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

[martinbo]

Oh I do like it. So very much. I can't understand why people are cynical about the "specialness" of this thing - it's wonderful.

...

So, given that there's been much discussion around how the new BMW 8 Series has been received but no real placeholder for a robust conversation around where it stacks up against other models or whether it's special enough, well... here's the place for that divisive debate.

Some people think the new BMW 8 Series is the bee's knees (bees are very special, their knees - even more so) and others don't. So, where do you stand on the matter and why? I'm in the "Yes - it's special" camp, even at it's high asking price.

For shits and giggles, I could add a poll, however, this would likely be pretty meaningless given the factionism so prevalent on this forum.

And here's a pretty picture to add some pizzazz...

 

[Matski]

Oh I do like it. So very much. I can't understand why people are cynical about the "specialness" of this thing - it's wonderful.

Not sure on the context of people criticizing it for not being special enough, but I do have certain similar feelings myself. It is, from a technical point of view, not as special as it could be, and I don't think it's beautiful enough to deserve being classed as special based on looks either. The latter element there is obviously much more subjective, so it's the technical side of the equation that disappoints me more.

 

[Betty Swollocks]

Oh I do like it. So very much. I can't understand why people are cynical about the "specialness" of this thing - it's wonderful.

It doesn't look £110,000 "special". That's what that orange one would cost in the UK. And that's without ticking lots of options. Just the exterior cosmetic stuff like the carbon roof, and carbon package which are on visible on that orange example above (£6,000 for those two options, please).

You could walk away with a brand new R8 V10 for that price. That is how much "special" £110,000 would get you.

 

[LaArtist]

Saw one on display at Hamburg AirPort the orange full optioned thing.

And yeah not impressed, I’m predicting a sad life for this car with below average sales and performances.

This segment is just to loaded for something like this to make an impact.

 

[GTA45E]

^
Totally agreed on the impact comment, that is what sells in this category.
BMW seems to have rested on laurels too much IMO. It is a little too "BMW generic" that fits in the lineup when the number suggests it sits at the top.
I personally don`t care for the styling. The squashed rear window on profile and kicked up boot has been seen
on some lower priced coupes of the past. Give me the Porsche 911 any day.

 

[Mars1965]

It doesn't look £110,000 "special". That's what that orange one would cost in the UK. And that's without ticking lots of options. Just the exterior cosmetic stuff like the carbon roof, and carbon package which are on visible on that orange example above (£6,000 for those two options, please).

You could walk away with a brand new R8 V10 for t...

To me it looks special enough to justify the price. As are the specs.

It depends what the car has to fulfill. If in a family there is only one car, this is the car to own. All what BMW stands for.
If it is a second car (besides for example a touring) I agree and I would want a "core" second car like the 911.

So in my case: would I buy one: no. For others this can be completely different.

 

[Centurion]

It doesn't look £110,000 "special". That's what that orange one would cost in the UK. And that's without ticking lots of options. Just the exterior cosmetic stuff like the carbon roof, and carbon package which are on visible on that orange example above (£6,000 for those two options, please).

You could walk away with a brand new R8 V10 for t...

In a year's time few people will pay list price for the 8. Similar to the 6 series and i8 it will be discounted by 20-25% due to slow sales.

The 640i will IMO be the sweet spot in price and performance.

 

[Deleted member 1071]

In terms of commercial success, it hasn't been since the days of the E24 6 series that BMW was seriously competitive in its' market segment. It managed to hold its' ground against competitors such as the M-B C107 SLC (which, then again, was an "older car"). And the G-series 911s' of the day were a totally different animal altogether. The E24 also had an extraordinarily long model cycle of some 14 years. It was the last large 2+2 grand tourer by BMW that I saw relatively frequently on German roads.

 

[martinbo]

It doesn't look £110,000 "special". That's what that orange one would cost in the UK. And that's without ticking lots of options. Just the exterior cosmetic stuff like the carbon roof, and carbon package which are on visible on that orange example above (£6,000 for those two options, please).

You could walk away with a brand new R8 V10 for t...

Sorry, late to respond but it was a good, busy weekend. I understand and appreciate your perspective but one also has to be realistic and recognise that one person's "special" is another's "meh" and vice versa. An R8 V10 is a special machine and even in its current, less attractive guise, is a tremendously under-appreciated vehicle. The sales figures bear this out with the previous generation comprehensively outselling its successor year-on-year in the model life cycle. So it's obviously less special in the market's eye than before.

But this not being an internal combustion thread - rather one specifically for the appreciation of the 8 Series for those who do see something special in it, even at the high asking price - isn't really the place to compare one model to another beyond saying that the 8 Series is a 2+2 Grand Tourer in the near-purest sense of the term and this, in itself, makes for a very special car even to society's most privileged. I have the feeling that it will be very positively received by both owners and the market in general.

 

[Vivaki]

Oh I do like it. So very much. I can't understand why people are cynical about the "specialness" of this thing - it's wonderful.

