Review: BMW M850i xDrive
The BMW M850i isn’t here to scream for attention. It doesn’t need to.
It glides into view with broad shoulders, sharp lines, and the kind of presence that says, “I could ruin you… but I won’t, unless you ask nicely.”
This is BMW flexing its GT muscle — a car that sits in the sweet spot between everyday usability and high-speed theatre. It may not be a full-fat M car, but don’t let that fool you. This thing’s got bite.
I’ve been fortunate enough to drive quite a few M850i’s over the last couple years, from the coupe, to the convertible and the gran-coupe too. The most recent being a frozen grey coupe that I had as a rental car in Los Angeles for a little under 3 weeks. No matter how many times I got in and out of that car, every time you sat down into the seat and pressed that start button (in sports mode, naturally) and the mighty 4.4-litre twin turbo V8 breathed into life, it just automatically put a smile on your face - and it didn’t necessarily matter if I was merely idling through Rodeo Drive or giving it the beans along one of the canyon roads through Malibu - every single time you got into the M850i, you felt like it was a special occasion.
Under the sculpted bonnet lies a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 producing 390kW and 750Nm — numbers that come alive with brutal elegance. Paired with BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system, the M850i doesn’t just move — it launches.
Thanks to adaptive dampers and a well-tuned air suspension system, the big coupe glides over rough country roads and chewed-up city tarmac with ease. It floats when you want it to — and grips when you need it to.
In Sport and Sport Plus, things tighten up considerably. The steering weights up, throttle response sharpens, and the V8 comes alive with a deep, deliberate rumble. It’s not a shouty exhaust — more like a warning growl. But the way this car builds speed is addictive. That xDrive system lets you put the power down early out of corners, and while it masks some of the rear-drive playfulness BMW purists might miss, it makes the M850i incredibly composed and confident — especially in the wet.
0–100 km/h? 3.7 seconds.
And yet… it’s not frantic. It’s measured. Like a heavyweight boxer who knows exactly when to unleash the knockout blow.
The 8-speed ZF transmission is slick and intuitive, the adaptive suspension strikes a near-perfect balance between comfort and control, and the steering — while not quite E92 M3 levels of magic — feels precise enough to dance in tight corners. For a big, tech-laden coupe, it moves with surprising agility.
But the real trick? How relaxed it feels doing 100… or 200. It’s a continent crusher with an M badge whispering in the background.
On Australian roads, the M850i feels right. Wide, yes — but never unwieldy. The ride quality in Comfort mode is sublime, especially on the highway. Throw it into Sport Plus and it sharpens up instantly — the exhaust note deepens, throttle response tightens, and you suddenly realise you're not in a regular 8 Series. You're in the sleeper M car BMW doesn’t call an M8.
Despite its coupe proportions, the M850i is surprisingly usable. The front seats are among the best BMW makes — heavily bolstered, endlessly adjustable, and wrapped in premium Merino leather. The driving position is low and focused, but visibility is decent and it never feels claustrophobic.
Rear seats? Technically, yes — but practically, they’re best suited for kids or overnight bags. It’s a proper GT layout: two up front in comfort, with just enough rear space to tick the box. The boot, however, is generous (420 litres), making weekend getaways or golf runs easy work.
It’s also well-equipped: heated and cooled seats, ambient lighting, a crystal iDrive controller, and BMW’s full suite of driver aids come standard. Wireless Apple CarPlay and a punchy Bowers & Wilkins sound system make long hauls an event.
Daily driver? Absolutely. This thing eats commutes and weekend getaways with equal ease. You can waft or you can wallop — it gives you both.
Fuel economy? BMW claims a combined figure of 10.6L/100km, with urban driving consuming around 14.9L/100km and extra-urban at 8.2L/100km . However, real-world figures often edge higher, especially if you enjoy the car's performance capabilities. It's a thirsty beast, but that's the price of power. While we’re at it, let’s be honest, you’re not buying a twin-turbo V8 if you’re worried about fuel consumption, are you?
Fun Facts
Not a full M car, but built by BMW M. The M850i has serious M-DNA, including tuning from BMW’s performance division.
Laser headlights. Yes, actual laser tech — blindingly bright, incredibly sharp.
xDrive with rear bias. It’ll keep you safe in the wet but let loose just enough for fun when the road opens up.
Carbon core construction. Borrowed from the 7 Series for added rigidity and weight savings.
Pop-out rear spoiler. Sleek by default, aggressive when needed.
Drawbacks? A few — but nothing fatal
Weight. At just under two tonnes, you feel its size in tighter corners.
Exhaust note is... controlled. It's got a nice burble, but it's no AMG drama queen.
Interior tech. While premium, some buttons and menus feel a touch dated next to newer iDrive setups.
Rear seats. Technically there — but best left for kids, dogs, or short trips.
