2026 BMW Series 8 Dimensions, Engine, Redesign 

2026 BMW Series 8 Dimensions, Engine, Redesign  –  My dorm roommate in college was the epitome of an overachiever; she aced every class she took. We were both contemplating attending law school during our time as undergraduates. Even my roommate had success there; she has worked tirelessly for the past 25 years to become a senior partner at a leading company in Toronto. Thankfully, I veered off the beaten route, avoiding the opulence and success that usually accompany a career in law by avoiding a life of suits, courtrooms, and ties.

My recent weekend at my ex-housemate’s vacation rental house managed to coincide with my evaluation of the 2026 BMW Series 7e, the PHEV variant of the luxury car manufacturer’s top-tier sedan. It was the ideal vehicle to flaunt to my posh lawyer friend as it was the most recent version of BMW’s genuine range-topper.

2026 BMW Series 8 Redesign and Update Plan

Exterior and Interior

Subtlety speaks volumes and this sedan, which BMW calls a “gran coupé,” is packed with understated touches that hint at how special and exclusive it is. From Alpina’s signature 21-inch 20-spoke wheels, blue brake calipers, integrated exhaust tips, and dark metallic green paint, every single detail tells a story and has been given a home with the most serious of intentions.

This vehicle seems to have been mercifully spared from the team of BMW designers who believe that “more is more.” They continue to design grilles while chanting “bigger is better” as if it was a religious mantra, adding creases or vents to bodywork just for the sake of it. That’s another sign I’m getting older; I’ve caught myself saying, “Back in my day, BMW designs were so much better.” The paint is lustrous and deep, appearing almost black in the shade and a bright emerald when the sun hits it just right. The proportions are perfect, the wheels have been pushed as far into the car’s corners as possible, and every detail adds up to give the B8 a majestic, regal aura.

2026 BMW Series 8 Specs

I was surprised to learn certain features like massaging seats or ventilated seats aren’t offered as standard in a luxury grand touring car of this price, but if you want them, BMW offers them for a premium. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are included and information like navigation directions from smartphone mirroring is helpfully shown in the head-up display. The parking camera shows you where the doors will open so you can avoid dinging someone else’s car. Drivers can outfit the B8 with nearly every feature BMW offers, but like most luxury automakers, most of those features cost extra.

Engine and Performance

The 2026 Series 8 is powered by a glorious 4.4L twin-turbocharged V8 with 612 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque that gets power to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. BMW rates its zero-to-100-km/h time at a blazing 3.4 seconds. It’s likely that I’ve never experienced a powertrain this smooth and capable. 2026 BMW Series 8 Dimensions

The B8 is unrelenting and lavishing in its delivery of speed yet also feels incredibly refined, all its components never missing a beat and consistently working together to deliver harmonious performance. V8s will always be charming, but Alpina has worked some magic to make this one sound like it should be winning a Grammy. It doesn’t just sound like a big, brash V8; there’s a certain artistry to its bassy notes that makes it sound more melodious than most other V8s.

2026 BMW Series 8 Fuel Economy

Not that this matters too much for a vehicle like this, but the BMW M850i this Series 8 is based on is rated to get 14.0 L/100 km in the city, 9.7 on the highway, and 12.0 combined. This Alpina version isn’t rated officially, but I was averaging a not-terrible 12.3 L/100 km over almost 600 km of mixed driving. Of course, you’ll have to fill its tank with the highest-grade fuel available. 2026 BMW Series 8 Dimensions

2026 BMW Series 8 Safety Features

Standard safety features include blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, low-speed automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. The Advanced Driver Assistance package is a $2,500 upgrade that includes a self-parking system, surround-view monitor, adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assistant, and a drive recorder, which acts like a dashcam in the event of a collision.  2026 BMW Series 8 Dimensions

2026 BMW Series 8 Price and Release Date

The Series 8 would be perfect for someone who might be interested in a Rolls-Royce or Bentley but feels those brands and the statements they make might be too ostentatious. For less money, someone can get into the Series 8 without making a huge sacrifice in quality or performance. When approached from this perspective, the B8 seems like a bargain.

The 2026 Series 8 starts at $159,900 plus taxes and a non-negotiable $2,480 destination fee. My tester had $16,750 in options that brought the final tally before taxes to $179,130. Yes, some of those options (including a 360-degree top-down parking camera, ventilated seats, the glass trim details, traffic jam assistant, and more) should be included as standard in a car with a six-figure starting price, but somehow the obsessive craftsmanship makes the price feel worth every penny.  2026 BMW Series 8 Dimensions