8 Series Gran Coupe what the consensus

8 Series Gran Coupe what the consensus

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simonwhite2000

Original Poster:

2,466 posts

96 months

Monday 18th November 2019
quotequote all
Had a Golf R followed by two Audi B9 S5 coupes and feeling like a change to something a bit more spacious and comfy. The 8 series GC is on the list and would be my first non VAG car (im 40!).

But, it seems to be getting some flack. I get the Kia Stinger resemblance but why all the negativity?

naturalaspiration

639 posts

82 months

Monday 18th November 2019
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BMW has lost the plot design-wise recently me thinks. Confused exterior- too complicated and fussy to qualify as a true GT, coupled with just incredibly dull interior. What an effort.

simonwhite2000

Original Poster:

2,466 posts

96 months

Monday 18th November 2019
quotequote all
naturalaspiration said:
BMW has lost the plot design-wise recently me thinks. Confused exterior- too complicated and fussy to qualify as a true GT, coupled with just incredibly dull interior. What an effort.
On the opposite end of the seesaw is an A7 55 tfsi s line.

naturalaspiration

639 posts

82 months

Tuesday 19th November 2019
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simonwhite2000 said:
On the opposite end of the seesaw is an A7 55 tfsi s line.
How about a used Panamera (or even an Aston Rapide) :-). Life's too short!

I simply can't see where the "premium" 8 series beats the new 3 which, far from being good looking is at least more coherent and fits into its niche well. 8 series is an oxymoron. Some say the current design is a response to the demands from China, but my opinion is that Adrian von Hooydonk simply can't see the wood from trees, with the new Z4, 1 series, facelifted 7 series suffering the same fate. You need to lead by design not follow.

The only good German design at the moment is found at Porsche - they seem to be able to honour their tradition and at the same time be both modern and relevant without following the latest fads. No to be too harsh to BMW here I am not too impressed with neither Audi nor Mercedes - For me the original A7 looks better than the current one - same with CLS. If I had to chose between A7 and 8 series I would go for A7 as it is both cheaper, more practical and pleasing to the eye as a whole.

And I happen to have 5 BMWs and 0 Audis...can't believe myself I have just written this...


Chestrockwell

2,624 posts

156 months

Tuesday 19th November 2019
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Drive the BMW and you’ll see the light.

My brother has a 2019 A6 40 TDI and while it’s not meant to be anything special, it really doesn’t give me the feeling BMW’s do.

A Merc is a Merc, you know the minute you sit in one, they’re about comfort and luxury, you know what you’re getting and they never fail. They even have a specific smell. I’m not a massive fan though, I prefer BMW’s.

A BMW is also a BMW, they’re drivers cars and while they may not necessarily be as focused or as pure as their predecessors, in today’s market compared to their competitors, they are the superior drivers cars and you know this from the moment you get in the drivers seat.

My brothers Audi, I’m not sure what to make of it, it’s a lavish tool, it doesn’t have any distinguishing feature that separates it from the 2. You also sit ‘on’ it, and not ‘in’ it. The seat doesn’t go as low as it does in a BMW. Obviously an RS6 is a different story but you don’t need to drive an M5 to find the best qualities of the brand. A 520d is more fun and engaging than the equivalent A6.

A lot of posters on PH will tell you BMW’s are crap and have lost their way etc etc however the amount of BMW’s I see on the road tell me a different story. I was a huge Merc fan as a kid until I grew up and started driving. I bought a shed value E46 330i and it’s all been about BMW’s for me since then despite driving a few Audi’s and owning a Merc.

Funnily enough I’m about to lease a C-Class but the deal was too good to turn sown hehe

simonwhite2000

Original Poster:

2,466 posts

96 months

Tuesday 19th November 2019
quotequote all
Chestrockwell said:
Drive the BMW and you’ll see the light.

My brother has a 2019 A6 40 TDI and while it’s not meant to be anything special, it really doesn’t give me the feeling BMW’s do.

