BMW M850i xDrive 2019 Review

The definition of a luxury car in Australia has become increasingly ambiguous in recent years.

If you ask the federal government, it is any car priced at more than $66,331 – therefore qualifying for the world’s biggest price gouge, the Luxury Car Tax.

For prospective buyers, a luxury car has never been more affordable, especially when you consider entry-level variants from Audi, BMW, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo are much cheaper than the most expensive cars from the likes of Mazda and Toyota.

It seems BMW wants to clear the air over the definition of luxury with its new flagship in Australia, the 8 Series, which replaces the ageing 6 Series coupe and convertible and revives a nameplate that was once synonymous with the prestige image.

It also puts BMW squarely in the company of both Mercedes-Benz (S-Class coupe and convertible, AMG GT 4-door), not to mention competitors from Bentley (GT Continental) and Maserati (GranTurismo).

The newcomer certainly fits the definition of luxury with its price tag, which starts at $272,900 (plus on-road costs) for the coupe and the $281,900 (plus on-road costs) for the convertible.

In doing so, the 850i assumes the role of BMW's new torchbearer, and -- at least initially -- is fitted exclusively with a stonking twin-turbo V8, alongside excellent safety credentials and more technology than you can wave a hand gesture at.

It’s probably easier to state what doesn’t come with the 8 Series as standard, in honesty – such is the extensive equipment on offer. Even metallic paint is included...

Both versions of the 850i ride on 20-inch wheels with staggered-width tyres, soft-close doors, ‘Merino’ leather trim, sports front seats (Coupe), Heat Comfort Package (front heated door/console armrests and steering wheel), heated front seats and wireless smartphone charging.

The driver is treated to the latest generation of instrument cluster – a 12.3-inch digital layout that works in conjunction with head-up display – which is linked to BMW’s latest iDrive 7.0 operating software.

The 8 Series also has a big 10.25-inch display, BMW gesture control (coupe only), voice control with natural voice recognition and Professional navigation system with Speed Limit Info.

Headline hardware features include the car-maker’s Laser headlights, which cast light 500m ahead on high-beam, a carbon-fibre roof and inner transmission tunnel and M rear spoiler.

The convertible’s added expense brings a fabric roof which opens and closes in 15 seconds at speeds of up to 50km/h, along with the car-maker’s ‘air collar’ neck-warming function,

The drop-top forgoes some boot space (350 litres versus the coupe’s 420), though both variants boast a four-seat layout.

On the safety front, the BMW 8 Series again ticks every options box: Parking Assistant Plus including Rear View Camera, 3D View and Reverse Assistant, Driving Assistant Professional and BMW Night Vision Camera with Pedestrian Recognition.

The value equation begins to lose merit when company officials start talking about the car’s digital key – which can be had in the form of a physical, bank-sized card or as a smartphone application.

The key is free for the first 12 months, but incurs a cost thereafter. However, when a subscription is taken out, it can be shared among numerous individual users.

Furthermore, the 8 Series is fitted standard with Apple CarPlay, however, there’s a catch – it’s only free for the first year. BMW is kidding itself by asking owners to pay a subscription fee thereafter (starting at $179 for the first year) when mainstream $15K city-cars get it as standard.

Both hard-top and soft-top versions of the M850i arrive in top-shelf M850i xDrive spec, headlined by a 4.4-litre 390kW/750Nm twin-turbo V8 driving all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The BMW M850i Coupe does the 0-100km/h sprint in 3.7 seconds while the BMW M850i Convertible does it in 3.9.

These numbers are a big step up from the outgoing 6 Series, whose 330kW/650Nm 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 accelerated the coupe to 100km/h in 4.5sec.

The all-wheel drive M850i gets the M Sport electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential, M Performance-tuned Adaptive M Suspension Professional with active anti-roll stabilisation (for less body lean during cornering) and variable Integral Active Steering (rear-wheel steering).

If the definition of a luxury car is to impart a special, pampered experience to its occupants, the 8 Series is a winner.

Though it is built on the same German production line as the 5 Series and 7 Series sedans, and is based on the same CLAR architecture, the 8 Series is seemingly tailor-made with the way it cossets occupants inside its wide and long proportions (4851mm in length and 1902mm in width).

It must be said the sprawling exterior proportions don’t necessarily equate to acres of rear seat space -- but there is ample room for adults on shorter journeys.

The padded yet supportive driver’s chair is low-slung and within key reach of the key controls, while the surrounded door sleeves, centre console and steering wheel are furnished in quality soft leather that is also heated – terrific on a chilly winter’s morning.

Looking around the cabin only reinforces this positive first impression: presentation is excellent, with a nice balance of hardwired buttons and immersive screen displays, and a good number of metallic highlights to break up colour scheme.

Then, you push the starter button and come to realise the 8 Series' true point of difference from most luxury cars: its engine.

The V8 is sonorous, powerful and effortless all at once, giving you 750Nm of torque from 1800rpm, and holding it until 4600rpm, while its 390kW of power reaches its straps over 5500-6000rpm.

And while the M850i’s V8 can spin a little higher, to 6500rpm, there’s not much reward to be extracted from it.

On the road, the V8 is emphatic, with no shortage of power throughout the rev range. It is easily exploited too, thanks to a quick-witted eight-speed automatic transmission that is smooth and well-timed with its shifts and yet explosive during headier acceleration.

You can elicit more excitement and immediacy from the bent-eight in Sport mode too, at which point the exhaust opens to deliver more crackle and snarl throughout the rev range.

With all the assisting wizardry at play, there is a slightly digitised veneer to the 8 Series in a dynamic capacity, from the weighted variable-ratio steering to the benign inputs of the rear-wheel steering system and active anti-roll bars.

The inputs are such that, even on a greasy, wet road, it is possible to push the circa two-tonne bruiser knowing there is a vault-like safety net there to catch you if things turn awry.

From a touring capacity, the 8 Series amply juggles dynamic ability with comfort, cosseting occupants while it irons out bumps in the road and suppressing road and wind noise to excellent levels.

The drop-top is equally impressive, with minimal scuttle shake and excellent wind suppression with the top down, even at highway speeds.

More than anything, the 8 Series reminds you of what a real luxury car stands for. It is the consummate prestige experience – rapid, comfortable and opulent – and a car you’re not likely to see on every block.

How much does the 2019 BMW xDrive M850i cost?
Price: $272,900 (coupe), $281,900 (convertible) plus on-road costs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8
Output: 390kW/750Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Fuel: 9.8L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 224g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five-star ANCAP