Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

BMW 8 Series coupe - Practicality & boot space

The BMW 8 Series might have cramped back seats, but its boot is big enough for continental road trips

Carbuyer Rating

4.0 out of 5

Owners Rating
Be the first to review
Practicality & boot space Rating

3.0 out of 5

The BMW 8 Series sits between the larger Mercedes S-Class Coupe and slightly shorter Aston Martin DB11 in size, and thanks to its grand touring brief, BMW hasn't scrimped on practical features.

It might not be a car you'll want to move house in, but a holiday to the South of France is easily within its ability, while parking sensors all round and four-wheel steering make manoeuvring convenient when you reach your destination. A 360-degree camera is part of the Parking Assistant Plus package.

BMW 8 Series interior space & storage

There's a clear focus on the low-slung front seats in the 8 Series, which sit ensconced between a tall centre console for a snug feeling. Room in the back is rather too limited, however, because there's almost no room for rear occupants' legs. The 8 Series’ sloping roof might look sensational, but it also means back-seat headroom is very tight indeed - an S-Class Coupe is significantly better suited to carrying more than one passenger.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Oddment storage is better than you might expect, with decent door pockets, a proper glovebox and two cup-holders. The central armrest also has flaps that open to reveal a compartment for storing drinks, or your wallet, phone and house keys.

Boot space

It might have sleek lines, but the BMW 8 Series also measures 4.8 metres in length, making it longer than some SUVs. It pays dividends for boot space, because with 420 litres behind the rear seats it's not only more practical than the S-Class Coupe, but many run-of-the-mill family hatchbacks too.

There's plenty of room for suitcases even before you explore the 8 Series' party trick; the 50:50 split-folding rear seats, which reveal even more room when you need it. These fold via levers inside the boot, and the powered boot lid itself can be opened and closed 'hands-free'. The boot opening itself is rather narrow and awkwardly shaped, though, and you'll find soft luggage a lot easier to accommodate than rigid cases.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Richard is a former editor of Carbuyer, as well as sister site DrivingElectric.com, and he's now Deputy Editor at Auto Express. Having spent a decade working in the automotive industry, he understands exactly what makes new car buyers tick.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe: details and first drive of the sleek executive four-door
BMW M235 Gran Coupe front quarter
News
26 Nov 2024

New BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe: details and first drive of the sleek executive four-door

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s Black Friday offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
29 Nov 2024

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s Black Friday offers

2025 Toyota Yaris announced with minor upgrades
2025 Toyota Yaris front quarter
News
29 Nov 2024

2025 Toyota Yaris announced with minor upgrades

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
21 Oct 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps
Charging station
Tips and advice
23 Jul 2024

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
Best electric cars
Best cars
16 May 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024