2021 BMW M850i

BMW offers the M850i as a single trim option with a standard xDrive AWD system. The package is generously loaded with high-end technology, convenience options, and ultimate comfort levels. Being an M Sport performance coupe, this one gets a tuned engine, adaptive sports suspension, M sport steering wheel, and tuned throttle response. It rides on huge 20-inch cerium grey wheels and gets new exterior color options for the 2021 model. With that, you also have various driver assistance features.

Which Trim should you buy?

The 2021 BMW M850i xDrive is a full package deal with tons of standard features since it is a luxury performance coupe. With top-notch performance and technology as standard, it still offers numerous options to customize your experience inside the car. You get a high-performance tire package, driver assistance package, and a driver assistance professional package as well. You can even customize the exterior and the interior with optional extras to suit your desired taste. 

Other than delivering an astonishing performance, the M850i is capable of taking you places with its satisfactory fuel economy. With its 523 hp engine, it delivers 17 mpg in the city, 25 mpg on the highway, and 20 mpg combined. It has an 18.0-gallon fuel tank that pushes the range up to 306 miles, 450 miles, and 360 miles in the city, on the highway, and in combined driving conditions, respectively. Overall, the numbers are amazing for such a performance car.

Other than the Porsche 911, the BMW M850i also offers great city mileage. In terms of highway range, the AMG S 63 is slightly better than the other cars. However, when it comes to combined mileage, the M850i matches the 911 Carrera. As the rivals offer bigger fuel tanks, both Lexus and Mercedes manage to offer a combined range of more than 400 miles.

Since its launch in 2018, the cabin of the BMW M850i has remained mostly unchanged. Still, we received certain technology and convenience upgrades over time. For 2021, the cabin is wrapped in premium Merino leather upholstery with ash grain wood trims and metal-look accents. The driver-oriented dashboard is configured with multiple displays and glass controls on the center console. You can even wrap the dashboard in Nappa leather upholstery. The M Sport leather steering wheel gives you a clear view of the driver's display, while the optional heads-up display can be controlled with the steering-mounted buttons.

The M850i seats 4 passengers in its lavish cabin. For the front, BMW offers 18-way power-adjustable heated bucket seats with cushion extension, side bolsters support, articulating upper backrest, and 4-way lumbar support. The easy-entry front seats make way for the rear 50-50 split bucket seats, which are unfortunately a bit too upright.

Other than that, we have a Live Cockpit Pro instrument cluster with satellite navigation, check control vehicle monitor, wireless charging, dual-zone automatic air-conditioning, auto tilt-away steering, dynamic cruise control, day-night auto-dimming rear-view mirror, cell phone pre-wiring, and a rearview camera.

The 2021 BMW M850i Coupe is just like other sports coupes in terms of seating and space. However, it is no match to the Mercedes AMG S 63 when it comes to cabin space. Still, you have decent shoulder room and legroom in the front row. The second row is cramped as compared to the one of the AMG S 63. Even the Lexus LC 500 offers competitive cabin space. BMW has focused on practicality as it offers the best in class trunk capacity of 14.8 cubic feet. Some of the highlights of the interior features are:

• Merino leather upholstery
• 18-way power ventilated seats
• Nappa leather dashboard
• Ash grain wood trims
• M Sport leather steering wheel
• Live Cockpit Professional
• Dynamic cruise control

What's there to keep you entertained?

The M850i has a 10.2-inch iDrive 7.0 infotainment screen that sits at the center of the dash. The infotainment is operated via voice, touchscreen, and a touchpad controller placed on the center console. For device connectivity, it has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. With that, you have enhanced USB and Bluetooth connectivity as well. The SiriusXM 360L Radio is a new addition to the package with a complete 1-year subscription. With BMW Connected Services, you get access to a WiFi hotspot with 3 GB trial data for 3-months.

The audio streaming livens up the cabin with the Harman-Kardon surround-sound audio system with 16 speakers and a 464W amplifier. The BMW Live Cockpit Professional comes with a 12.3-inch driver's display. The display optimizes the driver information for clarity and visibility. With that, you have a satellite navigation system that comes with over-the-air map data updates. The heads-up display projects vehicle's info below the driver's line of vision on the windshield. Some of the highlights of the infotainment system are: 

• iDrive 7.0 with 10.2-inch multi-input display
• Touchpad controller
• Apple CarPlay
• Android Auto
• Bluetooth and USB tethering
• SiriusXM 360L subscription
• BMW Connected services 3-month WiFi hotspot
• Harman Kardon surround sound system

The 2021 BMW M850i Coupe stands out when compared with the regular BMW sedans and coupes. With its aggressive looks and sloping roofline, the 8 Series is one of a kind. Within a short period, the 8 Series has taken over as the most stylish BMW coupe in the lineup. The customization options and the M Sport package gives it a more detailed styling. The sharp LED laser headlamps shine bright even during the day with the LED DRLs. The widened chrome grille is paired with an aerodynamic bumper with huge air intakes. The design lines from the hood climb up the roof and slope down the rear. The aerodynamic door lines make way for the air from the side panels.

