BMW announces entry-level 840i pair

BMW has announced pricing and specification for the entry-level variants of its new 8 Series flagship coupe and convertible range, with the 840i Coupe lowering the point of entry to the range to $202,900 plus on-road costs.

Stepping up to the Convertible version adds $15,000 to the asking price, coming in at $217,900.

With the addition of the two 840i variants, the range-topping M850i versions have had their prices increased by $3000.

The 840i sees the introduction of BMW’s classic B58 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six-cylinder petrol engine, tuned to produce 250kW/500Nm and driving the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.

This allows for the Coupe to sprint from standstill to 100km/h in 5.0 seconds, with the Convertible is 0.3s behind. Claimed fuel consumption and emissions are yet to be detailed.

Standard equipment in 840i variants includes 20-inch Y-spoke alloy wheels, rear-wheel steering, M Sport brakes, soft-close doors, a Heat Comfort package, wireless phone charging, a BMW Display key, keyless entry and start, Driving Assistant Professional, Parking Assistant plus, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, an M leather steering wheel, metallic paintwork, BMW Laserlight headlights, multifunction front seats with ventilation and Merino leather upholstery, and a Carbon Core transmission tunnel.

The Coupe version scores exclusive equipment such as BMW Gesture Control, an anthracite headliner and a 16-speaker Harman/Kardon sound system, while the Convertible comes with a black or silver soft-top with Anthracite silver effect, the BMW Air Collar neck warmer for top-down motoring, and a 12-speaker Harman/Kardon audio system.

A number of options are available on the 840i, including the $2600 M Sport seats, which feature greater bolstering and an integrated headrest, individually adjustable backrest width, an illuminated M logo, and perforation in the seat and backrest panels.

The M Sport seats can be upholstered in Merino extended leather or full leather in Ivory White or black.

An M Sport Plus package is also available for $3900 on the Coupe or $3400 on the Convertible and bundles 20-inch M light alloys with performance tyres, M Sport brakes with 395mm front discs (up from 374mm), M seatbelts, tyre pressure monitoring, BMW Individual high-gloss Shadow Line, and an M rear spoiler (Coupe only).

The 840i now expands the 8 Series range to two grades, with the M850i powered by a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 producing 390kW/750Nm.

A full-fat 460kW M8 version is expected to land at some point, as is the four-door Gran Coupe body style.

Since launching locally in May, BMW has sold 53 examples of the 8 Series.

*Photos are of the BMW M850i Coupe

2019 BMW 8 Series pricing*

*Excludes on-road costs