Price. It’s not cheap, especially once options start stacking up. If you want one (and, you know you do) you’re going to have to part with north of $290,000
Final Word
The BMW M850i xDrive is a weapon wrapped in velvet. A car that whispers in Comfort, howls in Sport Plus, and delivers everything from low-key luxury to Autobahn fury.
It’s not the rawest car in the garage. It’s not trying to be. What it offers is something harder to pin down: range. From quiet confidence to controlled chaos, it adapts to your mood — and always looks damn good doing it.
If the M5 is a scalpel, and the M8 a sledgehammer, the M850i is the tailored switchblade you keep hidden until the moment calls for it.
Hyundai Tucson Elite N-Line Hybrid
Hyundai has come a long way from budget badge to serious segment contender, and the 2025 Tucson Elite N-Line Hybrid is proof of just how far the brand has matured. Positioned as a stylish and sensible mid-size SUV, this latest Tucson doesn’t just tick the boxes - it leans into them with confidence. Priced at $52,600 plus on-road costs in the Tucson Elite N-Line Hybrid spec, it’s not hard to see why this car makes a compelling argument in the fiercely competitive mid-size SUV segment.
From the outside, the N-Line treatment adds some welcome aggression to the Tucson’s already sharp design. Darkened grille, unique bumpers, twin-tip exhausts, and sporty 19-inch alloys. This isn’t just your average school run crossover anymore. It has presence.
Under the bonnet, the hybrid setup pairs a zippy 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor, delivering a combined 172kW and 367Nm through a six-speed automatic. It’s smooth, quiet, and surprisingly eager off the line. Hyundai claims a combined fuel consumption of around 5.3L/100km, which is fairly impressive for a mid-size SUV with this level of power and equipment. In real-world mixed driving, expect high fives to low sixes, depending on how heavy your right foot is. We actually managed a average of 5.1L/100km with a mixture of both highway and urban driving.
Day-to-day, the Tucson Elite N-Line Hybrid feels impressively refined. The suspension strikes a good balance between comfort and control, ironing out bumps and potholes without feeling overly floaty or disconnected. Around town, it’s an easy SUV to live with - steering is light yet accurate, visibility is solid, and the hybrid system is quiet and intuitive, especially in stop-start traffic.
On the open road, the Tucson settles into a calm, composed rhythm. Wind and road noise are well contained, and the cabin remains hushed even at freeway speeds. It’s no hot hatch, despite the N-Line branding, but it has enough punch for overtaking and doesn’t shy away from a twisty backroad when asked. The transition between electric and petrol power is smooth, and the regenerative braking system never feels grabby or unnatural.
For families, the Tucson hits a practical sweet spot too. Rear seat legroom is generous even for taller passengers, the doors open wide enough for easy child-seat access, and there are ISOFIX points on the outboard rear seats for secure and stress-free child seat installation. There is also ample storage scattered throughout the cabin. Whether it’s school drop-offs, weekend getaways, or daily commuting—it genuinely adapts to whatever your lifestyle throws at it.
As for safety, Hyundai doesn’t miss here either. The Tucson Hybrid comes loaded with Hyundai SmartSense as standard, including autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and more. It scored a 5-star ANCAP safety rating, giving peace of mind whether you’re solo or carting around the family.
Inside, the Elite N-Line brings red stitching, suede/leather sports seats, alloy pedals, and a proper flat-bottom steering wheel. Twin 12.3-inch screens handle the dash and infotainment duties, with a slick interface and easy connectivity. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and built-in navigation are all standard.
As for cargo space, the Tucson Hybrid gives you a generous 582 litres with the rear seats up, expanding to over 1,700 litres with them folded. The boot floor is flat and practical, and there's plenty of room for prams, luggage, sports gear - or whatever weekend life throws at you.
Service & Running Costs:
Hyundai recommends servicing the Tucson Hybrid every 12 months or 10,000 km, whichever comes first. The brand offers a Lifetime Service Plan, ensuring transparency and affordability in maintenance costs. Additionally, when you have your scheduled service completed at a participating authorised Hyundai Dealer, you receive 12 months of included Premium Roadside Support from the date of service.
Pros:
Sharp styling with N-Line flair
Smooth and efficient hybrid performance
Fuel economy that doesn't require compromise
High safety rating and tech-filled spec list
Spacious cabin and class-leading boot space
Transparent servicing costs with Hyundai's Lifetime Service Plan
Cons:
Not a true performance SUV despite the N-Line badge
Some cabin plastics still remind you of its price point
Infotainment can lag slightly when overloaded with tasks
Verdict:
The 2025 Tucson Elite N-Line Hybrid is the kind of SUV that makes you question why you'd need to spend more. It looks the part, drives smart, sips fuel, and delivers genuine comfort and tech without the premium badge price tag. It’s not just sensible. It’s actually desirable.
