For 2023, the BMW 8-series gets a refreshed front grille and a larger touchscreen.

The BMW 8-Series is a coupe sitting very near the top of BMW's range. The 8-Series aims to give drivers both an impeccably luxurious car and something stylish and fast; the new 8-Series being one of the best looking cars BMW have ever produced. BMW are aiming to build one of the best luxury cars on the planet with this car, but they're taking a holistic approach to luxury. Being able to accelerate quickly, is a luxury, having a car that's difficult to stop staring at is also a luxury. Of course, having a comfortable ride, leather seats and all the interior tech anyone could want, is a luxury as well and one the new 8-Series provides. It's this all-encompassing approach to luxury that makes the 8-Series special.

The BMW 8-Series is available in different trim levels 840i, M850i xDrive, both in coupe or convertible versions, and the M8. The base model comes equipped with a 3L intercooled turbo 6-cylinder engine making 335HP and the higher trim gets a 4.4L twin-turbocharged V8 engine making 523 hp. That power is sent to rear wheel or all-four wheels via an 8-speed automatic gearbox, the M850 is only available in all-wheel drive. The result is startling and immediate acceleration when called upon. BMW is conservatively claiming a 0-60 time of 4.4 seconds on the M850, putting the car in the same league as many supercars when it comes to acceleration and performance. And of course, with all-wheel drive, acceleration comes in all weather conditions, pleasant or otherwise.

At the base leave you get features such as 18-inch wheels, soft-close doors, 14-way heated power seats, and high end materials in the interior. The M850 has a bevy of standard features. Included are 20-inch wheels, power-folding, heated side mirrors, keyless entry with push button start, BMW Digital Key, Marino leather upholstery with Nappa leather finish around the dashboard, and an anthracite headliner. The stereo is a 600-watt Harman/Kardon surround sound system with 16-speakers including two subwoofers. SiriusXM radio is included for a year as is HD radio with multicast FM station reception.

The infotainment system is also top notch, featuring a 12.3-inch central information display that can be operated by BMW's iDrive system, via the touchscreen, or simply by voice commands. A heads-up display is also standard along with two USB ports, wireless phone charger, 20GB of media storage and a navigation system. Other electronic goodies include dynamic cruise control, a rearview camera, a power operated trunk lid, automatic climate control, up to 11 predefined selectable interior light designs, rain-sensing wipers, 3-stage heated front seats, a wireless phone charger, a built in wi-fi hotspot and soft-close automatic door operation.

The standard safety features include front and rear head curtain airbag, Lane departure Warning, Frontal Collision Warning, City Collision Mitigation and driver attention alert.

The BMW 8-series is an expensive car, nobody will ever accuse the car of being a bargain, but at the same time it's not exactly a bad value either. Nice things are expensive, and the 8-Series is very much a nice thing. One could maybe get all that luxury for cheaper, and there are certainly faster cars out there for less money. But combine those traits and add in an absolutely gorgeous body, and the list of cars providing all three of these things begins to shrink rapidly. Ultimately though, much of the decision will come down to looks. Buyers will simply fall in love with the car and have to have it. Thankfully, there's enough on offer that comes with that styling to justify the lofty price. Plus, at the end of the day, all that money does indeed buy exclusivity.

Handsome styling; powerful engine; technology; excellent handling; luxurious interior and ride; all-wheel drive