Brief Test: BMW 8 Series 840d xDrive Gran Coupe (2020) // Coupe Up Two Digits

When the 8 mark is mentioned in connection with BMW, it is hard not to recall the legendary E31, which is perhaps still considered one of the most beautiful cars of this Bavarian brand. But at the time of the famous coupe, the market did not yet require updates from users, so at that time no one thought of adding two more doors and ISOFIX connectors to the beauty.

But the market is changing and car manufacturers are also following the demands of customers. Four-door coupes are not exactly last year's snow. We want to say that BMW knows them well too, as the predecessor to today's 8 Series Gran Coupe was once called the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe.... We will not lose the valuable lines explaining why BMW chose different names for its models, but the fact is that today's Osmica is a perfectly legitimate successor to the former six.

While we once said that there is a specific base platform behind some special models (Series 5, Series 7 ...), today it is a little different, as BMW with a flexible CLAR platform capable of creating nearly 15 different models, everything from series 3 to series 8.

Even millimeters have their say. Today's Osmica is almost the same as its predecessor, measuring 5.082 millimeters in length. The interior layout has also remained the same. But if we draw parallels to the current 8 Series coupe, we see that the four-door coupe is 231 millimeters longer. and his crotch is 201 millimeters longer. Even an extra 30 millimeters wide means more comfort is customizable in the cabin.

Although the coupé has long doors and fully rearward facing front seats, the proportions are slightly different in the four-door coupe. The rear pair of doors are large enough to make getting in and out of the cockpit completely easy.there is plenty of room in the back in all directions, even over the heads of the passengers, although the outside line doesn't say so. For power, the third passenger can also sit on the middle ledge, but there, of course, it is not as comfortable as in the "seats" to the left and right of it.

Osmica's exterior is impressive and eye-catching, but it's hard to say that the interior architecture is a design overkill. Looking at the interior, we cannot get rid of the feeling that BMW is repeating itself from model to model in its interior design., without significant differences between the series, which would highlight more exclusive models. For those accustomed to the 3 Series' driving conditions, the Osmica will also be completely at home.

Clearly they are trying to improve the premium feel with more sophisticated materials (or, say, a crystal gear knob), but an overall sense of equality still persists. Other than that, ergonomics, driving position and suite of safety features are really hard to blame. If we write that it has everything, we have not missed much.

Well, those who remain indifferent when looking at the interior are likely to have a completely different opinion when they set such a BMW in motion. Already the first few meters behind the wheel evoke sensations typical of BMW driving in the muscle memory.. Suddenly, the connection between the steering system, excellent drive mechanics and first-class chassis becomes noticeable. All this escalates with increasing speed between turns. The Eight Gran Coupe is just an update on what we already wrote when testing the coupe version.

Even in the four-door version, the Osmica remains a seemingly impressive vehicle.

It is a car that delivers an excellent GT driving experience. So not a headless push to the limit, but a pleasant ride in long corners at a slightly higher speed. There is a Gran Coupe at home. A longer wheelbase only improves stability and gives the driver additional confidence in the vehicle. Like the Gran Coupe, it offers more everyday ride comfort than its appearance suggests.

Those who want more excitement will love the petrol version, but the 320 horsepower diesel six-cylinder is also ideal for this car.... Only a small characteristic diesel hum gets into the cabin, otherwise you will be more or less accompanied by an imperceptible hum at low revs.

When we say the 8 on BMW stands for the top of the range, it's clear that the price is also appropriate. We are accustomed to the fact that test specimens are well supplied with accessories, so even looking at the $ 155 required for the test machine, we didn't quite fall off the chair... However, there are concerns as to whether BMW will also charge such a high rate for a vehicle that will still have a 6 mark instead of an 8 mark.

BMW 8 Series 840d xDrive Gran Coupe (2020)

Basic data

Sales:	BMW GROUP Slovenia
Test model cost:	155.108 €
Base model price with discounts:	110.650 €
Test model price discount:	155.108 €
Power:	235kW (320 KM)
Acceleration (0-100 km / h):	5,1 with
Maximum speed:	250 km / h
Mixed flow ECE:	5,9l / 100km

Costs (per year)

Technical information

engine:	6-cylinder - 4-stroke - in-line - turbodiesel - displacement 2.993 cm3 - maximum power 235 kW (320 hp) at 4.400 rpm - maximum torque 680 Nm at 1.750-2.250 rpm.
Energy transfer:	the engine drives all four wheels - an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Capacity:	top speed 250 km/h - 0-100 km/h acceleration 5,1 s - average combined fuel consumption (ECE) 5,9 l/100 km, CO2 emissions 155 g/km. 
Mass:	empty vehicle 1.925 kg - permissible gross weight 2.560 kg.
External dimensions:	length 5.082 mm - width 1.932 mm - height 1.407 mm - wheelbase 3.023 mm - fuel tank 68 l.
Box:	trunk 440 liters

We praise and reproach

Appearance

Ease of use of the back bench

Ergonomics

Driving properties

Fuzzy interior design