For growing families, urban commuters, or anyone who wants a car that balances style, practicality, and efficiency, the Tucson hits the mark beautifully.
2025 Genesis GV70 3.5T AWD
If the German heavyweights are the loud kids in class, always shouting to be noticed, the Genesis GV70 3.5T is the quietly brilliant overachiever in the back row - polished, poised, and full of surprises.
From the moment you approach the GV70, it carries itself with an unmistakable air of confidence. It doesn’t scream for attention, but the proportions are right, the details are sharp, and the design feels fresh without being try-hard. The double-line LED signature lighting, that wide crest grille, and the elegantly tapered rear give the GV70 a fastback silhouette that’s more sport-luxe than soccer-mum.
And then there’s the cabin… that gorgeous cabin.
Step inside, and it’s less SUV and more first-class lounge. The sweeping dash, ambient lighting, knurled dials, and quilted leather speak of a car that wasn’t just simply designed, but considered. Everything feels expensive without shouting about it. Genesis has clearly taken a page from the Bentley playbook and surprisingly, not a cheap knockoff version either. Inside the cabin you’d think you’re sitting in something that should be almost double the price tag that it is.
But don’t let the calm aesthetic fool you. Under the bonnet lies a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 delivering 279kW and 530Nm - and when you lean into the throttle, it responds with a deep, composed urgency that belies its luxury-first attitude. It’s quick too. As in 0–100 in just over 5 seconds quick. And yet it never feels brutish or uncouth. The power delivery is smooth, linear, and always ready, whether you're overtaking on the freeway or just enjoying a spirited backroad cruise.
Fuel economy? Officially, it’s rated at 11.3L/100km combined, but real-world figures lean closer to 12–13L/100km in urban driving. Not class-leading, but expected for the power on offer. For those prioritising efficiency, the smaller 2.5T or electric GV70 may be worth a look.
And here's the real magic: it blends performance with refinement in a way that’s genuinely rare at this price point. The adaptive suspension soaks up bumps with composure, yet firms up when the mood gets spirited. The AWD system inspires confidence in all conditions, and the steering, while not dripping with feel, is accurate and nicely weighted.
Inside, it’s whisper-quiet, even at speed. And Genesis has loaded it with tech, too: a crisp 27" infotainment screen, 3D digital instrument cluster, Lexicon premium audio, augmented reality navigation, and every safety feature under the sun. It’s not just premium - it’s properly premium.
Luxury Inside, Loaded With Features
Step inside, and the GV70 feels more like a high-end lounge than a mid-size SUV. Quilted Nappa leather, a 14.5” widescreen infotainment display, ambient lighting, knurled metal dials, and a beautifully sculpted dashboard layout all make it feel premium - and then some.
You get the works, too:
Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
Augmented reality navigation
12.3” 3D digital instrument cluster
Lexicon 16-speaker sound system
Heated and ventilated seats (front and rear)
Panoramic sunroof, remote start, and digital key access
Genesis doesn’t nickel-and-dime you with packages either - nearly everything is standard.
Safety? Top of Class
The GV70 wears a 5-star ANCAP safety rating, and it’s brimming with advanced features:
Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with pedestrian, cyclist, and junction assist
Blind Spot View Monitor (displays a live feed in your instrument cluster when indicating)
Surround-view camera, lane centring assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and safe exit assist
Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go
And even driver attention warnings that monitor for fatigue
Space & Practicality
Despite its sleek exterior, the GV70 is impressively practical:
542 litres of cargo space with the seats up
Expands to 1,678 litres with the rear seats folded
Rear-seat legroom is generous even for taller passengers
Wide rear doors and low boot lip make life easier for families, too
And yes! It has a full-size spare wheel. A rare win these days.
Servicing & Ownership
Genesis offers a 5-year unlimited km warranty, with 5 years of free scheduled servicing and complimentary concierge pick-up and drop-off. That’s not just luxury - it’s peace of mind.
You also get 5 years of roadside assistance and map updates, all included in the drive-away price.
So who’s this for?
The GV70 3.5T isn’t trying to win drag races or steal Instagram clout. It’s for the driver who values understated excellence. Someone who appreciates fine tailoring over flashy labels. It’s for those who want the performance of a BMW X3 M40i, the luxury of an Audi Q5, but with a twist of uniqueness and a whole lot more standard kit.
The 2025 GV70 3.5T AWD proves you don’t need a European badge to get European-grade luxury and performance. It’s quick, refined, tech-loaded, and safe - while offering standout value and a customer experience most rivals don’t come close to.
Prices for the Genesis GV70 range kick off from $78,700 all the way up to $100,000 (plus options of course).
For those ready to break free from the expected, Genesis has quietly built one of the best SUVs in the game.
