-precision direct injection. The potent M-powered V8 cranks out 523 horses in a range from 5,500- 6,000 rpm, while also developing a whopping 553 pound feet of torque from 1,800-4,600 rpm. Energy is geared to all four wheels via BMW’s xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive system with via an eight-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission with Sport and Manual shift modes, steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters and Launch Control. The V8 requires parting with roughly an extra $21,100 over the 840i AWD model.

SPORTY ELEGANT EXTERIOR DESIGN

The M850i Gran Coupe’s modern exterior design is blended with an air of sensual exclusivity and allure. It displays a low-slung, elongated silhouette featuring slim window pillars, a long wheelbase and an expressive wide track.

The overall design form is sculpted with signature headlights. It is enhanced by the exaggerated and elaborate styling of the front end with its large, functional air intakes, especially when equipped with the optional M Sport Package.

The kidney grill showcases increased proportions featuring a hexagonal outline that widens towards the bottom with a single-piece surround that encompasses it. The full LED headlights feature BMW LaserLight technology.

The cabin is sharply tapered at the rear, which accentuates the strong shoulder line. The long, heavily raked rear window is a classic representation of high performance luxury sports coupes of yesterday.

The aft end of the coupe is composed of sculpted surfaces emphasizing the car’s tail width and low center of gravity. Slim all-LED rear light clusters extend deeply into the flanks adding to the effect. The taillights light uniformly in an ‘L’ shape, and twin exhaust tailpipes with a trapezoidal contour appear on either side of the rear lower section.
An almost fully covered underbody, active air flap control with adjustable kidney grille slats and Air Curtains including Air Breathers aid in aerodynamacism along with narrow exterior mirror bases, mounted directly on the side window weather strips. The overall proportions accentuate its sinsiter face and shapely haunches.

The M Sport package adds a muscular body kit and black exterior trim along with an M-specific steering wheel and other interior upgrades. Other noteworthy options include a set of 20-inch wheels on performance run-flat tires for enhanced cornering capability and the Comfort Seating package which comes with added front-seat adjustments, heated front and rear seats, ventilated, cooling front cushions, and power rear sunshades.

RICH FUNCTIONAL INTERIOR AMBIENCE

The cabin is sumptuously appointed and loaded with upscale features. The Gran Coupe’s interior is exquisitely outfitted—although somewhat sedately styled. There’s a standard 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, customizable ambient lighting, a large head-up display, leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, and wireless charging. The interior may be further upgraded with elaborate headliners, glass switchgear, and multi-functional seats with increased adjustability.

The driving position is very comfortable thanks to a well-placed dead pedal. Forward visibility is excellent, but the rearward view through the steeply angled fastback’s glass is restricted. Legroom is more generous in the back seat of the Gran Coupe than in its two-door counterparts but headroom is limited due to the angled roofline—. The cargo area increases with the rear seat stowed.

CONNECTIVITY AND INFOTAINMENT

The 10.3-inch touchscreen is the focal point of the 8-series Gran Coupe’s iDrive infotainment system, which is positioned high on the dashboard providing a myriad of functions. In addition to the convenient rotary knob and center console touch inputs, the system answers to a combination of voice commands, conventional buttons, as well as optional gesture controls. Every Gran Coupe features as standard, Apple CarPlay, a Harman/Kardon audio system, several charging ports, and subscription-based services such as SiriusXM satellite radio and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Android Auto is not yet available. A Bowers & Wilkins stereo system is optionally available for $3,400 if you’re a well-to-do audiophile.

DRIVER ASSISTANCE AND SAFETY FEATURES

The 8-Series Gran Sport does have standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking, while other features are available at extra cost, such as adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go technology; lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist; and blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic assist.

AS TESTED

My 2020 BMW M850I xDrive Gran Coupe wore a rich Mineral White metallic exterior finish complemented by a Night Blue and Black Merino leather interior. The base price was set at $108,900., while the final count and amount came to $121,695., after factoring in the optional fare, which included: the Driving Assistance Package; Drivers Assistance Pro Package; Comfort Seating Package; Glass controls; Bowers & Wilkins sound system; M Carbon Exterior Package and the destination charge.

PERFORMANCE

Awesome comes to mind in describing the performance capability of this sleek and highly desirable Gran Coupe. Acceleration is blistering – the big TwinPower turbo V-8 hurtles the nearly two ton and a half ton coupe’s mass from 0-60 mph in a mere 3.6 seconds with an electronically-limited top track speed of 155 mph. EPA mileage estimates are 17.0 mpg city and 25 mpg highway.

Steering is positive and the overall handling characteristics are extremely agile and beyond reproach with amazing stability and outstanding braking – all while in totally luxurious comfort in a track scenario, but the 8-Series Gran Sport obviously also does quite well in normal every day driving with all of its power at the ready.

The smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic gearbox and the velvety V8 engine work well together in delivering the 8-series Gran Coupe’s capability.

OUR FINAL TAKE

The 8 is reserved for emotionally stirring, sporty cars of an exceptional nature, and the 8-Series Gran Coupe will be BMW’s Flagship.

The 2020 BMW M850i xDrive Gran Coupe is truly an amazing automobile. It’s worth every penny of its sticker price if you are fortunate enough to be able to afford it.

It is not only incredibly good looking, it’s incredibly comfortable and it’s almost unbelievably quick as well, while prompting broad smiles. Its pleasing engine and exhaust notes are enhanced by the standard flap-controlled sports exhaust system. The Driving Experience Control switch may be used to activate both extremely sporty and distinctly comfort-oriented powertrain settings. In the SPORT and SPORT+ modes, accelerator response as well as the V8 engine’s power delivery and acoustics – which take on a particularly distinctive note in the SPORT+ setting – are all configured for an exhilarating motoring experience.

The 8-Series Gran Coupe is awesome even if it does have four doors.

SPECIFICATIONS: 2020 BMW M850i xDrive Gran Coupe

Base Price: $108,900.
Price as Tested: $121,695.

Engine Type and Size: 4.4-liter BMW M Performance TwinPower turbo DOHC, 32 valve V-8 with Double VANOS and Valvetronic and high-precision direct injection.

Horsepower (bhp): 523 @ 5,500-6,000 rpm
Torque (ft./ lbs.): 553 @ 1,800-4,600 rpm

Transmission: Eight-speed Steptronic Sport Automatic with Sport and Manual shift modes, steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters and Launch Control.

Drive Train: Longitudinally mounted front engine / BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive system with rear wheel bias and differential lock.

Suspension: Adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers.
Front – Double wishbone axle
Rear – Five-link axle

Brakes: Power-assisted M-Sport four-wheel discs with

Tires: Michelin Pilot Super Sport High Performance 245/35 R 20×8” 95Y front / 275/30 R 20×9” 97Y XL rear mounted on 5-“Y”-geo spoke machine face and Black painted M alloy wheels.

Wheelbase: 111.1 inches
Length Overall: 191.2 inches
Width: 74.9 inches
Height: 53.0 inches
Curb Weight: 4,478 lbs.
Turning Circle: 19.5 ft.
Fuel Capacity: 18.0 gallons
EPA Mileage Estimates: 18.0 mpg city / 25-mpg highway
Drag Coefficient: 0.31
0 – 60 mph: 3.6 seconds – Top track speed 155 mph electronically limited.

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