Update: the 8

BMW"s much loved 8 series gets a mild (emphasis on "mild") update

Photo from Google.com?8-series-LCI

The 2nd generation BMW 8 series is a highly sought after car in any market. Its looks and performance meet the eye of customers who want the ultimate machine. However, it has had a tough upbringing.

It was a project set out to bring the 8 series name back in the same style Toyota used to bring the Supra back. The 8 series Gen1 (E31) was a controversial styling coupe based on the 7 series e32. the original 8 came from 1991 to 1999 with either a V8 or the V12 850Ci.

the 2nd Generation 8 series is not based on the underpinnings of the 7 series. initially launched in early 2019, the 2nd generation (G15) is actually the coupe based on the 5 series platform, a spot reserved by its predecessor 6 series sibling. The 8 is also the first BMW to have the racing series car launched before the production car, starting with the M8 GTE in late 2017.

The 8 series, launched in 2019, is a coupe model based on the platform of the 7th generation 5 series G30. The platform allows a grand touring design with larger engines, which the large coupe utilized. The 8 series came in three bodystyles, being the Coupe 2 door, the Cabriolet, and the 4 door Gran Coupe, the Gran Coupe launched a few months later. All 3 models spawned an array of drivetrains and powertrains, starting from base model 840i to the monstrous M8 Competition.

Actually, there were only realistically five configurations of the 8 series, all stretch across the range. There is the entry level 840i and 840d, the M850i X Drive, the halo M8, and the M8 Competition. the 840i and 840d both have i6 engines; the 840i utilizes the same B58 3 liter i6 turbocharged petrol engines as the whole BMW range, in the 840i producing 250 kW of power and 500 NM of torque, the only rear wheel driven platform you get on the 8 series. the 84od utilizes a B57 3 liter i6 turbodiesel engine with a lower redline, which pushes 235 kW and 680 NM of torque through its xDrive All wheel drive platform. Both of those are available in either Luxury trim or M Sport trim as options, with an assortment of wheels to match. the M850i xDrive, only available in M sport, has a 4.4 liter M63 twin scroll turbopetrol V8 engine developing 390 kW and 750 NM of torque to all fours, while the range topping M8 and M8 Competition models used the famed 4.4 liter S63 twin turbo V8 petrol producing 441 kW in the standard M8 and 460 kW in the Competition, retaining the same 750 NM of torque to the MDM tuned xDrive all wheel drive platform. BMW South Africa only received the M Sport package, the 840i and 840d Gran Coupe, and the M8 Competition as models.

Fast forward 3 years, and the successfully executed large coupe is one of the most sought after BMWs, and to loyal fans, the 8 has been refreshed.

It is considered a very mild update but the 8 has received a mild facelift both outside and inside. The 2022 LCI model which will be on South African shores later this year will also be available in the same models as before, but with some changes

Taking the topic out of motoring journalism context for a moment, BMW put a lot of emphasis on the word 'subtle' in its makeover approach to the exterior design of the 8 series. in fact, it took me five hours to figure out what they changed, by then i already gave up. It was only when I saw them face to face and in a more 'skeletal' (aka dirty) approach of the older model did I start to notice the minute details. To the untrained, everything looks the same, as if BMW did not change the 8 series at all.

Left to right < 2019 and 2022 8 Series front

Look closer and you will notice that the shape of the front is retained, but within the front panels there re differences. The front apron vents on the LCI are redesigned to match the grille, both housing mini block air vent slatted lines. The grille uses a 3D effect using said air slats, which creates the illusion of a decreased grille. the twin slats in the apron continue to the lower grille to create a lowing pattern. as far as the rear, the design remains unchanged, which was no issue with buyers, so there is nothing to write home about.

Another exterior difference is that now the M Sport package includes the M style side mirrors first seen on the M8, and the M Sport badge relocated to the right side kidney grille as a touch. Again, details missed by the untrained eye.

There is more to write home about in the interior.

