Audi, BMW, Jaguar, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche all keep stealth watch on competitors’ next moves and then attempt to outdo them. Newcomer Genesis is now in on the fun, and it must be joyful for luxury sedan and gran coupe enthusiasts to observe the rivalry.
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Consider BMW. Hoping to regain the front-of-the-pack edge from Mercedes-Benz, it reintroduced its flagship 8 Series last year after a two-decade hiatus. Its 2020 M850i xDrive Gran Coupe debuts this year and continues the stoic brand’s efforts to regain premier honors.
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Like its German mainstay rivals’ fans, BMW enthusiasts are as loyal as any carmakers’ followers. It’s hard to fathom they could be more pleased. While combing luxury, craftsmanship and performance, the 2020 M850i is presented with a 4.4-liter, 32-valve V8 with 523 horsepower, all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. It accelerates from zero to 60 miles per hour in 3.7 seconds. Gas mileage averages are 17 miles per gallon in city driving, 25 mpg on the highway.
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Luxury electronic sports car advocates and green technology disciples may balk, and that’s fine. There’s much to like in that market. But there’s nothing wrong with tradition. BMW built its reputation making tight-steering, well-timed and robust machines particularly adept for high-speed European highways.
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As such, there’s not much not to like about the new M850i (except for the tight back seats). The exterior design is broad and low-slung, the epitome of sporting pedigree. The kidney-shaped grille is set low on the frame, while the slim twin headlines rest slightly higher than rivals’ approaches. Adaptive LED headlights featuring variable light distribution and cornering lights are standard.
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While its interior isn’t as plush as some competitors’ offerings, the new BMW is stylish, well-constructed and praiseworthy. The dashboard and upper door panels feature Merino leather and contrasting stitching. The glovebox is massive, there’s a large storage bin under the armrest, large pockets in the door panels and two cupholders under the center console.
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The console is also expansive, extending the traditional job of dividing the front seats to also divide the rear seats. Toward the rear of the console, back seat passengers can operate independent air vents and have access to further storage and USB-C ports.
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Considering the coupe’s dimensions, rear seats aren’t spacious. Sloping rooflines are always attractive, but the downside is reduced headroom and it’s no different in the BMW flagship
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Technology is state-of-the-art. The 12.3-inch touchscreen showcases the iDrive infotainment system. It’s well-designed and crystal clear and operates with intuitive buttons and on-screen menus. A wireless charging pad and Wi-Fi hot spot are standard. Apple CarPlay is offered with one year of service included and then via a subscription. Satellite Radio, HD Radio and a 16-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound audio system are standard. Android Auto is not supportedÂ
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For audiophiles, a Bowers & Wilkins sound system is a $3,400 extravagance. The M Carbon Exterior Package (carbon fiber trims and roof for less weight) adds $4,100. Two additional driver assistance package options claim another $2,800. Adding the Assistance Pro Package (active and traffic jam assistance) is another $1,700. The extras catapult the manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $108,900 to $121,695.
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The BMW M850i weighs nearly 5,000 pounds, and its driving traits are brand signatures. It’s agile but powerfully responsive. Various driving modes — Comfort, Sport and Sport+ — ideally adjust the road feel from smooth touring to quicker shifting with a tighter suspension.
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The result: The BMW M850i is a driver’s delight. It’s a cruising sedan with sports car tendencies, and it perfectly defines the carmaker’s enduring persona.
Article Last Updated: January 31, 2020.
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A sports, travel and business journalist for more than 45 years, James has written the new car review column The Weekly Driver since 2004.
In addition to founding this site in 2004, James writes a Sunday automotive column for The San Jose Mercury and East Bay Times in Walnut Creek, Calif., and monthly auto review and wellness columns for Gulfshore Business, a magazine in Southwest Florida.
An author and contributor to many newspapers, magazines and online publications, co-hosted The Weekly Driver Podcast from 2017 to 2024.
