8 Series OPINION: The new BMW 8 Series - Is it "Special" Enough?

[EnI]

M8 ... anything else from 8er line is for posers & Opas only.

 

[LaArtist]

M8 ... anything else from 8er line is for posers & Opas only.

what is an opa?
is that a greek person like @Giannis

 

[CrunchSlaughtered]

I think that the car should make the number famous and not the number the car and I also think that to draw inspiration for the interior from a 30 years old car is retarded. The one thing that should be future oriented is the interior. BMW needs some Bangles spirit. Otherwise, in my eyes the car is looking extremelly good, technologically is on a top level and I think that its real ambition is to sell at the same units like the 6er but at a higher price level.

 

[braaf]

I though the generally accepted understanding on this forum was that the last 6er was a bit of a sales flop?

Really? I must have missed that.

 

[Serpens]

I though the generally accepted understanding on this forum was that the last 6er was a bit of a sales flop?

Really? I must have missed that.

The GC sold in good numbers in the U.S., everything else didn't move without significant incentives.

 

[chonkoa]

I though the generally accepted understanding on this forum was that the last 6er was a bit of a sales flop?

In my opinion it was but I am not sure if my sentiments are close to the true sales success.
My problem with the last 6er was the price point, and positioning which I felt put it in no mans land. The consumer positioned it as a coupe version of the 5er whilst for some inexplicable reason I felt BMW positioned it as a 7er coupe.
And the 6er GC anecdotally was taking sales from the 7er as two of my friends elected to go for it instead the 7er they intended on buying.
Now these are my opinions.

 

[braaf]

The GC sold in good numbers in the U.S., everything else didn't move without significant incentives.

This is true for almost every high priced item. I wish people would stop equating BMWs with significant discounts.

 

[Giannis]

It's quite a good question @martinbo and I'm amazed it is still going on on-topic.

So, here's my view point on this one:

Since I am not a prospective client and I don't really care how much the 8er costs (as it's definitely out of my price range), or any of its (near or far fetched) competitors, I just have to go with my feelings. Feelings as in how attractive I find it, how interesting it is for me to discuss it and what I dream more - this or something else.

For me, the 8er is nothing more than a big BMW coupe, just like the 6er was before that. I see it as a conventional offering in its segment, just like the S-Coupe. An Aston or a 911 do not appear as conventional in my book. It's probably because the BMW badge has now become mass market. Even if the 8er is the second coming of Christ in terms of automotive perfection, it's still a BMW. It carries a badge that ten minutes into my morning commute I've seen more than I care to count.

A Porsche, an Aston or their likes are not common. A Vantage may not look as good, may not be as complete of a car (that interior is certainly a compelling argument) as the 8er, but it's not common. It's a rarity.

Bottom line, I think I have to go with the same view point as @Matski. These are cars far out of my price range, maybe something for another life, or worse, another reality, thus I can't compare them on an objective basis. Cars like the 8er and stuff are all the same. Unobtainable. Thus all the same.

(*) Sorry for the pessimistic mood today, but it was one of those days...

what is an opa?
is that a greek person like @Giannis

Given how things are going lately, I'm far from a geek. I'm more of a bitter, grumpy, disappointed, constantly tired, kind-of-well-functioning alcoholic.

 

[sako97]

This is true for almost every high priced item. I wish people would stop equating BMWs with significant discounts.

“Almost every high priced item”... not so sure about that.

It’s the de facto state of affairs for High-end BMW’s. It’d be a different story if BMW wasn’t so willing to give 15-30% discounts on the 6/7 with an additional incentive to sweeten the deal. Maybe things will change with the X7.

*Anticipates old ratings*...Here’s an example local to me. A fairly loaded example, the same lease rate would get you a S450 with almost no options.

If you ask for a 15-30% discount at Porsche for a Panamera, they’d laugh at you then escort you out the dealership.

 

[LaArtist]

It's quite a good question @martinbo and I'm amazed it is still going on on-topic.

