BMW 8 Series vs BMW 5 Series
Overview | |
MSRP$87,500 | MSRP$54,200 |
Average price$62,900 | Average price$27,662 |
Listings1526 | Listings9468 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.3 out of 10 | Expert reviews8.0 out of 10 |
Pros
| Pros
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Reviews SummaryThe BMW 8 Series is the third element of BMW’s flagship trinity. Just as the 7 Series is the top sedan in BMW’s lineup, and the X7 is the top SUV, the 8 Series lords over lesser coupes and convertibles in the BMW hierarchy. The 8 Series nameplate dates back to 1990, when BMW launched the first generation in the form of a wedge-shaped coupe with pop-up headlights. After that version—known as the E31—went out of production, the 8 Series took a long hiatus, returning in its current G15 form for the 2019 model year. The 2023 BMW 8 Series gets some small updates for the new model year, including exterior styling tweaks and an enlarged touchscreen. More paint color and wheel design options round out what’s new. The lineup remains unchanged, however, consisting of 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, and high-performance M8 Competition variants in coupe, convertible, and four-door Gran Coupe body styles. An Alpina B8 version of the Gran Coupe (launched for the 2021 model year) also returns. We tested an 840i Gran Coupe for this review. | |
Reviews SummaryBMW was once known for sports sedans, and the 5 Series was one of the most prolific of those sedans. Sitting between the 3 Series and 7 Series in size and price, previous generations of 5 Series were known for a balance of performance and luxury, with impeccable engineering throughout. Today, the BMW 5 Series is largely irrelevant. The 3 Series is now so big that there is less reason to upgrade, and most buyers are more interested in SUVs anyway. The competition—including the Audi A6, Jaguar XF, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Volvo S90—has also gotten better. That doesn’t mean BMW has given up on the 5 Series. The current generation (codename G30) arrived for the 2017 model year, but it gets a midcycle refresh (or LCI, short for “Life Cycle Impulse,” in BMW speak) for 2021. Major updates include a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, a bigger infotainment touchscreen, and subtle styling changes. The 2021 BMW 5 Series is not like the 5 Series models of old. That may drive away hardcore car fans, but the 2021 model makes a strong case to new-car buyers, maintaining sportier-than-average driving dynamics, along with the tech and luxury features expected of a car in this segment. | |
No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine3.0L 335 hp I6 | Engine2.0L 248 hp I4 |
Drive TrainRWD | Drive TrainRWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower335 hp @ 5000 rpm | Horsepower248 hp @ 5200 rpm |
MPG City21 | MPG City25 |
MPG Highway29 | MPG Highway33 |
Engine | |
Engine Name3.0L 335 hp I6 | Engine Name2.0L 248 hp I4 |
Torque368 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm | Torque257 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm |
Horsepower335 hp @ 5000 rpm | Horsepower248 hp @ 5200 rpm |
DrivetrainRWD | DrivetrainRWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City21 | MPG City25 |
MPG Highway29 | MPG Highway33 |
Interior | |
Leather SeatsStandard | Leather Seats |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Key Features | |
Navigation SystemStandard | Navigation SystemStandard |
Sunroof/MoonroofStandard | Sunroof/MoonroofStandard |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space15.5 cu ft | Cargo Space14.0 cu ft |
Curb Weight4180 lbs | Curb Weight3765 lbs |
Height55.4 in | Height58.2 in |
Length200.3 in | Length195.8 in |
Width84.1 in | Width83.7 in |
Wheelbase119.0 in | Wheelbase117.1 in |
Maximum Payload1003 lbs | Maximum Payload800 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $87,500 | $54,200 |
Average price | $62,900 | $27,662 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | 4.6 | 4.5 |
Expert reviews | 7.3 out of 10Read full review | 8.0 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
| Pros
|
Summary | The BMW 8 Series is the third element of BMW’s flagship trinity. Just as the 7 Series is the top sedan in BMW’s lineup, and the X7 is the top SUV, the 8 Series lords over lesser coupes and convertibles in the BMW hierarchy. The 8 Series nameplate dates back to 1990, when BMW launched the first generation in the form of a wedge-shaped coupe with pop-up headlights. After that version—known as the E31—went out of production, the 8 Series took a long hiatus, returning in its current G15 form for the 2019 model year. The 2023 BMW 8 Series gets some small updates for the new model year, including exterior styling tweaks and an enlarged touchscreen. More paint color and wheel design options round out what’s new. The lineup remains unchanged, however, consisting of 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, and high-performance M8 Competition variants in coupe, convertible, and four-door Gran Coupe body styles. An Alpina B8 version of the Gran Coupe (launched for the 2021 model year) also returns. We tested an 840i Gran Coupe for this review. | BMW was once known for sports sedans, and the 5 Series was one of the most prolific of those sedans. Sitting between the 3 Series and 7 Series in size and price, previous generations of 5 Series were known for a balance of performance and luxury, with impeccable engineering throughout. Today, the BMW 5 Series is largely irrelevant. The 3 Series is now so big that there is less reason to upgrade, and most buyers are more interested in SUVs anyway. The competition—including the Audi A6, Jaguar XF, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Volvo S90—has also gotten better. That doesn’t mean BMW has given up on the 5 Series. The current generation (codename G30) arrived for the 2017 model year, but it gets a midcycle refresh (or LCI, short for “Life Cycle Impulse,” in BMW speak) for 2021. Major updates include a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, a bigger infotainment touchscreen, and subtle styling changes. The 2021 BMW 5 Series is not like the 5 Series models of old. That may drive away hardcore car fans, but the 2021 model makes a strong case to new-car buyers, maintaining sportier-than-average driving dynamics, along with the tech and luxury features expected of a car in this segment. |
Video | No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 3.0L 335 hp I6 | 2.0L 248 hp I4 |
Drive Train | RWD | RWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Horsepower | 335 hp @ 5000 rpm | 248 hp @ 5200 rpm |
MPG City | 21 | 25 |
MPG Highway | 29 | 33 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 3.0L 335 hp I6 | 2.0L 248 hp I4 |
Torque | 368 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm | 257 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm |
Horsepower | 335 hp @ 5000 rpm | 248 hp @ 5200 rpm |
Drivetrain | RWD | RWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 21 | 25 |
MPG Highway | 29 | 33 |
Interior | ||
Leather Seats | Standard | |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Key Features | ||
Navigation System | Standard | Standard |
Sunroof/Moonroof | Standard | Standard |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 15.5 cu ft | 14.0 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 4180 lbs | 3765 lbs |
Height | 55.4 in | 58.2 in |
Length | 200.3 in | 195.8 in |
Width | 84.1 in | 83.7 in |
Wheelbase | 119.0 in | 117.1 in |
Maximum Payload | 1003 lbs | 800 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
By: CarGurus + AI
This car comparison has been created with using generative AI. It is based entirely on CarGurus expert review content, ratings and data, and leverages our extensive library of hands-on product tests to create thousands of unique comparisons to help shoppers choose the right car.