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BMW 8-Series gets refreshed for 2022

Looks like illuminated grilles are the next big thing for the automaker

All good things come in threes. PHOTO FROM BMW

The BMW 8-Series is known as the sporty alternative to the ultra-luxurious 7-Series. It is offered in three different forms: a coupe, a convertible, and a four-door Gran Coupe. The current G15 model has been in production since 2018, so BMW has decided to give it a little refresh to keep it up-to-date for 2022.

The biggest change comes in the form of a new grille. Thankfully, it has not been enlarged. It features redesigned slats and is illuminated, with its lights turning on the moment the car is unlocked (you can choose to not have it light up, though).

The refreshed 8-Series looks the same, until the kidney grille lights up. PHOTO FROM BMW

Other minor changes include some aerodynamic tweaks to the front and rear aprons and the redesigned lower air intakes. You can also choose from a new selection of colors and wheels. If you opt for the M850i xDrive, it gets the aerodynamic mirrors found on the M8 and an M badge on the grille.

The M Sport package now comes standard on all trims. There is also an optional M Sport Package Pro that gives M Sport brakes, an M Sport differential, 20-inch M light-alloy wheels, blacked-out accents, black brake calipers, Shadow Line lights, and an M rear spoiler for the Coupe.

Engines remain unchanged, too. You can still choose from a turbocharged 3.0-liter in-line-six with 333hp, or a 3.0-liter in-line-six mild-hybrid turbodiesel with 340hp, or a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 for the M850i with 530hp.

Do you feel the need for speed? Get the M8 instead. PHOTO FROM BMW

Meanwhile, the M8 also receives the same cosmetic updates, alongside optional M Shadow Line headlights, new 20-inch M light-alloy wheels, and an updated exterior and interior finish.

The optional M Carbon bucket seats also offer such luxuries as heating, power adjustments, and even an illuminated M8 badge on the headrests. You can also option out the M8 (and the M Sport 8-Series) with the classic BMW Motorsport logo. This is only available in the Competition variant though, so it has the tuned 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 that produces 617hp and 750Nm. It is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, and power is sent to all four wheels for a 0-100km/h time of 2.7 seconds.

Not much has changed in this luxurious interior, aside from a bigger infotainment screen. PHOTO FROM BMW

Finally, all models get minor updates to their cabins in the form of the larger 12.3-inch infotainment screen, and additional interior trim choices and colors. There is even a limited-edition M850i Gran Coupe 8 x Jeff Koons model that will debut this February 17 and feature an 11-color, multilayer finish.

While these may seem like minor updates, they sure help enhance the allure of the 8-Series. There are no prices yet for these refreshed models, but for reference, BMW Philippines is selling the pre-update M850i at P12,890,000.



Sam Surla

Sam used to be the youngest member of our editorial team when he was our managing editor. He specialized in photography and videography, but he also happened to like writing about cars a lot.



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