So, here's my view point on this one:

Since I am not a prospective client and I don't really care how much the 8er costs (as it's definitely out of my price range), or any of its (near or far fetched) competitors, I just have to go with my feelings. Feelin...

Haha oh well maybe you aren’t an opa then.

 

[LaArtist]

How do they expect people to pay these prices when the following is going on.

Here we have a brand new 0 mileage 750 new price 135k down to 87k, you call that dealer today and he will give it to you for 80K without discussion 75 if you are lucky.

And for a reference the most discounted S560 I could find. Down from 152k to 137k

That’s 10% discount vs 36% and keep in mind the S class is damn near finished.

So if you recommend any of you near and dear to buy these bmws at list price you are a cruel cruel human being , and you will probably burn in hell, and you deserve to drive a 5er GT for the rest of your days.

 

[Mars1965]

How do they expect people to pay these prices when the following is going on.

Here we have a brand new 0 mileage 750 new price 135k down to 87k, you call that dealer today and he will give it to you for 80K without discussion 75 if you are lucky.

And for a reference the most discounted S560 I could find. Down from 152k to 137k

That’s 10% discount v...

What are you trying to state? It is foolish to pay the list price on a Panamera ore buy a S with only 10% discount? Buying a 7 is a great deal?
Given the switch in EU from NEDC to WLTP could be an argument. Is it a stock car? They sell MB's secondhand with under 20.000 km with 40% discount, so what is your point?

If all you stated is the truth, the "best investment" (I know a car is the worst) would be buying a BMW.

 

[LaArtist]

What are you trying to state? It is foolish to pay the list price on a Panamera ore buy a S with only 10% discount? Buying a 7 is a great deal?
Given the switch in EU from NEDC to WLTP could be an argument. Is it a stock car? They sell MB's secondhand with under 20.000 km with 40% discount, so what is your point?

If all you stated is the truth, the "b...

 

[Mars1965]

In words please...

 

[LaArtist]

What are you trying to state? It is foolish to pay the list price on a Panamera ore buy a S with only 10% discount? Buying a 7 is a great deal?
Given the switch in EU from NEDC to WLTP could be an argument. Is it a stock car? They sell MB's secondhand with under 20.000 km with 40% discount, so what is your point?

If all you stated is the truth, the "b...

Jesus christ, ok here we go.

basic supply and demand.

Do you know why its ok to pay list price on a panamera ( not that i mentioned that car at all)?
Its because as of now its shit hot on the market and a used one is basically the same price as a new one. And it has great resale value thus zero discounts given or the usual 5ish percent.

The same is right for the S, the dealers sets the price at which he can move the car off his lot, and 10 percent seems to be fair and square for the S right now, and ofcourse as with any purchase you should try to get it as cheap as possible.

So yes this 7er which is not stock, and have nothing to do with WLtp seems like a great value, and sure if you are gonna keep it for the rest of your life, you might as well buy a previous gen 760 a tremendous car in most ways for around the price of a new 3er, you will get a shit load more bang for your buck.
But be sure to keep it until its dead and don't expect a dime back.

But most people want to sell their car at some point, and the dilemma that makes the dealer take nearly 40% off from the list price today will follow the new owner all the way down the years.

THE MARKET DECIDES THE PRICES, AND NO ONE WANT's THESE 100K PLUS BMWs, NOT TODAY AND CERTAINLY NOT TOMORROW.

hope that was clear enough.

Oh and BMW isn't alone in this here are some more brands with the same issues:
Jaguar, Maserati, Aston Martin, just to name a few.
Fun fact is that some of those brands have customers that don't give a F how much they loose. BMW doesn't have that luxury.

Oh and no buying a 100K plus BMW is NOT the best investment, don't tell people such things, i just told you. One burns in hell for such evil lies.

 

[chonkoa]

That was just priceless.

 

[LaArtist]

That was just priceless.

hahah i should work, im standby in Leipzig.

