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2020 BMW 8 Series: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2020 BMW 8 Series is the arrival of the first four-door Gran Coupe. BMW also adds 840i six-cylinder models with rear- or all-wheel drive, expanding a range that had launched with the V8-powered M850i.
About the 2020 BMW 8 Series
1st generation revival (G15 Coupe/G14 Convertible launched for 2019; G16 Gran Coupe added for 2020). This is the second model year for the coupe/convertible and the first year for the Gran Coupe, before the later facelift.
BMW positions the 8 Series as its sleek, range-topping luxury performance car family. The core appeal is a dramatic design, strong straight-line speed, sharp road manners, and a cabin loaded with upscale materials and modern display tech. Compared with rivals, the 8 Series leans harder into sporty driving feel than a traditional big luxury coupe or sedan, while still serving as a comfortable long-distance cruiser in coupe, convertible, or four-door Gran Coupe form.
The 2020 lineup spans coupe, convertible, and four-door Gran Coupe body styles, with the Gran Coupe adding a more useful rear seat and cargo opening. The 335-hp 840i models emphasize smooth everyday performance, while the 523-hp M850i models bring a twin-turbo V8 and sharper suspension tuning. Notable cabin features include a 10.25-inch touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument display, navigation, and a head-up display.
What changed, by category
Structural
The four-door Gran Coupe joins the two-door coupe and convertible. It adds easier rear-seat access, a larger rear seating area, and a larger cargo opening.
Powertrain
New 840i models add a 335-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine. Rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive are represented across the new 840i lineup, while the Gran Coupe also joins the V8 range as the M850i xDrive Gran Coupe.
2020 BMW 8 Series specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 6-Cyl, Turbo, 3.0 Liter | 6-Cyl, Turbo, 3.0 Liter | 6-Cyl, Turbo, 3.0 Liter | V8, Twin Turbo, 4.4 Liter | 6-Cyl, Turbo, 3.0 Liter | V8, Twin Turbo, 4.4 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 8-Spd Sport w/Sport & Manual Modes | Automatic, 8-Spd Sport w/Sport & Manual Modes | Automatic, 8-Spd Sport w/Sport & Manual Modes | Automatic, 8-Spd Sport w/Sport & Manual Modes | Automatic, 8-Spd Sport w/Sport & Manual Modes | Automatic, 8-Spd Sport w/Sport & Manual Modes |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 22–23 mpg | 22 mpg | 20–21 mpg | 17–18 mpg | 20 mpg | 17 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 29–30 mpg | 29 mpg | 27 mpg | 25 mpg | 27 mpg | 25 mpg |
| Horsepower | 335 hp | 335 hp | 335 hp | 523 hp | 335 hp | 523 hp |
| Torque | 368 lb-ft | 368 lb-ft | 368 lb-ft | 553 lb-ft | 368 lb-ft | 553 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 12.4–14.8 cu-ft | 15.5 cu-ft | 12.4–14.8 cu-ft | 15.5 cu-ft | 15.5 cu-ft | |
| Rear Legroom | 29.5 in | 36.6 in | 29.5 in | 29.5 in | 36.6 in | 36.6 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 2 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||||
| Alarm System | ||||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||||
| Night Vision System | ||||||
| Park Assist | ||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||
| 360 Camera | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||||
| Power Retractable Soft Top | ||||||
| Head-Up Display | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||
| 4-Zone Automatic Air Conditioning | ||||||
| Aluminum Interior Trim | ||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||||
| Rear Window Shades | ||||||
| Remote Start | ||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||||
| Wood Interior Trim | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2020 BMW 8 Series?
The first four-door 8 Series Gran Coupe is the biggest change for 2020. It expands the lineup beyond the coupe and convertible with easier rear-seat access, more rear-passenger room, and a larger cargo opening.
Is 2020 the first year of the BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe?
Yes. The 2020 model year marks the debut of the four-door 8 Series Gran Coupe, offered in six-cylinder 840i form and V8-powered M850i xDrive form.
What new engine joined the 2020 BMW 8 Series lineup?
A 335-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six joined the lineup in the new 840i models. It broadened the range beyond the V8-powered M850i and was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
How does the 2020 BMW 840i differ from the M850i?
The 2020 840i uses a 335-hp turbocharged six-cylinder engine and has a smoother, more everyday-focused character. The M850i uses a 523-hp twin-turbo V8, all-wheel drive, and sharper performance-oriented suspension hardware.
Is the 2020 BMW 8 Series a full redesign over the 2019 model?
No. The 2020 8 Series keeps the same basic platform, cabin technology, and design theme as the 2019 coupe and convertible. Its meaningful changes are the new Gran Coupe body style and the broader six-cylinder 840i lineup.
2020 BMW 8 Series Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2020 BMW 8 Series.
4.5
2020 BMW 8 Series
(191 reviews)
“Be prepared to purchase a winter driver. The summer tires prevent use in snow, cold and other extreme conditions. they're the reason for the Jeep!”
“It drives like the road belongs to you. My body fits right into the driver seat before take off. GREAT CAR!”