8 series interior

The interior still remains largely the same as before, but with a bigger and more advance d screen. The 12.3 inch unit adorns the cabin like a TV in a lounge, and as before, it is angled towards the driver. The digital display is standard across the range, and is the carbon copy of the one found in the 5 series G30 LCI, in simple terms, the iDrive 8 Live Cockpit infotainment, which is still compatible with i7 connectivity. The infotainment as tested in the i4, the 5 series and the 4GC, is very intuitive and retains the four magic methods of use; Hey BMW Voice Control, Gesture Control, now standard, full touchscreen connectivity and its toggles. It controls everything entertaining, such as Ambient lighting, Massage seats, the drive system and even the news.

No surprise then that the new 8 Series stands to be a true GT car. In terms of customisability, it is easily changeable to those who want a different style. For example, there are over 12 interior leather colours to choose from, as well as over eight different trims. Exterior customizations include an array of newly added colours and new styled 20 inch alloys, as well as the option to have a Shadow Line package, which adds a tiny boot spoiler to the

Changes to the drivetrain and powertrain remains yet unconfirmed, but there is no subtractions from the drivetrain. At the moment, the 8 series remains unchanged. Entry level 840 derivatives, meaning the petrol 840i and diesel 840d, are still found on all models. All models, as before, come with the smooth-as-silk ZF 8 speed automatic torque converter transmission, but now include M Specific adaptive dampers as standard. This means that even with rear wheel drive, the 840i can accelerate its 250 kW of power to 100 in a claimed 5.2 seconds, while maintaining an average fuel reading of 7.9l/100km in the Gran Coupe guise. Unless you want more range, in which the 840d's 6.7l/100km fuel reading will put you to ease. Plus it's quicker to 100kph, 5.1 seconds all thanks to its xDrive all wheel drive system.

BMW M8 2021 v 2022

But how has it affected the range-topper? The BMW M8 Competition LCI will be the only M8 version we in South Africa, and the United Kingdom will receive. In terms of he differences made, BMW puts emphasis on the 'subtle' in subtle makeover. In fact, the only noticeable difference is the grille slats, which are less angular within the grille. BMW have also taken the liberties to add new colours to the collection of the M8, being Isle of Man Green metallic from the new M3, Skyscraper Grey metallic, Brooklyn Grey metallic, BMW Individual Tanzanite Blue metallic; Frozen Pure Grey metallic, Frozen Deep Grey metallic, Frozen Deep Green metallic and Frozen Tanzanite Blue metallic.

In terms of looks only the colour has changed as much, and to the untrained, and even the trained eye, there is no real noticeable difference, but inside, the difference is much more noticeable. For starters, the screen aforementioned above is available as standard, on the M8 , as well as the gear selector with the M badge. The most noticeable difference is now the M8 Competition customer can share the same privilege as the M3/M4 customer to match the colour (yep, there will be some owners driving around with an Isle of Man green metallic M8 Competition with their Isle of Man green metallic M3 Competition tailing them, be prepared). The M8 now has the Carbon Fibre bucket seats as an optional extra. The same weight saving seats found in the M5 CS, M3/M4 Competition, and X3M/X4M.

M8 interior

In terms of powertrain changes, there are none. The 4.4 liter twin turbo S63 V8 still produces 460 kW and 750 NM torque to all fours via the same trusted ZF 8 speed torque converter automatic transmission. That same power under the control of the MDM xDrive all wheel drive system, pushes the 1,9 ton beast to 100 in a claimed 3.1 seconds, to a top speed of 305 kmh. It remains an Autobahn monster, and when taken out of its Mad Mode settings, does the job of the Grand tourer as well, effortlessly sipping fuel from its 68 liter fuel tank at the rate of 10.4l/100km. everything comes standard, except the choice of bodystyle.

The M8 in general is not the best selling M car. It is not the fastest either. It is not even the greatest M car in the world. But it is a monster of a car, and it plays so well into the Gran Turismo lifestyle.

BMW GmBH are planning a faster version of the M8, more likely to be the CS, coming in 2023.

The only trouble is that when it came in 2019 in South Africa, its price was around R3 million. Considering the facelift of the M8 and the fact that it is newer, the cost will be more likely to hit R3.7 million easily. At face value though, the new 8 series does not look like it's worth it.

Images take from Google.com/M8