A big, luxurious, just-about-four-seater coupe and convertible is perhaps not exactly in keeping with the cultural zeitgeist. Added to which, the big BMW 8 Series is heavy, relatively profligate, and arguably best-sampled with a massive six-cylinder diesel engine.
All of which marks it out as a bit of a dinosaur in the modern car market. To its credit, though, it’s by far the best looking BMW in current production, and it really is a proper Grand Tourer. Settle into those high-backed armchairs, point the shark-nose front at the horizon, and you’ll not want to get out until the tank runs dry.
Mid-corner poise belies the sheer weight of the 8, but it’s not a car to chuck around in the manner of an M2. Mighty M8 version now packs more than 600hp and should possibly be categorised as an intra-continental ballistic missile rather than a car.
Long and lean four-door Gran Coupe will doubtless appeal to those looking for a little more practicality, but we prefer the lines of the two-door version. Convertible is properly glamorous, and ideal for slouching along the seafront at Cannes, as one does.
Best model: M850i xDrive Coupe for €170,116
Price range: €108,765 to €206,660 Finance from €122 per month.
Co2 emissions: 160 to 244g/km
Sum up: Sexiest BMW in a long time.
* A note on Co2 figures: For almost all the cars in the Top 100, we've quoted the stricter WLTP figures for Co2 emissions. A few are still quoted on their older NEDC2 figure, and that's the number they'll be taxed on. If you're confused at all, just consult your local dealer for specific data for the make and model in which you're interested