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.