For years, the 7 Series has sat at the top of BMW’s lineup as the biggest, most expensive sedan it sold. But recently, BMW added another similarly priced sedan to its lineup: the 2020 8 Series Gran Coupe. So is the 8 Series Gran Coupe replacing the 7 Series? Has the 7 Series been downgraded? Let’s take a look at a few key differences to find out.

2020 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe

• The new BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe the four-door model of the two-door 8 Series that BMW already sells as either a coupe or convertible.
• The Gran Coupe is available with two engine choices: a 335-horsepower six-cylinder engine or a 523-horsepower twin-turbo V8.
• It starts at $85,895 and goes on sale in September 2019.

The BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe joins the 2020 lineup, effectively replacing the 6 Series Gran Coupe. This is a longer version of the 8 Series that now has 5 seats, an upscale interior, an inline-six that’s new to the 8 Series. The M sport model channels the same V8 that powers the two-door M850i version which is the only one available at the moment. The full-bore M8 Gran Coupe is coming soon.

2020 BMW 7-Series

• The new BMW 7 Series is a full-size luxury sedan featuring a new front grille that’s two inches taller than the 2019 version.
• Both the headlights and taillights are slimmer than before, and BMW Laserlight offered as a new option.
• Starts at $86,450 and is available now.

The big new grille is your first warning that the 2020 BMW 7 Series is back and it’s powerful. But there’s a reason for it besides appearance. It can naturally take in more air and hints at the enhanced power of the 2020 model. At 523 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque, the new V8 outguns the 2019 model by 80 hp. Before this update, the 750i could reach 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. The 2020 model reportedly can achieve 60 mph in 3.9 seconds. Impressive considering the luxury sedan is two and a half tons of vehicle that can leave sports cars in the dust.

3 Key Differences

Powertrains

Both sedans use an eight-speed automatic transmission. Both offer enhanced power with multiple options on the 7 Series and two trims for the 8 Series.

As it did in 2019, the 7 Series has four trim levels. The 740i is RWD and has a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with an output of 335 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque. There’s an xDrive (AWD) option and it takes your 0-to-60 mph time from 5.3 seconds to 4.8. The 750i xDrive features an enhanced version of the twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 from previous versions. This engine has an output of 523 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. It will take you to 60 mph in an impressive 3.9 seconds. Finally, there’s the M760i xDrive part of BMW’s line of more performance-oriented cars. Here you get the largest engine, a twin-turbocharged 6.6-liter V12 that makes 600 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque. It will get you to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds.

There are two trims and two drivetrain configurations for the 8 Series but neither is underwhelming. The M850i xDrive offers a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8, the same used in the 750i and the M550i but cranked up to 523 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. Those worried about weight or price might go for the newer 840i trim level with its 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged I-6 with 335 horsepower with a choice of RWD or AWD. xDrive is BMW’s intelligent AWD system and it’s standard. There’s a launch-control feature that lets you accelerate with optimal traction from a standing start in as little as 3.6 seconds and achieve 155 mph.

Design

Both series received impressive styling updates. One BMW got a timely update while the other ushers in a new era at BMW.

The 7 Series is the bigger of the two cars and it’s longer, taller, and wider than the other line. The 7 Series’s exterior styling is comparable to that of the latest X3, X5, and X7 designs. The new grill is hard to miss but isn’t just for appearance. You can get standard LED or optional laser headlights to frame the new grille. The bumpers, rear lights, side trim, and wheel options have all been updated for all the 7 Series trim levels.

The 8 Series, on the other hand, introduces a new BMW era. This series features a new version of BMW’s signature grille with intimidating flair and the slimmest headlights BMW has ever offered. The side panels are dynamic, the front fenders show off new vents, and at the back, there are slim tail lights and muscular tailpipes highlighted in black gloss. While the styling has echoes of the automaker’s heritage, it’s clearly something new and exciting. There are also a couple of funky new colors and an optional Carbon Package, too.

Comfort and Convenience

When it comes to comfort and convenience features, the 7 Series still has the edge. That’s partly due to the Gran Coupe’s sportier tuning, as well as its seven-inch shorter wheelbase.

In terms of seating, the 7 Series seats up to five and offers a generous portion of legroom in the back. In the 8 Series, you can also seat five, but it will be more cramped. The 7 Series also offers a bigger cargo area for storing your stuff with up to 18.2 cubic feet of trunk space. That’s a bit more than the 8 Series with almost 15 cubic feet of cargo space.

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