My FH5 Log: Sea Breeze Flowing To the Stars

Have you heard the story of the sea that loved the moon? Of course, you do. I mean, everybody's familiar with the Legend of the Moon and the Sea. It's a love story a thousand years in the making and making the most out of the "Sea and Moon" vibe, I decided to let Forza Horizon 5's finest grand tourers do the singing and dancing.

If you are in the middle of a drive from the sea to the moon, which GT car is your pick? The Aston Martin DBS Superleggera? The third-generation Bentley Continental GTC? Or the BMW M8? This is exactly the question this game was designed to answer but first, let's get to know the GT cars.

Beginning with the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera, this potent version of the DB11 is the ultimate grand tourer designed from the ground up. Underneath its muscular shape and seductive curves, the DBS Superleggera carries the same 5.0L V12 Twin Turbo engine as the DB11 but uprooted to produce 725PS of power and 900Nm of torque while mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox, it can get from 0-60mph in three and a half seconds and onwards to 211mph. It even comes with torque vectoring, a mechanical LSD, and F1-inspired aerodynamics to make it more track-honed while retaining its grand tourer status.

The Bentley Continental GT's styling is inspired by the EXP 10 Speed 6 Concept, giving it a fresh new take on Bentley's iconic two-door grand tourer. The third-generation Continental GT runs on the same platform as the second-generation Porsche Panamera and is powered by a brand new 6.0L W12 TSI engine producing 626HP of power and 900Nm of torque. With the 8-speed DCT and 4WD system it does 0-60 mph in 3.6 seconds and onwards to 207mph. The GT Convertible follows the same recipe as the hardtop variant but has a roof that can be opened or closed in 19 seconds even while traveling at residential speeds.

The BMW M8 Competition Coupe is the coupe version of the BMW M5 F90. It has the same 4.4L V8 turbo engine and 8-speed automatic transmission. It produces 625PS of power and 750Nm of torque, and can go from 0 to 100kph in up to 3.2 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 250kph, but an optional extra can raise it to 305kph. Like the M5 F90, the M8 comes with an M xDrive all-wheel-drive system with M Dynamic mode that behaves like a rear-wheel-drive car.

These three grand tourers were proven to be the ideal contenders when you want to take a long drive from the sea to the moon just like the legend itself but if The Sea and The Moon witnessed them, which one is worthy to be a favorite for the ancient couple?

Blessed by the power of The Sea and The Moon, the three grand tourers are in the middle of a one-lap time attack to see which one is the best. Don't worry, nobody's drinking three pints of water just like that Grand Tour episode where they're driving around the racetrack while holding the urge to pee. There's your reference point for you but anyway, let's go!

And now the results...

DBS SL - 56.139s

Continental GTC - 58.959s

M8 - 57.207s

The rear-wheel-drive DBS with its 725PS 5.0L V12 Twin Turbo engine crushed its 4WD opposition but judging by the palindromic results, it's close. Still, these three did a great job pleasing The Sea and The Moon in style and comfort.

The sea breeze flowing to the stars while driving in these grand tourers is a clear reminder of a sad story I just remembered. The DBS Superleggera marked the end of Aston Martin's V12 supremacy, and Bentley ended their 12-cylinder story with cars like the Bentley Continental GT. I don't know what fate's in store for a car like the BMW M8, but some say, it's not going to last long. Whatever the reason, they fought hard until the endgame, and while stories like these plunged speedo boys into an ocean of heartache, they should be thankful to have grand tourers with happy endings worth remembering forever.

That is the sea breeze flowing to the stars. The legend of the sea and the moon is revisited by three dying grand tourers fulfilling their dying wishes to the sea and the moon.

BONUS CHAPTER:

With Hibiki and Michiru done their job, it's time for my Continental GTC to have a one-car show to demonstrate its Bentley-ism. I know this because I got this car from the European Automotive DLC Pack and I loved it, despite its convertible taste.

Before getting its one-car show, some makeover has to be done...

After some extensive makeovers, the Continental GT Convertible is portraying the role of, you guessed it, Shiori from Aikatsu Planet. Suits its personality.

Feeling pleased with this makeover, the Continental GT Convertible is awakened for the clash of the land and the sea with the competition waiting to get a good look at this Bentley. Let's roll the tape.

From the clash of the land and the sea, the Bentley is the summit of its endgame.

