“Definitely a unique machine and it's a fun and great experience to drive. I get a lot of compliments.”
2021 BMW 8 Series: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The most important change for the 2021 BMW 8 Series is standard Lane Departure Warning across the lineup. Otherwise, this is a light update with no major engine or structural changes.
About the 2021 BMW 8 Series
1st generation 8 Series (G14 Convertible / G15 Coupe / G16 Gran Coupe), pre-facelift year; third model year for the coupe and convertible, second model year for the Gran Coupe.
BMW positions the 8 Series as its large luxury grand tourer: a car meant to blend dramatic styling, long-distance comfort, and serious speed. In BMW’s own language, it is a luxury sports coupe, convertible, or four-door Gran Coupe rather than a pure track car. Compared with rivals, the 8 Series leans on strong engine choices, rich cabin materials, advanced cabin tech, and a clear split between smoother six-cylinder models and harder-charging V8 M850i versions.
The 2021 8 Series spans sleek two-door coupes, open-top convertibles, and four-door Gran Coupes with more rear-seat usefulness. The 840i models pair a 335-hp turbocharged six-cylinder engine with a 10.25-inch navigation touchscreen, while xDrive versions add all-wheel drive. The M850i xDrive models bring a much stronger 523-hp twin-turbo V8, all-wheel drive, and upgraded suspension and brakes.
What changed, by category
Safety
Lane Departure Warning becomes standard on every 2021 8 Series coupe, convertible, and Gran Coupe.
Styling
The six-cylinder 840i and 840i xDrive Gran Coupe gain a standard anthracite headliner.
2021 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 mpg | 17 mpg | 20 mpg | 17 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 29–30 mpg | 29 mpg | 27 mpg | 24–25 mpg | 27 mpg | 24 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 | 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 | ||||||
| Park Assist | ||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||
| 360 Camera | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||||
| Power Retractable Soft Top | ||||||
| Bluetooth | ||||||
| Head-Up Display | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||
| USB Ports | ||||||
| 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 changed on the 2021 BMW 8 Series?
The main change is that Lane Departure Warning becomes standard across the 2021 BMW 8 Series lineup. The 840i and 840i xDrive Gran Coupe also gain a standard anthracite headliner, while the engines and basic structure carry over.
Is Lane Departure Warning standard on the 2021 BMW 8 Series?
Yes. Lane Departure Warning is standard on every 2021 BMW 8 Series coupe, convertible, and Gran Coupe.
Did the 2021 BMW 8 Series get new engines?
No. The 2021 engine lineup carries over, with a 335-hp turbocharged six-cylinder engine in 840i models and a 523-hp twin-turbo V8 in M850i xDrive models.
Was the 2021 BMW 8 Series redesigned?
No. The 2021 BMW 8 Series is a lightly updated pre-facelift model, not a redesign. Its key update is newly standard Lane Departure Warning.
Is the 2021 BMW 8 Series a major upgrade over the 2020 model?
No. The 2021 model is very similar to the 2020 version, so the clearest reason to favor it is standard Lane Departure Warning. Six-cylinder Gran Coupe models also receive a standard anthracite headliner.
2021 BMW 8 Series Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 BMW 8 Series.
4.5
2021 BMW 8 Series
(106 reviews)
“It's surprisingly fast for the 6 cylinder. Fun to drive in Sport mode. Lane assist takes a while to get used to, but overall is good. The car is big and wide. It's hard to use the cameras for a while to accurately gauge your clearance to curbs when parking or maneuvering. It's definitely not made for a drive-thru.”
“This vehicle is AMAZING! Gorgeous, powerful enough, and can be used for all occasions.”