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You're not in need of a big tradition of big BMW cuts stretching back decades, but the firm has struggled in its recent years to its flagship creations with that intangible sense of desirability and deftness of dynamics to really appeal to a car enthusiast. Effective the 6-series family may have been, but exciting on all levels? Perhaps less so.
However, ever since the first pictures of this new generation, with the emotive appeal surrounding the 8-series moniker, so came expectation that this time might be different, a feeling intensified when evo was invited on a prototype drive of the M850i in North Wales with its BMW engineers, and came away impressed. Now we get to the finished car. Has BMW built a sports car, a big tourer, or something in between the two?
Engine, transmission and 0-60 time
The M850i xDrive flagship is powered by the familiar BMW N63 engine, a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 that always punches hard. However, it has been comprehensively reworked for this new application, with a stiffer crankcase, revised cylinder heads and larger twin-scroll turbos. In an era when BMW M uses the same starting point, the efforts of BMW's mainstream engineers can sometimes seem less noteworthy – until that is the new peak power of 523bhp is taken into account. Backed up by a maximum torque figure of 553lb ft from just 1800rpm, it's clear this cut is not going to be left wanting for propulsive force.
The V8's twist is fed through the ubiquitous eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission, which now features a wider spread of ratios and revised programming. It also features a launch control function, which contributes to the M850's fairly spectacular 0-62mph time of 3.7sec, the top speed being limited to 155mph.
Technical highlights
Predictably, BMW has employed a lot of technology to achieve almost 1900kg of Bavarian supercruiser accomplishments from urbanization to the Nordschleife. Its structure is a mix of various metals and composites, with the option of a carbon fiber available for the first time outside the M cars. From there, it uses double wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension, mainly crafted from aluminum, with adaptive damping, active roll stabilization (via electric motors that can also be paired when the car is running in a straight line), BMW's xDrive Four-wheel-drive system and the Integral Active Steering set-up with a variable-ratio rack and rear-wheel steering up to 2.5 degrees. Naturally, all of these elements talk to a central 'brain', reacting in the context of the situation.
As an M Performance Model The M850i has a higher specification over the 840d, and any other 8-series models that may be on the horizon, and that includes the braking set-up of 395mm discs on both axles.
What's it like to drive?
Close the cut's long behind you and the first thing you'll notice is the driving position. With the electric seat dropped to its bottom line, you will find yourself on the floor, and unusually, the sill curves upward for some way before the door opening, revealing the efforts BMW has gone through in the name of a low-slung driving position . Look around the cabin and catches the eye, do not you? TFT dial pack directly in front of you. Mercedes-Benz is a Mercedes-Benz, but it is still more attractive than the previous month. The Alcantara headlining, the fine mesh aluminum trim inserts, all creating the right ambience.
Move away from rest and the 8 is barely more demanding than a 7-series. The steering is fingertip-light but free of corruption, the wrinkle, and refinement absolute. The first tap into the throttle elicits a subtle V8 growl from somewhere aft, but that's about it for concussion. This is clearly the luxury element of the 8-series recipe, and the car does it very well; as the miles build, so comes the confirmation that this would be an effortless everyday form of transport, or a peerless shrinker of distances.
> Click here for our review of the Lexus LC500 Coupe
Up the pace and the 8 reveals a different side, although you'll need to switch out of Comfort into Sport, or even Sport Plus mode to fully experience it. What's particularly appealing is the cohesive manner of the controls and systems. The engine's response is very natural, it does not really feel like turbocharged, and the gearbox allows you to measure it with the throttle. Conversely, if you want to change the world, you need it, the N63 finds its voice in the M5 has done up until now. There's little feedback via the steering, but on the plus side it is progressive and smooth in response, and guides the nose keenly into a corner, aided by the rear-wheel steering. Even when the road turns really twisty and challenging the M850i always keeps its poise, determined to hide its size and weight.
Those attributes become more obvious on a circuit, where the can be driven harder than possible. The enhanced rotation of the car is a way to get the best out of the world. Even after a number of laps being driven with enthusiasm the M Performance brakes show no sign of protesting, which is a significant achievement in itself. It is not a wonderfully immersive sports car experience, but given the car's other talents that feels OK; it's the overall blend where the M850i forms its appeal.
Price and rivals
There are plenty of cars that cover the M850i's talents in part, but precious few meet it on equal ground. A Porsche 911 offers more than just an excellent experience, but without the same long-legged refinement, while the cheaper Lexus LC500 is even more eye-catching and has a great engine, but a disappointing ride quality. An Mercedes-AMG S63 S Coupe majors on luxury and refinement, but is not like it as dynamic to drive, and also costs more – the Bentley Continental GT. AT £ 100,045 the M850i xDrive sits in a little niche of its own.
Specs
| Engine | V8, 4395cc, twin-turbo |
| Power | 523bhp @ 5500-6000 |
| Torque | 553lb ft @ 1800-4600 |
| Weight | 1890kg |
| Power-to-weight | 281bhp / ton |
| 0-62mph | 3.7sec |
| Top speed | 155mph (limited) |
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