Bentley's decision to end the production of the legendary W12 engine has me in an ocean of heartache, just as I was when Aston Martin ended its V12 hierarchy. But bittersweet aside, I'm glad I had a blast playing around with these British-built 12-cylinder wonders alongside a German V8-powered grand tourer nearing its euthanasia while revisiting the legend of the sea and the moon, in my mind.

OK, so we've done our little storytelling. Who wants bream from the Caspian Sea? How about some moonlight cookies or sea fairy cookies?

My FH5 Log: The 8 You Give

Since 1989, the BMW 8-Series has been the flagship grand tourer that feels right at home on the road and on the track. With two different generations present in Forza Horizon 5, it's time to have a quick dive with the 8er.

From the original E31 to the G15-spec revival in addition to the F92 BMW M8 range, the 8-Series is all about business and pleasure for the desired driver behind the wheel. With the right blend of luxury and performance, this German grand tourer does it all like a man in a suit and tie but with rubber shoes.

Just how different are these two generations of the 8er? Let's examine...

Beginning with the 850CSi, the one that I've obtained from the Horizon Creatives update as an overall prize, it was based on the 850i but the 5.0L V12 engine has been tweaked into a 5.6L V12 engine, producing 372 horsepower and 402lb-ft of torque. It can do 0 to 60 in 5.9 seconds and a top speed of 184mph. It's the only BMW model to have a V12 engine mated to a manual gearbox.

Now, let's move to the BMW M8 Competition Coupe, one of the game's DLC cars. It's basically the coupe version of the BMW M5 F90, meaning it still packs the same 4.4L V8 turbo engine and the 8-speed automatic. In its Competition spec, it produces 625PS of power and 750Nm of torque, sprinting through 0 to 100kph in up to 3.2 seconds and electronically limited to 250kph or with an optional extra where it can be raised to 305kph. Like the M5 F90, the M8 comes with an M xDrive all-wheel-drive system with M Dynamic mode that allows it to behave like a rear-wheel-drive car.

Now that we get to know about the two 8ers, it's time to find out how much the 8-Series has progressed from the original to the current model, and with that, I'm on the streets of Guanajuato, closed course, to proceed with this German experiment. Let's cue the tape.

And here are the results...

850CSi - 1m19.012s

M8 - 1m05.949s

Well, the evolution of the 8-Series from the E31 850CSi to the F92 M8 Competition took around 13 seconds from that to this. Guess BMW's wise to revive the 8-Series five years ago, albeit with mixed results.

From the V12-powered goodness of the 850CSi to the turbocharged V8 tango of the M8 Competition Coupe, the 8-Series really is business and pleasure at its own pace. Sadly, with some rumors saying it will be gone again, rest assured that I've given two generations of the 8er the best time of their lives, and looks like they've served their purpose before being erased by the times one more time, honest.

This is the 8 you give. Hope you've enjoyed driving both generations of the BMW 8er.

CASE CLOSED.

My FH5 Log: Check-M8

A long time ago, when BMW revived the 6-Series, they brought the ultra-powerful M6 which is basically a coupe equivalent of the M5 F10 that comes with the same turbocharged V8 and the double clutch gearbox and when I first played in the original Forza Horizon, I nearly fell in love with it.

In the pursuit of more grandness out of BMW's only grand tourer, the now-classic M6 has turned...

You're looking at the first-ever BMW M8, which is part of Forza Horizon 5's DLC car catalog. The old M6 the world knew has turned into something greater than itself.

Ah, yes. The BMW M8. Ever since BMW revived the 8-Series, it's not what it seems because it's basically the coupe equivalent of the BMW 5-Series G30, not the 7-Series that its predecessor dons. So, the M8, what's it all about?

It's basically the coupe version of the BMW M5 F90, meaning it still packs the same 4.4L V8 turbo engine and the 8-speed automatic. In its Competition spec, it produces 625PS of power and 750Nm of torque, sprinting through 0 to 100kph in up to 3.2 seconds and electronically limited to 250kph or with an optional extra where it can be raised to 305kph. Like the M5 F90, the M8 comes with an M xDrive all-wheel-drive system with M Dynamic mode that allows it to behave like a rear-wheel-drive car.

Having been satisfied with the way the M8 performs, which is somewhat reminiscent of the M5 F90 a long time ago, it's time to see how much progress the M8 has compared to its M6 predecessor and with the streets of Guanajuato became my laboratory, it's time to compare these two turbocharged grand tourers just to find out if the M8's turbocharged engine and its all-wheel-drive magic truly work. VTR start!

And now the results...

M6 - 0m59.493s

M8 - 0m57.624s

So, it's a nearly two-second gap between them, meaning the M8's turbocharged V8 and M xDrive truly worked. Touche.

