TESTED 20.3.23, KENT ON SALE NOW
When BMW replaced the 6 Series with the 8 Series in 2018, it aimed to raise the profile of its coupé, cabriolet and four-door coupé trio. But while it proved a strong sporting coupé, it has always felt more like a 5 Series derivative than its name suggests. Just over four years on, the 8 Series has had an update that doesn't look like it will markedly change that.
The interior was always the issue, being impeccable in its quality but too plain and businesslike next to that of the Lexus LC or Porsche 911. That's just as true today, although you might prefer it to the tech-fest that is the new Mercedes-AMG SL.
The lack of major change inside is also a blessing in disguise. The screen is up from 10.25in to 12.3in but, unlike in the updated 3 Series, keeps the old iDrive software, so it's still a paragon of user-friendliness, with logical menus and plenty of shortcut buttons. It still looks modern, too, and physical climate controls are present and correct.
This story is from the March 29, 2023 edition of Autocar UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the March 29, 2023 edition of Autocar UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Poster car that went from rusty to trusty
One evening, two years ago, George Pappas was being driven down his local high street by a mate and mulling over whether to replace his Mk4 Golf diesel, a recent purchase that was boring him to death, when his girlfriend, also in the car, spotted an old BMW 3 Series at the side of the road with a 'for sale' sign in the window.
THE SEVEN-SEATER THAT VOLVO DARE NOT KILL OFF
The current-gen XC90 has been on sale since 2015 for good reason
GENESIS ELECTRIFIED G80
Where the story begins, in the Hyundai premium marque’s luxury saloon
LEXUSLBX
Can you shrink premium quality to fit an SUV this small? We now know
Rolls boss ready to 'define the next chapter'
Nine months into the job, Rolls-Royce CEO and car guy Chris Brownridge tells STEVE CROPLEY what he's learned and where the firm's heading
Once more, with feeling
AC Cars' recreation of the classic MkII Cobra is at first glance a faithful facsimile of a 1960s performance benchmark. SIMON HUCKNALL drives it
MERCEDES-BENZ CLE
Does a PHEV set-up work in a coupé that exudes such old-school vibes?
ANALOGUE SUPERSPORT
Lotus Elise specialist uprates 1990s icon with an eye on track days
ALPINE A290
The hot hatch is alive and well, and living in France. On both road and track, there's much to savour`
UK HANGS ON TO OLD CARS
Average car age climbs as high prices dampen demand for new models
