BMW has given its biggest coupe an update, but you’ll have to look closely to spot the differences.
The 2022 BMW 8 Series, 8 Series Gran Coupe, and M8 Competition will be arriving in Australia in the middle of 2022.
Changes to the non-M range are limited to a tweaked front end, which is now home to an optional illuminated grille. Debuted on the X6 SUV, the grille has LED lighting integrated into its frame for a unique look at night.
Other front-end changes include new grille slats, and redesigned inserts for the lower air intakes. Europe now receives the M Sport package standard; it’s been part of the package in Australia since launch in 2019.
Skyscraper Grey Metallic, San Remo Green Metallic, M Portimao Blue Metallic and BMW Individual Frozen Tanzanite Blue Metallic have been added to the options list.
There’s also a range of new 20-inch wheels, and the M850i xDrive gains fresh black trim pieces and wing mirrors. The devil is in the detail here.
Inside, the central touchscreen has been boosted from 10.25 inches to 12.3 inches. BMW has stuck with its existing OS7.0 for the 8er, rather than upgrading it to the OS8.0 system rolling out in the brand’s latest electric cars.
There’s a choice of two petrol engines and one diesel, all of which are unchanged for 2022.
Power in the 840i comes from a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six engine with 250kW of power and 500Nm of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive.
Moving to the M850i gets you a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine with 390kW of power and 750Nm of torque, hooked up to an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. Europe also gets an 840d, which is powered by a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel inline-six.
At the top of the range, the M8 Competition has been treated to a similarly subtle refresh. The standard wheels have been redesigned, and there are eight new colours for the exterior.
Along with those mentioned above for the regular 8er, the expanded palette includes Frozen Pure Grey metallic, Frozen Deep Grey metallic, Frozen Deep Green metallic, and Frozen Tanzanite Blue metallic.
Inside, the carbon bucket seats from the BMW M3 and M4 have been added to the M8 options list.
Power still comes from a 4.4-litre turbocharged V8 engine making 460kW of power and 800Nm of torque in Competition guise.
All that grunt is sent to the road through an eight-speed automatic transmission and a variable M xDrive all-wheel drive system.
MORE: Everything BMW 8 Series
MORE: Everything BMW M8