I got to admit, the M8 truly is shaping up to be the only BMW grand tourer worth driving despite running on M5 mechanicals similar to its M6 predecessor. Like its M5 F90 equivalent, the M8 rewrote the reality of BMW's high-performance grand tourer because of its turbocharged V8 engine and M xDrive, but still, it's worth enjoyable to drive full-stop.

Having fallen in love with the M8, it's time to give it a final exam to prove my point but first...

Oh, yes. This is what the BMW M8 is made for. Miichiru-sama be praised! Wait, what...?

Anyway, enough worshipping, as the boys with toys gathered around at Guanajuato for some after-hours, it's time to turn them into worshippers with a leisurely street race through the Guanajuato tunnels. Let's get cracking.

Kneel before her, boys!

Mission accomplished for the BMW M8. Although it's no longer active in the world of motor racing because it was replaced by its smaller and hideous-looking BMW M4 G82, it's still proved its worth as the only grand tourer the Germans are proud of. Although its time is almost up because of the new normal, the M8 is still worth worshipping until the endgame.

Dingolfing sends its regards.

BMW M8 Gran Coupe

The first-ever BMW M8 may not be the ultimate M car as speedo boys hoped for but it sure loves to wiggle all-day, all-night, because of its M xDrive system that allows it to behave like a rear-wheel drive car. Having enjoyed the coupe and the convertible, there is now the first-ever M8 Gran Coupe for those who think the M5 looks a bit matured.

The first-ever BMW M8 Gran Coupe picks up where the old M6 Gran Coupe left off and with prices start at around 162,197 Euros plus additional costs, it's surprisingly more expensive than the M5 it was based on. Needless to say, while the M8 Gran Coupe is more like the stylish alternative to the M5, the way it drives feels like the M5.

Under the hood, the M8 Gran Coupe still carries the same 4.4L V8 Twin Turbo engine as the F90 M5, meaning it produces 625PS of power and 750Nm of torque in Competition spec and because it uses the same 8-speed automatic as the M5, it can get through 0 to 100kph in up to 3.2 seconds and electronically limited to 250kph or with an optional extra where it can be raised to 305kph.

Just like the M5, the M8 Gran Coupe has M xDrive with a nifty little feature that allows it to behave like a rear-wheel drive car. Such setting like this as well as some sport-oriented dynamics underneath and you got yourself a German super saloon that loves to wiggle all wheels everywhere.

Would you like this rather than the M5?

Photo: BMW AG

BMW 8-Series Gran Coupe vs. Bentley Flying Spur (3rd gen)

Does the BMW 8-Series need to have a four door version even though we already have today's 5-Series? For the people behind them, "ja, wir konnen", and with that they made a variant that shouldn't be existed in the first place but they did because a few people wanted something better looking and better to drive than their F30 5-Series. Is the new 8-Series Gran Coupe the ideal alternative to the 5-Series or not?

2020 BMW 8-Series Gran Coupe

With prices start at 91,500 Euros plus on road costs, the first-ever BMW 8-Series Gran Coupe is more expensive than its 5-Series twin but since these so-called twins belonged to a different league, the 8-Series Gran Coupe was designed to take on the likes on the Porsche Panamera, Audi A7, and the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class as it means it. In fact, it's blatant to call this Gran Coupe the evil twin of the 5-Series because it does a lot more than that.

Because it's got four doors instead of the usual two like you get in the normal 8-Series, the Gran Coupe is made to accomodate VIPs at the back without squeezing through like they do with their two-door equivalents and because it is longer than the 5-Series, it's got slightly more room as well, meaning your VIP has some space to snooze about after reading this morning's newspaper.

Drive or be driven? Of course you can drive in it especially the 8-Series Gran Coupe comes solely with a 4.4L V8 TwinPower Turbo engine producing 530PS of power and 750Nm of torque and when mated to an 8-speed AT, it does 0-100kph in less than four seconds and top speed electronically limited to 250kph. And like the other 8-Series relatives, the Gran Coupe comes standard with the xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive with electronically controlled differential lock can adapt through various road conditions like it can recognize any road conditions with precision. Couple that with the ideal weight distribution, low center of gravity, Adaptive M suspension, Integral Active Steering, and the result is a fast four-door saloon that enjoys taking things easily while cruising around town in style and comfort no doubt.

