FYI: In wintry Michigan, the 2020 BMW 840i xDrive Gran Coupe proved its mettle, pairing luxurious comfort and formidable performance with unshakeable all-wheel-drive stability.
2020 BMW 840i xDrive Gran Coupe: Luxurious Performance Meets Practicality
The 2020 BMW 840i xDrive Gran Coupe occupies a unique place in the 8 Series lineup. Essentially the most budget-friendly option in the series, this all-wheel-drive marvel is notably more affordable than the two-door coupe version. Despite its position as an entry-level model, the 840i xDrive Gran Coupe is packed with luxury and performance, making it an excellent choice for driving through snowy Michigan winters, as demonstrated during our rigorous testing.
Under the hood lies a silky-smooth 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder turbocharged engine, delivering 335 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque. BMW boasts a swift 0-60 mph acceleration time of 4.6 seconds, proving that even a four-door variant in this series can perform impressively. This engine is seamlessly paired with a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission, ensuring that gear shifts are both quick and smooth.
Spacious, Elegant Design
With its Gran Coupe designation, the 840i offers more than just a thrilling driving experience; it caters to practicality as well. The extended body provides ample space for passengers and luggage, making it ideal for weekend getaways. While it may not rival the BMW 7 Series in sheer size, it surpasses many traditional sedans in terms of both style and performance.
Starting at $88,795, our test model, loaded with xDrive all-wheel drive, reached a final price of $100,675. Several luxury options contributed to this increase, most notably the $4,850 M Sport package. Additional packages included two driver assistance options priced at $1,700 and $1,100 respectively, with the more expensive adding BMW’s advanced traffic jam assistant. The $1,200 Comfort Seat package enhanced cabin comfort with front-cooled and all-around heated seats, while stylish 20-inch two-tone wheels added $1,300 and piano black interior trim added another $1,080 to the cost.
A Joy to Drive, Regardless of Conditions
Associate Editor Byron Hurd noted the 840i’s impressive balance between size and handling, highlighting its quick launch capability and overall winter practicality. Despite its heft, the car’s all-wheel-drive system enhances its agility and acceleration, shaving 0.3 seconds off its 0-60 mph time compared to rear-wheel-drive models. Byron found the steering perfectly attuned to the chosen drive mode, favoring a combination of "Sport" settings for responsiveness and "Comfort" for ride quality.
Editor-in-Chief Greg Migliore praised the interior’s luxurious touches, describing the crimson Fiona Red leather and piano black trim as evocative of old-school luxury. Combined with ambient lighting, this setup gives the 8 Series an undeniably upscale feel. Visibility, often a concern in low-slung sedans, pleasantly surprised, although the 840i does have notable blind spots that can feel like navigating a submarine in narrow streets.
Advanced Technology and Comfort
Green Senior Editor John Beltsnyder focused on the Gran Coupe’s suitability for long highway journeys, citing its comfort, speed, and spaciousness. He appreciated the tech features, particularly the BMW Traffic Jam Assistant. This system enhances the driving experience in congested conditions by taking over some driving functions at speeds up to 40 mph, provided the adaptive cruise control is active and sensors are clear.
The Traffic Jam Assistant not only takes over steering during slow-moving traffic but also handles stopping and resumption of driving with a simple press of a button, offering both visual and auditory cues to ensure the driver maintains attention.
Final Thoughts
The 2020 BMW 840i xDrive Gran Coupe excels as a luxury vehicle that doesn’t compromise on performance or practicality. While there might be a preference for the more powerful V8, the 3.0-liter turbo six-cylinder engine still offers a compelling mix of power and efficiency. With its sophisticated design, impressive driving dynamics, and advanced tech features, the 840i xDrive Gran Coupe stands out as an excellent choice in the luxury grand tourer segment.
Jack Carney, Editor of Automotive.fyi
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