8 Series Gran Coupe what the consensus

8 Series Gran Coupe what the consensus

Author
Discussion

simonwhite2000

Original Poster:

2,473 posts

97 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?

simonwhite2000

Original Poster:

2,473 posts

97 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.

simonwhite2000

Original Poster:

2,473 posts

97 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!

simonwhite2000

Original Poster:

2,473 posts

97 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.



simonwhite2000

Original Poster:

2,473 posts

97 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:

2,473 posts

97 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.

simonwhite2000

Original Poster:

2,473 posts

97 months

Sunday 24th November 2019
quotequote all
No kids so I could go for a coupe but the GC has far better pricing behind it. I'm swaying to the 8 GC series instead of the A7.
Colour wise either white with all black trim inc wheels and black leather or carbon black with cognac leather and normal silver grille and wheels.
I do love sunset orange but that would be a brave choice on a GC although with privacy glass and black trim and wheels it would work. I think!

simonwhite2000

Original Poster:

2,473 posts

97 months

Sunday 24th November 2019
quotequote all
gizlaroc said:
simonwhite2000 said:
.......would be my first non VAG car (im 40!).
I have nothing to add, I just wanted to add my condolences.

I have had a few Audis, S4s etc. so I am genuinely sorry.
Hahaha to be fair I've really enjoyed the last 3. But a change would be good I think.

simonwhite2000

Original Poster:

2,473 posts

97 months

Sunday 24th November 2019
quotequote all
gizlaroc said:
simonwhite2000 said:
gizlaroc said:
simonwhite2000 said:
.......would be my first non VAG car (im 40!).
I have nothing to add, I just wanted to add my condolences.

I have had a few Audis, S4s etc. so I am genuinely sorry.
Hahaha to be fair I've really enjoyed the last 3. But a change would be good I think.
In all seriousness, I think you will love the move.
I know so many guys who have always been Audi, the go to BMW, then often go back once and never again.

There is something about them and I agree with above, those that complain about modern BMWs losing their edge have probably not lived with one. They still offer something no other car does in that sector.


However, having said all that, have you looked at something like a Panamera?
Some of the Porsche finance deals are really, really good and I bet similar to an 8GC.
I only lease and Porsche never support decent lease deals. Plus standard spec on Porsche is never great everything is an option.

simonwhite2000

Original Poster:

2,473 posts

97 months

Wednesday 27th November 2019
quotequote all


Thoughts on this spec but on a gran coupe?