A Merc is a Merc, you know the minute you sit in one, they’re about comfort and luxury, you know what you’re getting and they never fail. They even have a specific smell. I’m not a massive fan though, I prefer BMW’s.

A BMW is also a BMW, they’re drivers cars and while they may not necessarily be as focused or as pure as their predecessors, in today’s market compared to their competitors, they are the superior drivers cars and you know this from the moment you get in the drivers seat.

My brothers Audi, I’m not sure what to make of it, it’s a lavish tool, it doesn’t have any distinguishing feature that separates it from the 2. You also sit ‘on’ it, and not ‘in’ it. The seat doesn’t go as low as it does in a BMW. Obviously an RS6 is a different story but you don’t need to drive an M5 to find the best qualities of the brand. A 520d is more fun and engaging than the equivalent A6.

A lot of posters on PH will tell you BMW’s are crap and have lost their way etc etc however the amount of BMW’s I see on the road tell me a different story. I was a huge Merc fan as a kid until I grew up and started driving. I bought a shed value E46 330i and it’s all been about BMW’s for me since then despite driving a few Audi’s and owning a Merc.

Funnily enough I’m about to lease a C-Class but the deal was too good to turn sown hehe
Is it a C300 your getting?

Wife has the new A6 40tdi and it's most certainly not a drivers car it's very good at what it needs to do.
Never had a BMW so was looking to try something different but get that an M340 would probably make for better value generally speaking. However they are more expensive to lease currently.
Definitely some interesting feedback!

Ninja59

3,691 posts

111 months

Tuesday 19th November 2019
quotequote all
Because to many the 8 is missing lots of elements of the original and more problematic is the old 6gc hanging in the corner which to many just looks a more resolved design.

Part of the issue as well is the British designer of the 8 was proud of removing some elements of traditional bmw design...such as the hofmeister kink.

Other issues relate to tech which feel confused you can unlock your new BMW with an android phone but not an iPhone. But there is no android auto...only apple CarPlay.

Edited by Ninja59 on Tuesday 19th November 20:41

Chestrockwell

2,624 posts

156 months

Tuesday 19th November 2019
quotequote all
simonwhite2000 said:
Is it a C300 your getting?

Wife has the new A6 40tdi and it's most certainly not a drivers car it's very good at what it needs to do.
Never had a BMW so was looking to try something different but get that an M340 would probably make for better value generally speaking. However they are more expensive to lease currently.
Definitely some interesting feedback!
Yes a C300d.

The Audi A6 is a top car, I’d say it’s the middle ground between Mercedes and BMW. I like it but I’d prefer a 5 series.

M340i would be an interesting choice. I haven’t driven one before but I have sat in one and the interior isn’t a big step up from the previous gen. the seats look nicer but feel the same and I feel like I’m in a F30 3 series with a different dashboard.

I drove an 840d Convertible and my god that’s a big step up from the 3 series from the moment you look at it.

Try the 8 series, you’ll fall in love instantly

simonwhite2000

Original Poster:

2,466 posts

96 months

Tuesday 19th November 2019
quotequote all
Ninja59 said:
Because to many the 8 is missing lots of elements of the original and more problematic is the old 6gc hanging in the corner which to many just looks a more resolved design.

Part of the issue as well is the British designer of the 8 was proud of removing some elements of traditional bmw design...such as the hofmeister kink.

Other issues relate to tech which feel confused you can unlock your new BMW with an android phone but not an iPhone. But there is no android auto...only apple CarPlay.

Edited by Ninja59 on Tuesday 19th November 20:41
Yeah I saw that on the car wow review. Strange. But I’ve got both android auto and car play in my S5 and don’t see the point in either. I just connect via Bluetooth.

My dad had a 640d gran coupe before his current 540 and it was a cracking car looks wise especially the swoop on the dashboard down to the centre console. The new 8 is quite staid in comparison but there is something about its exterior I like despite it being largely disliked.

Lots to like about a well specd A7 but it’s another Audi and inside it’s the same as my wife’s A6.



