DecodedCars2021 BMW 8 Series
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.
- Class
- Subcompact Cars
- Body styles
- 8-Series 2dr Convertible, 8-Series 2dr Coupe, 8-Series Gran Coupe
- Engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 4.4L 8-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 25 combined · 23 city / 30 hwy
- Length
- 191.3–200 in
- Curb weight
- 4,486–4,769 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 25 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2021 BMW 8 Series is a subcompact car offered with 2 engines (3.0L 6-cyl turbo and 4.4L 8-cyl turbo) and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 191 inches long and 75 inches wide on a 111-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,747 lb (8-Series 2dr Convertible).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 25 MPG combined (23 city / 30 highway), 7% better than the 2021 subcompact car average of 23.4 MPG, for an estimated $3,300 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
There are no recalls or owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year.
What changed for 2021
- Engine added: 4.4L 8-cyl turbo
Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 8 Series →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8-Series 2dr Convertible | 191.3 in | 74.8 in | 53.1 in | 111 in | 64.2 / 64.6 in | 4,747 lb | 53/47 |
| 8-Series 2dr Coupe | 191.3 in | 74.8 in | 53.1 in | 111 in | 64.2 / 64.6 in | 4,486 lb | 55/45 |
| 8-Series Gran Coupe | 200 in | 76 in | 55.1 in | 119.3 in | 64.2 / 65.7 in | 4,769 lb | 54/46 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 840i Coupe | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 23 / 30 / 25 | +7% | $3,300 | 347 |
| 840i Convertible | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 22 / 29 / 25 | +7% | $3,300 | 360 |
| 840i Gran Coupe | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 22 / 29 / 25 | -9% | $3,300 | 360 |
| 840i xDrive Coupe | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 27 / 23 | -2% | $3,550 | 387 |
| 840i xDrive Convertible | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 27 / 23 | -2% | $3,550 | 387 |
| 840i xDrive Gran Coupe | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 27 / 23 | -16% | $3,550 | 387 |
| M850i xDrive Coupe | 4.4L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | -15% | $4,100 | 439 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2021 BMW 8 Series.
Similar 2021 subcompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 BMW 8 Series (this car) | 25 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2021 BMW 5 Series | 28 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 26 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2021 Lexus IS | 25 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 27 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model 3 | 353 mi | ★★★★★ | 22 |
| 2021 Audi A6 | 26 MPG | ★★★★★ | 12 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2021 BMW 8 Series.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2021 BMW 8 Series is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2021 BMW 8 Series in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2021 BMW 8 Series buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 BMW 8 Series. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other 8 Series years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 8 Series | 24 | 191.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 8 Series | 24 | 191.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 8 Series | 24 | 191.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 8 Series | 24 | 191.3 in | Not rated | 1 | 0 |
| 2022 8 Series | 25 | 191.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 8 Series | 25 | 191.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 8 Series | 20 | 191.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or BMW. How we calculate this →