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Configurator Challenge: BMW 8 Series

How would you spec your 8er?


Customisation is in vogue at the moment, but choice can be seriously confusing. In our configurator challenge, we let the CarAdvice team loose on a manufacturer’s website to create their ideal spec of a certain model.

For this edition of the Configurator Challenge, we’re designing our perfect BMW 8 Series using the company's UK configurator.

Let us know what you think in the comments, and which cars you’d like to see next!



James Wong, Journalist

I'm a really big fan of the new 8 Series, and I think my specification brings out the best in the new coupe. Here's the Wongy-spec M850i xDrive.

For the exterior I've gone for the Sonic Speed Blue, complemented by 20-inch Y-spoke bi-colour alloy wheels. I've also ticked the boxes for the carbon-fibre roof panel and the Shadow Line high-gloss black exterior package.

Inside, I decided to add a pop of colour, hence why I chose the Fiona Red/Black Merino extended leather option, accented by the stainless steel trim inlays.

Cabin options include things like ventilated front seats, soft-close doors, Alcantara headlining, M seat belts with tri-colour striping, the full suite of active driver assistance technologies, and a 360-degree camera system.

According to the UK configurator, my M850i xDrive would cost £107,985 on the road – which is $193,674 in our money.

Sure, that's a lot of dosh, but when you consider the M850i sprints from 0-100 in just 3.7 seconds, it's something of a supercar bargain!



Scott Collie, Journalist

Welcome back, 8 Series – it's been a while. Although it's a shame there's no V12 on offer, the M850i still packs a flagship-worthy twin-turbo V8 engine in the M8's pre-launch absence.

Outside, I've opted for Barcelona Blue metallic, which almost looks grey to my eyes, coupled with 20-inch wheels in black and silver. A carbon-fibre roof feels a bit over-the-top for such a touring-oriented car, but it's also kinda cool, and restraint is overrated at the top end of the market.

Inside, it's all about white leather. Given this is a weekender, there's no need to worry about practical considerations like kids and their grubby paws, making Merino Ivory the perfect shade.

It contrasts with piano black trim, naturally. The premium package, with heated seats, a dark headliner, soft-close doors and seat ventilation, was a no-brainer.

Otherwise, the options are limited. I've gone for the extended driver assistance suite, M seat belts, and the shadow package for a blacked-out grille and detailing.

Looks good, right?



Rob Margeit, Culture & Lifestyle Editor

This is not a car I would consider owning, but if I did, I can't go past that Sunset Orange paint with those 20-inch Y-spoke alloys finished in jet black.

Inside, I've gone for Ivory White leather with stainless steel trim finishes because I really want to spend my days keeping that white Merino leather clean.



Kez Casey, Road Tester

Ask me if I'd like an 8 Series, go on, ask. The answer is a big, fat, resounding YES... Oh, but not one of these one of the lovely 90s versions, preferably with a V12 engine, rear-wheel drive and manual transmission. Remember those days BMW? Yeah you do, don't act like you've forgotten.

The modern M850i is a very different beast, but an eight-speed auto and all-wheel drive mean 0-100 km/h in 3.7 seconds so I can forgive. BMW's colour palette always seems a little bland, but as a showcase of the new 8er's sleek design Mineral White and bi-colour 20-inch Y-spoke alloy wheels do the best job.

Inside BMW give a much more exciting range of options, but playing the subtle card on this occasion means Night Blue and Black Merino leather, with a black Alcantara headlining provide just enough 'night and shade', so to speak.

Add in a light spray of options like laser headlights, chrome line window and grille trims, and heated and cooled seats and you've got perfect 8 Series, at least until the M8 arrives.



Melissa Ong, Community Manager

Well well, I have been absent on the challenge for the last few weeks. This is because I thought I'd give the others a chance to win. I know you've missed me. Here is my winning combination of aesthetically-pleasing BMW goodness.

Starting on the exterior, I have gone the basic non-metallic Alpine White. Why? I spent some time at Mount Buller earlier this week, and it just felt right. It isn't a Melissa Ong-spec without them gloss black 20's. In addition to this, I have blacked out that Kia-looking grille. Triggered?

Entering the cabin, I have laced the interior with Fiona Red/Black Merino leather (Who's Fiona?) and added piano black interior trim finishes. Perfect.

BMW are generous on their package offerings and have already included the heat comfort package and M technology package with the 8 series. Because this is a BMW deserving of the works, I went all out and included the Premium package that adds soft-close doors, cooled seat ventilation (that will come in handy for all those sweaty post-gym workouts that rarely happen) and my favourite of all - a genuine Alcantara headlining. Oooft! I could write a novel about my thoughts on Alcantara... because I love it more than life itself.

The other packs I added was the driver assistance package (because I can't park without aids) and the visibility package which hooks you up with wicked BMW "Laserlights" – pewpewpew.

Price? My 8 Series comes to £105,745.00 ($190,590). A final touch would be some custom euro plates: V-SXYBM... Actually, wait. That doesn't sound right.



'Alex', Whizz Kid and CarAdvice commenter

When I received the email telling me I had been invited on to a Configurator Challenge, I was completely ecstatic. I became even more excited when I found out what car I’d be configuring – the new BMW 8 Series.

Most BMW buyers typically go with a boring colour like white (sorry Melissa!) or grey with plain silver wheels. However, this isn’t any normal BMW – especially when you spec the ballistic M850i xDrive trim like I have here.

My car is finished in Sunset Orange – it’s the most distinctive colour available, and I think it really suits this car. It’s running on 20-inch black M Y-spoke wheels, which help to give it a menacing and angry look. Finally, I’ve complemented the wheels and paint with the Shadow Line kit that blacks out the window and door trims, as well as the M carbon-fibre roof.

Inside, I optioned some Ivory While Merino leather upholstery which looks brilliant… but only when it’s clean. However, considering this is a $200,000 super coupe, I don’t think cleaning would be much of an issue – I’m sure the wealthy owner would likely hire someone to do the job for them. There’s also some ‘piano black’ trim pieces on the dashboard and door cards (a £250 option) – much nicer than the other wood finishes on offer.

I’ve also added adaptive M suspension and three packages – Premium, Technology and Visibility – which add a number of ‘necessary’ features including the gorgeous BMW Laserlights and uber-luxurious soft-close doors. How could I resist?

This is the ultimate BMW 8 Series, without a doubt. Disagree? Fight me in the comments.


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