Almost a year after we saw the first official photos of the 8 Series Coupe, BMW released all-relevant information about its bigger brother called the 2020 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe. Sitting at the very top of the BMW offering, the BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe is a four-door sedan with a sloping roof and rather appealing exterior look. Unlike the 8 Series Coupe, the 8 Series Gran Coupe is considerably longer, has a much longer wheelbase (at 119.0 inches compared to 111.1 inches), and can seat up to five (almost).

Although sitting at the very top of the BMW food chain, the 8 Series Gran Coupe is considerably shorter compared to the 7 Series and does not share a V-12 option with it. In the somewhat confusing hierarchy within the BMW lineup of today, the 8 Series Gran Coupe is almost an exotic four-door car with several seriously cool features.

2020 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe Fast Facts

- Double Sunroof

- Full Glass Roof

- Optional Carbon-fiber roof

- Frameless rearview mirror inside

- First 8 Series With an in-line six for the U.S. market

- Cheaper Compared To the 8 Series Coupe

- 2.2 inches higher compared to the 8 Series Coupe

- Available with 20-inch wheels

- Comes with laser lights

Exterior Changes Between the 2020 BMW 8 Series Coupe and the 2020 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe

The front of the car - just up to the A-pillar - remained the same on the 8 Series Gran Coupe, as it is on the 8 Series Coupe. However, from there back, a lot has changed. Not only did BMW imagined new window side frames, but the A-pillar is in a bit more upright position to accommodate a 2.2-inch increase in height. The roof is more extended, as well. Overall, the new Gran Coupe grew by 9 inches, it has a 7.9-inch longer wheelbase, and sits 1.2 inches wider. I firmly believe that designers added a bit of width to keep the gorgeous, athletic proportions. Nothing worse than a car that feels too high, and too narrow (like, say, a Cadillac CT5).

It is not a bad design, but I feel that the 8 Series Gran Coupe would feel a tad more sophisticated, even cleaner, without it.

What I do like, though, is the massive decklid spoiler. An integrated spoiler visually grows from the rear windshield side frames. The windshield looks immersed between the side frames that are about half of an inch (or even an inch) higher compared to it. These lines that started at the A-pillar seamlessly continue and form the decklid spoiler. It is an exceptional piece of design that, from the back, reminds me of some Chris Bangle BMW designs from the 2000s.

Where's the Hofmeister Kink on the new 2020 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe?

The 8 Series Coupe does have that signature Hofmeister kink at the back. That, however, does not seem to be a case with the new 8 Series Gran Coupe. While I am sad about it, I also feel that BMW designers had to integrate an all-new small window behind the rear doors to integrate it. That would increase the price, the complexity, and it could even disturb the sophisticated look of the side. Nevertheless, there's one place where you can find a Hofmeister kink design - on the door handles in the cabin - and that's quite beautiful.

The 2020 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe Has Two and a Half Seats In the Back

Yup, two and a half. See, the rear bench is wide enough for three to sit on it. However, the massive central tunnel that stretches front to back touches the bench effectively limiting the space for the legs of the person that sits in the middle. Sure, you can use this seat still, but I wouldn't recommend anyone to sit on it for a drive longer than 15 minutes.

And they will have a fantastic look outside through the two large window surfaces in the ceiling. It is a piece of standard equipment for the 8 Series Gran Coupe that makes the cabin far more inviting and lighter and pleasurable.

The 2020 BMW M850i GC Comes As Standard with 20-inch Wheels, but 19-inch Wheels Are Optional

The unwritten rule is that the optional wheels are usually bigger compared to the standard ones. Well, that is not the case for the 2020 BMW M850i Gran Coupe. In this case, the big Bimmer comes with 20-inch wheels shod in 245/35 (front) and 275/30 (back) rubber. The option is 19-inch wheels with a 245/40 (front) and 275/45 (back) tires. The reason is a simple one - if you want a more comfortable ride, you should go with smaller wheels. I'd like to see people who check this option, though.

2020 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe Weight issues

Right now, the heftiest BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe is the BMW M850i Gran Coupe. It tips the scales at 4,758 pounds. That is a lot. That is more than what the Ford F-150 Supercrew weighs.

However, the thing is that the new Gran Coupe could have been far more cumbersome. BMW employed many advanced solutions to keep the weight down, so, in the end, the large four-door is only 90-150 pounds heavier compared to the 8 Series Coupe.

To keep the weight down (and performance up), BMW created the new 8 Series Gran Coupe around a somewhat re-engineered Carbon Core construction that supports the 5 series (and the 7 series to some extent).

This Cluster Architecture Platform (CLAR) allows the structure construction using materials such as carbon fiber, kevlar, aluminum, magnesium, and plastic. That is why the BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe has an aluminum door, hood, roof, front bulkhead, engine subframe, and bumper support.

Furthermore, the decklid (including that cool integrated spoiler) is entirely made from dent-resistant plastic, while magnesium and carbon fiber make for dash support and the central tunnel structure. Obviously, this is an advanced automobile.

How Does The 2020 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe Interior Dimensions Compare To the Mercedes-Benz CLS and the Audi A7?

The closest competitors to the new BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe are the Mercedes-Benz CLS, and the Audi A7. I've compiled a list of interior data to show you how does the new 8 series compare to its closest competition.

8 Series GC Vs Competition Interior Size

How Does The 2020 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe Interior Dimensions Compare To 5 series, 6 Series GC, and the 7 Series?

Considering that many imagine the new 8 Series as a car that should have been called the 6 Series, I give you the basic interior comparison table that shows how the new 8 Series compares with the 5 Series, 6 Series GC and the 7 Series.

2020 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe Arrives In the U.S. At The End of September 2019

BMW will kick off the production of the new 2020 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe in July 2019 at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing. The Germans plan to introduce the new 8 Series GC in the U.S. at the end of September 2019.

2020 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe Price

Three models are available from the start. Pricing starts at $84,900 for the base 840i Gran Coupe. The 840i xDrive GC up the price to $87,800, while the most expensive model - the M850i xDrive sells for $108,900. All excluding the destination fee of $995.