BFleming

3,589 posts

142 months

Wednesday 20th November 2019
quotequote all
A friend was at his local dealers (which I assume to be Vines of Gatwick) at the weekend and they had a M850i GC in Black. I thought it looked a lot better than that frozen grey one from the launch photos...

g3org3y

20,606 posts

190 months

Wednesday 20th November 2019
quotequote all
Ninja59 said:
Part of the issue as well is the British designer of the 8 was proud of removing some elements of traditional bmw design...such as the hofmeister kink.
Still there but certainly evolved from the original design.




anonymous-user

53 months

Wednesday 20th November 2019
quotequote all
simonwhite2000 said:
Chestrockwell said:
Drive the BMW and you’ll see the light.

My brother has a 2019 A6 40 TDI and while it’s not meant to be anything special, it really doesn’t give me the feeling BMW’s do.

A Merc is a Merc, you know the minute you sit in one, they’re about comfort and luxury, you know what you’re getting and they never fail. They even have a specific smell. I’m not a massive fan though, I prefer BMW’s.

A BMW is also a BMW, they’re drivers cars and while they may not necessarily be as focused or as pure as their predecessors, in today’s market compared to their competitors, they are the superior drivers cars and you know this from the moment you get in the drivers seat.

My brothers Audi, I’m not sure what to make of it, it’s a lavish tool, it doesn’t have any distinguishing feature that separates it from the 2. You also sit ‘on’ it, and not ‘in’ it. The seat doesn’t go as low as it does in a BMW. Obviously an RS6 is a different story but you don’t need to drive an M5 to find the best qualities of the brand. A 520d is more fun and engaging than the equivalent A6.

A lot of posters on PH will tell you BMW’s are crap and have lost their way etc etc however the amount of BMW’s I see on the road tell me a different story. I was a huge Merc fan as a kid until I grew up and started driving. I bought a shed value E46 330i and it’s all been about BMW’s for me since then despite driving a few Audi’s and owning a Merc.

Funnily enough I’m about to lease a C-Class but the deal was too good to turn sown hehe
Is it a C300 your getting?

Wife has the new A6 40tdi and it's most certainly not a drivers car it's very good at what it needs to do.
Never had a BMW so was looking to try something different but get that an M340 would probably make for better value generally speaking. However they are more expensive to lease currently.
Definitely some interesting feedback!
The ‘driver’s car’ thing is just a (clearly quite successful) marketing ploy. BMWs might feel a little different and handle a little better than their Mercedes or Audi equivalent but not in all cases and there are always compromises.

If you think this isn’t so then how come so many have felt the need to upgrade springs on 3 series and why there are so many grumbles about electric steering, lousy ride etc?

I had a F10 530d, and was close to changing to a G30. Then I drove the XF. The BMW certainly has a more complex, arguably better interior but in terms of ride, steering, general handling and composure on most roads the Jaguar is better. IMO and many, if not most, reviewers.

The thing is you need to try a range and see what suits you but it’s wrong to categorise things like BMW are drivers’ cars (whatever that’s supposed to mean), MB are luxury barges etc.

Make your mind up on the car not the marketing.

Chestrockwell

2,624 posts

156 months

Wednesday 20th November 2019
quotequote all
REALIST123 said:
The ‘driver’s car’ thing is just a (clearly quite successful) marketing ploy. BMWs might feel a little different and handle a little better than their Mercedes or Audi equivalent but not in all cases and there are always compromises.

If you think this isn’t so then how come so many have felt the need to upgrade springs on 3 series and why there are so many grumbles about electric steering, lousy ride etc?

I had a F10 530d, and was close to changing to a G30. Then I drove the XF. The BMW certainly has a more complex, arguably better interior but in terms of ride, steering, general handling and composure on most roads the Jaguar is better. IMO and many, if not most, reviewers.

The thing is you need to try a range and see what suits you but it’s wrong to categorise things like BMW are drivers’ cars (whatever that’s supposed to mean), MB are luxury barges etc.