It doesn't look £110,000 "special". That's what that orange one would cost in the UK. And that's without ticking lots of options. Just the exterior cosmetic stuff like the carbon roof, and carbon package which are on visible on that orange example above (£6,000 for those two options, please).

You could walk away with a brand new R8 V10 for t...

As a current 6 series owner, couldn't agree more! Its beautiful, I love the exterior (not sure about the rear yet) but the interior while good is nothing special, and the car overall is certainly not £100k special. The previous 6 series was over priced to start with, you could get a brand new one with 30% off list price. A 640d M sport was around £68k brand new and you could negotiate and pick them up for £48k! Now this new one looks nicer yes but certainly not nice enough to justify the new price! If it was priced the same as the current 6 series I would upgrade to the new one but definitely not at £80k

 

[martinbo]

Do you think people would cross-shop a 911 with an M850i? In some cases, I would think so but are they comparable in the "classic" sense when the latter is a proper sports car (with touring potential) and the other is a true GT (with sporting undertones)...

 

[fortuner]

Special Nope

My own opinion it's more a Marketing catch this is just a 6 series with 8 badge..

BMW 8 was special if you look at the past 8 that was special..

I know I'll get hate but this is my opinion and I am sure some BMW fans will look.at the past 8 and this sorry but no comparison this is a 6er and should have remained badged 6 and BMW should have out more effort and made a special 8..

 

[aleks_16]

I would like to now from some members what should had BMW done to make it special ?
in My Opinion in it lacks some exclusivity what a conti gives you but i like it and don´t see a DB11 to be more special then an 8 (despite the fact there is no v12 option for it).

 

[klier]

What a sad thread.

Attracts MB fanboys and Betty Swollocks like flies towards honey.

 

[Munzmjs]

Do you think people would cross-shop a 911 with an M850i? In some cases, I would think so but are they comparable in the "classic" sense when the latter is a proper sports car (with touring potential) and the other is a true GT (with sporting undertones)...

I actually came to post the 911 being the 8er's main problem... So, at that price and performance point, yes. Especially considering that the new 911 (992) is on the horizon is going to make this a very tough sell.

 

[Deleted member 1071]

Do you think people would cross-shop a 911 with an M850i? In some cases, I would think so but are they comparable in the "classic" sense when the latter is a proper sports car (with touring potential) and the other is a true GT (with sporting undertones)...

Were I a "shopper"...Yes-I would certainly view the 911 (in Carrera 2, Carrera 4S, GTS , GT3 Touring and Turbo (S) form) as 8 series/M8 coupe/cabriolet rivals. The progressive increase in girth and length as well as the refinement of the interior and vast assortment of amenities have situated the 911s' mentioned above on the immediate periphery of the "Grand Tourer" segment. I believe that this will be especially exemplified with the introduction of the 992 series.

"Special" is a term that is open to subjective interpretation. I will say that I find the new 8 series an extremely fine example of automotive design in certain configurations. Compelling architecture and integrity of proportions. Modern classic. But a "ground-breaker", "game-changer" or "new standard" ? No-not in my book at least. And as an investment, in the financial as well as hedonistic sense, the Porsche will trump the BMW.

 

[mini_cooper4]

Today's Special - 25% off any 8-Series + Free Carbon Roof and a bottle of cheap whiskey to make your purchase easier to swallow !!!
Hell yes, this car will be special in no time!

 

[Der Hofmeister]

Some cars are eyed to a specific clientele. THE 8 is one of them.

It was developed mostly with the help and support of the BMW M division, which tells just about everything. That is why, THE 8 is far from being a successor of the former 6 Series. It is simply a new car with a radically different vision. It is as special as the E31 series. If it wouldn't have worked, the board would not have greenlighted this daring project. The 6 Series would have continued to exist in its grand tourer shape with a versatile, ambivalent behaviour - not too sporty, not too comfy, something that would make everyone happy.

The new 8 Series is a totally different story and it really deserves every single penny - architecture- and development-wise. It really is a big achievement for the Bavarians and it is intended to be the very definition of the Ultimate Driving Machine. If you think the M850i xDrive might feel cold, think again. Things are about to get really intense when the outrageous M8 will be unveiled.

Just like THE 7 is the pinnacle of luxury at BMW, THE 8 may well be seen as the pinnacle of dynamics and sportiness. That is why it was placed at the top of the portfolio - living 100% true to its nameplate.

 

[Deleted member 1071]

I actually look towards the GC derivatives making the far more substantial impact.

 

[Munzmjs]

Some cars are eyed to a specific clientele. THE 8 is one of them.

It was developed mostly with the help and support of the BMW M division, which tells just about everything. That is why, THE 8 is far from being a successor of the former 6 Series. It is simply a new car with a radically different vision. It is as special as the E31 series. If it...

BMW ///Marketing division is dat you?

Seriously though. The 8 is a nice car, but I dont see it being the pinnacle of the company's sporty and dynamic capabilities. As for being special, the i8 already does a better job at that in my opinion (1.5l mini engine aside).