BEAR with us as we take some liberties in our review of the 2020 BMW 840i Gran Coupe M Sport. We need to indulge ourselves a little, because in this crazy world we are living in at the moment, we want to do a little exploring down a rabbit hole.
Let’s dive right in then. The 2020 BMW 840i Gran Coupe M Sport is one of the best cars to own if this is the end of the world, and here’s why.
We have all been affected by COVID-19 restrictions in some way. Whether it’s been people hoarding supplies from the supermarket, visitation restrictions on family members, or staying at home to help stop the spread of the virus, it’s had an impact.
Australia has been doing a great job of ‘flattening the curve’ as the media, and our PM, puts it, but that has not stopped some from thinking of the next step. World’s end.
Scroll through trending movies and shows on Netflix or iTunes and you will see titles like World War Z, Pandemic, Contagion, Dooms Day Preppers, the list goes on. Which brings us to our earlier point, and why we think the 840i is the perfect car for such an occasion.
Let’s start with the engine, because for the end of days there could be possible danger around every corner. Luckily, the engine is a gem. A 3.0-litre 6-cylinder unit producing 250kW and 500Nm, that sprints to 100km/h in 5.2 seconds.
It sounds great too, thanks to a standard sports exhaust system that even gives some crackles when in sports mode. That’s brisk in anyone’s language for a 1800kg car, and even more impressive when it returns 7.9-litres/100km fuel economy.
Those numbers will be important when your life depends on it. It’s more than enough grunt to outrun those pesky brain eating zombies. Yep, we went there. We said the ‘Z’ word.
And while you’re dodging the walking dead, you’ll notice how well the 840i handles, thanks to BMW’s integral active steering. Adding support based on the angle and speed of the front wheels, the rear wheels also steer to aid manoeuvrability, stability and comfort.
The rear wheels will turn in the opposite direction at low speed, then at higher speeds turn in parallel, to focus on stability and comfort.
While it may not be designed for tactical wear on the inside, rest assured that you will be able to stay cool, calm and comfortable in the 840i thanks to its 4+1 seating system. Our test car was fitted with BMW’s individual full-leather trim in ‘Merino’ Ivory White/Tartufo.
It looks superb and really makes a statement of luxury and class as soon as you open the stunning frame-less doors. It’s a space headlined by the front row multi-function seats which can be comprehensively adjusted to suit any body shape, width or size.
Offering electric backrest adjustment, variable lumbar support and a manual seat depth adjustment, there’s also heating and cooling. What we don’t suggest however, is being the piggy in the middle in the back.
That 4+1 design means the centre seat is compromised for comfort, so maybe keep your list of survivors to three (tough times call for some tough decisions).
Listening to Billie Eilish’s End of the World through the 840i’s Bowers and Wilkins Diamond surround sound system will deliver and aural experience better than you have probably ever heard it before, but so will R.E.M if that is more your thing.
Featuring sixteen speakers and three diamond tweeters, they’re all carefully positioned to deliver studio quality sound for every seat in the vehicle. Finished with beautifully crafted speaker grilles, it all adds up to what is an exceptional sound experience.
Practicality isn’t something you would expect from a beautifully sculpted GT car, but that is why you pick the Gran Coupe over the regular two-door model. Passengers are treated to plenty of space all around them.
That’s no surprise given the Gran Coupe measures five metres long and almost two metres wide. Another perk of the Gran Coupe is its large boot, with a capacity of 440-litres. There’s even enough room to fit a years’ worth of toilet paper if you fancy.
As with all BMW models, along with the ultimate driving experience, innovation and technology are pillars of the BMW brand. Being the 8 Series and one of the top models in the line-up, this is an area that does not disappoint.
Starting with the excellent BMW Personal Intelligent Assistant and extending to BMW Live Cockpit Professional and the acclaimed iDrive system, the 840i is covered head to toe with intelligent technologies.
It goes without saying, driving safety is covered to the highest level too. Driving Assistant Professional provides optimal safety and support for critical driving situations or those long monotonous occasions where fatigue and loss of concentration can be disastrous.
After a long night of keeping watch or driving for safe ground, the BMW 840i will have your back until you arrive at your next safe house.
In the end, yes we’ve driven you far down the rabbit hole to find Alice in this review, and while this isn’t the end of the world and we will recover from this terrible virus, that doesn’t take away from the fact that the BMW 840i Gran Coupe is an incredible car.
So good in fact that not only would it be an excellent companion for the end of the world, it will tackle any situation you encounter with ease. The only sticking point in our plan is the price, with the 840i Gran Coupe starting from $220,131 drive away.
That doesn’t lend itself as affordable for everybody should the end of the world eventuate, but we’ll ignore that minor detail and appreciate that the 2020 BMW 840i Gran Coupe M Sport has a level of luxury, refinement and cutting-edge tech to conquer any occasion.
Whether that occasion be a leisurely drive down a winding country road with the windows down and the sunroof open, or driving for your life evading burning cars, the walking dead and who knows what else.
Our test vehicle was provided by BMW Australia. To find out more about the 2020 BMW 840i Gran Coupe M Sport, contact your local BMW dealer.
