2020 BMW 8 Series

BMW has brought back the 8 Series last year as a replacement for the 6 Series. For those who may not know, the first 8 Series was a grand touring coupe based on the 7 Series that was sold throughout most of the 90s, specifically from 1991 to 1997. The new 8 Series isn't considered a direct replacement for the 90s model since the new model is positioned as more of a sports car than a grand tourer. Like its 6 Series predecessor, the 8 Series is offered in coupe, convertible, and 4-door Gran Coupe styles. Five trim levels are available on the 8 Series: 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8, and M8 Competition. 

The 840i is powered by a 3.0-liter inline-six producing 335 horsepower and 328 lb-ft of torque, mated to an 8-speed automatic. It launches from 0 to 60 mph in the 4-second range. Exact 0-60 mph times vary depending on the trim level and body style. The base 840i comes standard with rear-wheel drive while the rest of the 8 Series lineup has BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive system. The M850i xDrive is powered by a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 523 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque, propelling the vehicle from 0 to 60 mph in around 3.5 seconds. The M8 and M8 Competition have the same engine as the M850i upgraded to 600 horsepower for the standard M8 and 617 horsepower for the Competition model. 0 to 60 mph is accomplished in 3.1 seconds for the standard M8 and 3.0 seconds for the M8 Competition, making them the fastest vehicles ever made by BMW. 

Notable features on all 8 Series models include soft-close doors, multi-color ambient lighting, power-adjustable heated front seats, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, a 10.3-inch touchscreen, standard Apple CarPlay, wireless charging, and a WiFi hotspot. Compared to the 840i, the M850i has a sportier appearance, better handling, better aerodynamics, new wheels, and upgraded sport seats; the M8 and M8 Competition improve on those changes and have an increased use of carbon fiber to save weight. Pricing for the BMW 8 Series starts at $88,000 for the base 840i coupe and climbs up to $160,000 for the M8 Competition convertible. I'm not the biggest BMW fan, and I tend to prefer Mercedes-Benz, but the new 8 Series looks beautiful and is my favorite vehicle in BMW's current lineup.

Rolls-Royce Wraith/Dawn

The Rolls-Royce Wraith and Dawn are the coupe and convertible variants of the Ghost and one of the most luxurious coupes and convertibles on the market, introduced in 2013 and 2015 respectively. The Spirit of Ecstasy brand isn't as known for performance, but the Wraith and Dawn are the fastest Rolls-Royce models to date. Powering the Wraith and Dawn are a 6.6-liter twin-turbo V12 with 624 horsepower and 605 lb-ft of torque for the Wraith and 563 horsepower and 575 lb-ft of torque for the Dawn. Both vehicles launch from 0 to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds and are mated to an 8-speed automatic. Like several Rolls-Royce models, the doors on both the Wraith and Dawn are rear-hinged and swing open unconventionally. Since the Wraith has a fixed roof, it offers the Rolls-Royce signature starry night sky ceiling in the cabin. There are endless ways to customize the Wraith and Dawn through the Spirit of Ecstasy's Bespoke Program, so basically no two examples are the same. Their cabins combine traditional and modern elements into one amazing package. Traditional elements include analog clocks and gauges, along with a variety of leather and wood trims. Modern elements include infotainment and navigation borrowed from BMW, in-car WiFi, and real-time traffic updates. Both models can seat up to four, although the rear seats may not be as comfortable and spacious as those in the Ghost, Phantom, and Cullinan. Like every other Rolls-Royce model, the center caps on the Wraith and Dawn's wheels are weighted and stay in place when their wheels spin. Pricing starts at $332,000 for the Wraith and $359,250 for the Dawn. All in all, the Rolls-Royce Wraith and Dawn are gorgeous and incredibly fine cars. Very few can beat the comfort, luxury, and attention to detail that Rolls-Royce is known for.