In idle hands rests the devil.

Being free from work does not do me well.

 

[Rolf]

THE MARKET DECIDES THE PRICES, AND NO ONE WANT's THESE 100K PLUS BMWs, NOT TODAY AND CERTAINLY NOT TOMORROW.

Its a common problem in most countries, even in South Africa the price of second hand 7-series and 6-series models is much lower than new price, their values drop tremendously after a few years whereas it's not the same with a S-class or S-coupe they hold their value better and also seem to stay on the road longer. More people are driving Panameras and Cayennes nowadays than 7-series or 6-series BMWs, I am not sure the reason why maybe it is also due to the negative second hand values and heavy depreciation of expensive BMW models and whereas those Porsche models are fetching very high prices after a few years of use.

 

[Rolf]

Given how things are going lately, I'm far from a geek. I'm more of a bitter, grumpy, disappointed, constantly tired, kind-of-well-functioning alcoholic.

That's what we call a grumpy old oupa. You sound over worked and need something to chill you out. Maybe @klier can take you on a night out to visit the Red Light district and then go to his favorite BMW dealer with one of your takeaways and take a spin in a M760iL and look close up at the M850i Lol

 

[hoffmeister_fan]

People are funny things... Park an M850i next to a Porsche 911 and I'll plump for that Porker any day; even a base 911T.
A 911 however, in isolation, is an interesting phenomenon - to my mind it's one of the most complete sports cars available and to others it's too small and too focused.

But when it comes to the 8 Series' more "traditional contemporaries" in large, front-engined V8 grand tourers, then the list is considerably smaller and less equatable:
- Bentley's Continental GT still doesn't yet come in a V8, and even then, it's bound to be way more luxurious and expensive
- Mercedes AMG's S-Class Coupe S63 4matic (mechanically speaking) is very close in under-the-skin specification but again, being an S-Class variant is more expensive still (admittedly more luxurious) starting at £128,000 with nary an option
- Aston Martin's DB11 V8, again, another car which, on paper, is mechanically comparable (though it doesn't have all-wheel drive) but it too commands nearly £150,000 without options
- Mercedes AMG's E-Class Coupe E53 4matic isn't in the same class really
- Porsche doesn't do a 928 any more
- Audi's biggest two-door coupe is a size smaller and a class lower; the A7 certainly isn't a proper GT in my book either

So, for circa £110,000 for a solidly optioned up front-engined V8 GT - what competitor am I missing?

Pretty spot-on for me. Unless Porsche severely bungles up the 992 or 911's beyond that, my first car in that strata would be some sort of 911. Its reputation proceeds itself.

That said, if I have the means, which I don't, and I was in the market for closed top GT, either the M850i or an LC500 would be at the top of my list. On the spectrum for GT cars, I'd want something comfortable but would be more than capable to handle the twisties when the occasion arrives while it feels gratifying when handling those twisties. If we are talking about open-top GTs, I'd want something with a bit more waftable cruiser mentality, and the now relatively aged S560 is more than enough for me.

Now whether the 8er is special.....yeah, I think it is. I very much like the exterior, and although it has adopted BMW's new design language, its overall exterior will look unique within the line-up. Maybe the new 4er will change that by adopting many design cues from the 8er. Hopefully, not too many so they maintain their own personality. The interior....hmmmm. I am biased in that I am a fan of the traditional BMW layout. Materials according to reviewers are mostly top-notch. Maybe the interior is a bit too serious and could be a bit more playful. But as long as the materials are worthy of this class, the ergonomics are exemplary, the HMI/UX is easy to use, I am happy because I am getting this car more for the drive than the interior decor. Whereas in a cruiser like a S coupe, interior ambience would be higher on the priority list for me. I guess, at the end of the day, are there enough people out there who value what the 8er's directive is?

At end of the day, this personally is a wash for me since I can't afford it. And if I had the money, I am high-tailing straight to a Porsche dealer for a 911 and the unique proposition 911's offer.