Currently reading: BMW launches limited-run 8 Series M850i xDrive First Edition

First Edition version of 8 Series range-topper gains style upgrades but no mechanical changes

BMW will offer a limited-run version of its hot M850i xDrive sports GT, featuring a range of exclusive exterior and interior design details – and only ten will be offered to UK buyers.

Limited to 400 examples worldwide, the First Edition version of the top M Performance 8 Series model will be mechanically identical to the regular M850i xDrive. That means it retains the 4.4-litre V8 twin-turbo engine, tuned for 523bhp and 553lb ft, which drives through an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

The First Edition version of the Porsche Panamera rival gains new ‘Frozen Barcelona Blue’ metallic paint, along with a new gloss colour on the kidney grille frame and side window surrounds.

There are also new 20in alloy wheels with a bespoke design, and black tailpipe trims. A carbon roof and exterior package are optional extras.

Inside, the limited-run model is available with special white and blue leather trim, while the leather steering wheel and Alcantara rooflining are both finished in ‘Night Blue’. There is also an individually numbered ‘First Edition’ strip on the dashboard.

The 400 First Edition models will be built at BMW’s Dingolfing plant between April and June. It will go on sale in June and cost from £121,995, compared to £100,045 for the standard M850i xDrive Coupé.

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James Attwood

James Attwood, digital editor
Title: Acting magazine editor

James is Autocar's acting magazine editor. Having served in that role since June 2023, he is in charge of the day-to-day running of the world's oldest car magazine, and regularly interviews some of the biggest names in the industry to secure news and features, such as his world exclusive look into production of Volkswagen currywurst. Really.

Before first joining Autocar in 2017, James spent more than a decade in motorsport journalist, working on Autosport, autosport.com, F1 Racing and Motorsport News, covering everything from club rallying to top-level international events. He also spent 18 months running Move Electric, Haymarket's e-mobility title, where he developed knowledge of the e-bike and e-scooter markets. 

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Aussierob 5 February 2019

Beauty is in the eye

imho this is a stunningly beautiful car. Restrained, elegant, yet tasteful (if only that could be said of the 7 series facelift) it’s a work of art. And way better looking than the Bentley or MB rivals.

There. Others may, and probably will, disagree but I don’t care (or need glasses).

Won’t buy one, though, due to the residual values...

Robbo

Deputy 4 February 2019

Screen Pain

Haha, that info screen showing 1/400 is going to be a pain to fix if it fails.  No way a local BMW service centre will be able to install the correct software to match the interior and numbers.

Alex Hitchin 4 February 2019

Dingolfing in China?

Pretty sure Dingolfing is in Germany not China?
Overdrive 4 February 2019

Dingolfing

Alex Hitchin wrote:

Pretty sure Dingolfing is in Germany not China?

Maybe the Chinese are copying Western cities as well! :)