Make your mind up on the car not the marketing.
It’s not just marketing. The springs being upgraded is because of the X-Drives SE suspension on the F30/34/36 series M-Sports but my 430d S drive on adaptive dampers was very sharp in the beds considering its size and weight. The steering was a problem but it was fine once you’re used to it.

A Jaguar may handle and steer better but they don’t offer a car that I like, the XE is too ordinary for me and the interior isn’t up to par when comparing to the 4 series I bought at the time.

As you said, there always has to be a compromise, an Alfa Gulia or XE/XF may handle better but there are shortfalls in the interior department as you said.

WJNB

2,637 posts

160 months

Wednesday 20th November 2019
quotequote all
BFleming said:
A friend was at his local dealers (which I assume to be Vines of Gatwick) at the weekend and they had a M850i GC in Black. I thought it looked a lot better than that frozen grey one from the launch photos...
My goodness me that is as gross & vulgar as can be. Just a big black dollop.

WJNB

2,637 posts

160 months

Wednesday 20th November 2019
quotequote all
BFleming said:
A friend was at his local dealers (which I assume to be Vines of Gatwick) at the weekend and they had a M850i GC in Black. I thought it looked a lot better than that frozen grey one from the launch photos...
An added more positive thought. Was at Goodwood yesterday & there seemed to be some sort of M5 Series launch do, coupes & saloons with an overweight 8 Series cab. The 5 coupes were real lookers so all credit to BMW.

rayyan171

1,294 posts

92 months

Wednesday 20th November 2019
quotequote all
One of the best coupés they have done yet. Always loved the 6 series, was sad that they consigned the name to the 5GT, but caught a glimpse of one before they arrived to the UK whilst in hamburg, and really liked the dimensions. Great haunches, unmistakably a GT that drives very well. Examples with very low miles have significantly decreased in price, tough choice between a new M340i or a nearly new 8 series.

simonwhite2000

Original Poster:

2,466 posts

96 months

Thursday 21st November 2019
quotequote all
BFleming said:
A friend was at his local dealers (which I assume to be Vines of Gatwick) at the weekend and they had a M850i GC in Black. I thought it looked a lot better than that frozen grey one from the launch photos...
I dont think the black wheels are doing that any favours. The one I saw at the dealer was sonic blue...cant decide if stronger colours work better


simonwhite2000

Original Poster:

2,466 posts

96 months

Saturday 23rd November 2019
quotequote all
BFleming said:
A friend was at his local dealers (which I assume to be Vines of Gatwick) at the weekend and they had a M850i GC in Black. I thought it looked a lot better than that frozen grey one from the launch photos...
I've just been to see one in this exact black on black colour scheme at Warrington and it really looks poor. A white coupe with black black grille however really caught my eye.

Chestrockwell

2,624 posts

156 months

Saturday 23rd November 2019
quotequote all
simonwhite2000 said:
BFleming said:
A friend was at his local dealers (which I assume to be Vines of Gatwick) at the weekend and they had a M850i GC in Black. I thought it looked a lot better than that frozen grey one from the launch photos...
I've just been to see one in this exact black on black colour scheme at Warrington and it really looks poor. A white coupe with black black grille however really caught my eye.
Dark colour cars are only nice in a showroom when they’re gleaming under spotlights or gleaming in the sunlight, take them outside on a average cloudy and suddenly they look like they could be a few years old!

The 840 I had the pleasure of driving (friend works at BMW) looks ace in white, I think BMW went backwards with this one, I always thought the 6GC looked better than the 6 Coupe, now the 8 Coupe looks better then the 8GC









Wills2

22,669 posts

174 months

Sunday 24th November 2019
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I was sat in a 840i GC at the dealers the other week, carbon black (I think) and a natty red/black interior, it was lovely inside beautifully put together and solid.

Really nice looking car in the flesh as is the 2 door version I think the latest BMWs look much better in real life and especially on the move.