The M850i has a hefty tail as seen from the rear. To make it look better, it has a set of sleek LED tail lamps and massive aerodynamic bumpers, and a roaring sports exhaust with quad tails. As standard, the M850i rides on 20-inch M V-spoke cerium grey wheels with blue piston calipers. You can avail yourself of the jet black wheels with high-performance tires and matt black calipers. The exterior of the M850i can be configured with chrome accents, carbon fiber inlays, and an optional aerodynamic kit. You have 11 premium metallic color options to choose from, out of which the Dravit Grey metallic arguably looks the best. The extended shadow line trim further darkens the tone of the paint job.

BMW has perfectly designed the M850i to sit between its high-end Sedans and Gran Coupes to deliver a luxury sports car experience. In terms of weight, it is more than a hundred pounds lighter than the AMG S63 and a few inches shorter in terms of length. Still, the M850i looks quite raw with its wide body and a sports car stance. With a 5.0-inch ground clearance, it rides higher than other cars in its segment except for the Lexus LC 500 which is higher. The short wheelbase is the reason behind its agility. Some of the highlights of the exterior features are:

• LED laser headlamps with DRLs
• Chrome grille
• Aerodynamic bumpers
• Quad tail sports exhaust
• Carbon fiber exterior package
• Metallic paint options
• 20-inch V spoke jet black wheels

The 2021 BMW M850i Coupe gets its strength from the BMW CLAR platform. BMW has made good use of carbon fiber in its chassis and the remaining structure to make it more balanced, rigid, and structurally advanced in terms of safety. Being a high-performance luxury coupe, the BMW M850i has not been crash-tested by the IIHS or the NHTSA.

BMW is known for its advanced safety that protects its passengers on the road. The BMW Active Guard comes with a frontal collision warning and city collision mitigation with braking. Now the lane departure warning is offered as standard as well. On top of that, you have dynamic cruise control, an active protection system, and a driver attention alert. Some of the standout safety features are: 

• BMW CLAR platform
• Frontal collision warning
• City collision mitigation with braking
• Lane departure warning
• Dynamic cruise control
• Driver attention alert

2021 BMW M850i Coupe vs 2021 Mercedes AMG S 63 Coupe

The BMW M850i offers a valuable package with its amazing exterior styling, a power-packed V8 engine, onboard technology, and driver's convenience and assistance options. Moreover, the M850i both rides and handles well with its M sport-tuned steering and suspension. On the other hand, the Mercedes-Benz AMG S 63 is up a notch with its remarkable power and price bump as compared to the M850i. It's in no way less desirable than the BMW in any aspect. Moreover, the AMG S63 has better comfort and overall luxury. Still, the M850i seems like a value-for-money package.

2021 BMW M850i Coupe vs 2021 Porsche 911 Carrera S Coupe

The BMW M850i has to climb up the ladder to stand beside the iconic Porsche 911 Carrera S. Even after several years, the 911 remains unbeatable with its dynamic driving, lightweight construction, and an engine that spares no one. The M850i coupe is well packed to deliver close enough performance with better luxury, convenience, and an affordable price tag. However, the 911 Carrera is on another level as it can still take down the M850i in one go. With a bit of practicality, the BMW M850i gets ahead of the Porsche 911 in day-to-day liveability.

2021 BMW M850i Coupe vs 2021 Lexus LC 500 Coupe

The Lexus LC 500 sounds like the best coupe you can avail at such a price. When you dig deep into the performance figures and options, nothing is surprising about the LC 500 as it's not that special. For some extra cash, you can avail yourself of the BMW M850i with better power, ride quality, and impressive performance. The M850i even delivers better fuel economy than the LC 500 with its 523 hp V8. Also, the LC 500 has an RWD drivetrain, which can be fun, but the M850i is more capable with its standard AWD system. Moreover, the cabin space of the BMW is more practical as well.

BMW has finally revived its 8 Series in the best way possible. The M850i is made to rule the streets with its performance and handling. Another thing that BMW did right is the design and has made the 8 Series more sensible by avoiding the polarizing design language of the recent sedans. From the inside, BMW has equipped it with the latest driver assistance features, convenience options, and entertainment features to keep the driver satisfied. BMW also offers optional packages to further equip your M850i. With that, the 2021 BMW M850i Coupe is a worthy choice in the segment. It holds its own against the fierce rivals at a much lower cost. We can expect the M850i to get even better with upgrades down the line.