BMW has produced the 8 series for over four decades and the M Sport versions for about the same time. Even in the evolving world of automotive manufacturing, these two symbols of German craftsmanship still stand out for driving enthusiasts. Getting behind the wheel of an M 850 i xDrive, showed Jeremy Webb that the internal combustion engine is not dead.
The first time I get a Convertible in years, and what happens to me? Yes, you guessed it, it poured down the entire week. Being British, I still had to drop the roof down and drive around because I was in a Convertible. Not letting the weather dampen my spirits, I was buoyant to use the M 850 i xDrive as much as possible.
Starting the car makes you feel tingly; it is a visceral experience; awesome exhaust and engine sound and the adrenaline buzz when you put your foot down, combine to make you want to keep driving the M 850i. I would love to have driven a manual version, but the automatic does have a manual shift through the gear shift and the paddles on the steering wheel.
You buy the M 850 i xDrive as a driver who wants the Motorsport pedigree and the engineering that goes with it, which comes from the 4.4-litre, twin-turbocharged V8 with 523bhp. The engine produces 750Nm of torque, enough to keep up with plenty of its rivals. Despite the power output, the V8 engine is relatively economical, with 25.9mpg; this matches many SUVs with smaller engines.