The Gran Coupe really sets itself apart from the 5-Series apart because of its style and performance but because it was based on the reborn 8-Series that is not what the BMW fans hoped for, they believed it wasn't enough because if it wants to be more than just a 5-Series carbon copy, perhaps they should look some inspiration from something else...

2020 Bentley Flying Spur

This is the 168,300 Pound, all-new Bentley Flying Spur, and like the BMW 8-Series Gran Coupe, it's based on the same stuff found in today's Bentley Continental GT, but unlike the 8-Series Gran Coupe, it's powered by a 626bhp 6.0L W12 engine mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox, making it capable of hitting a 0-60mph time of 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 207mph. That's more than enough to crush the 8-Series Gran Coupe into the wall of shame.

And like the Continental GT, the new Flying Spur comes with a wide array of features that will keep this heavyweight limo rolling for more action such as torque vectoring, adaptive suspension, and active differential. Even with the traction control system on, it's like something so wrong feels so right all along. It maybe fit for Queen and Country but for some thrills, the new Flying Spur feels like an action hero car in disguise and it easily body-shames the 8-Series Gran Coupe by a margin.

Anyway, enough body-shaming because with such pricing, it's best for people to make do with the 5-Series' evil twin, Either way, both the 8-Series Gran Coupe and the new Flying Spur are one of the most exciting sports saloons to get jealous for because of the style, performance, and comfort worth a million likes.

Photo: BMW/Bentley

BMW M8

BMW's reborn 8-Series is nothing more than a 6-Series replacement and nothing more to expect on what is known to be the two-door equivalent of the G30 5-Series. With the first-ever BMW M8, this high-performance take on the reborn 8-Series uses some F90 M5 knowhow to create a high-performance sportscar that dances like an M5 and make some big statements to its grand touring opposition into thinking that this one's ready to mingle all night.

2020 BMW M8 Coupe

2020 BMW M8 Convertible

With prices starting at a very costly 125,700 Euros for the Coupe and 133,700 Euros for the Cabriolet plus on-road costs, the first-ever BMW M8 mimics the same experience as its four-door equivalent, the F90 BMW M5, while in a more self-centered two-door setting with some room on the back for your belongings because let's face it, some people are having a hard time squeezing through the back seats in a coupe but who cares?

Although the styling is reminiscent of the normal 8-Series with some more M goodness to make it look scary on the street scene, there's nothing scary about the way it goes because it still carries the same 4.4L V8 Twin Turbo engine as the F90 M5, meaning it sounds a bit muted by sportscar standards but despite its low-volume purr from its turbocharged V8 engine, it produces 625PS of power and 750Nm of torque in Competition spec and because it uses the same 8-speed automatic as the M5, it can get through 0 to 100kph in up to 3.2 seconds and electronically limited to 250kph or with an optional extra where it can be raised to 305kph. Now that is considerably fast for a BMW M car.

As some would say that because it's now a four-wheel drive car rather than a rear-wheel drive car like the old M6 it replaces, understeering is likely, and expect some muscle pains but no because like the M5, the M8's M xDrive comes with a setting where they can switch from four-wheel drive to two-wheel drive. It's like having two cars in one and thanks to its Active M Differential, the M8 feels as lively to drive as any grand tourer can get.

And like the M5, the M8 features so many settings toy around with such as the traction control setting, engine responsiveness, steering, gear settings, exhaust noises, and some comfortable bits where a gentleman driver should better leave it be while taking on a comfortable cruise like a real grand tourer. Shoddy.

The BMW M8 may be radically different than the M6 it replaces but like the F90 M5 it draws inspiration from, it feels so enjoyable to drive, comfortable to live in, and overall fun to drive on the road and track. You should really thank BMW for this new model for sure.

Photo: BMW AG

BMW Z4 G29 vs. 8-Series Cabrio G14

BMW shook the world with the introduction of the new, third-generation, Z4 G29 roadster, and this new model is starting to regain its true form as a no-frills open-top sportscar that caters to even the most discerning car enthusiasts everywhere. So, what's it all about?

2020 BMW Z4

2020 BMW Z4

So this is the all-new BMW Z4 and what's not to like about the all-new model that is better than the previous Z4? The first Z4 is heavily made for the heartthrobs trying to woo the ladies with its sportscar charms that match the macho men of today while the second Z4 takes a more sensible approach with no hardcore stuff in sight. This new Z4 though is starting to return to its true form in new and exciting ways to entice Bimmer drivers that this is the sportscar to go for despite the Axis Powers connection between this car and a certain Japanese maker I can't spit it out until later.

First and foremost, the design, and while it draws inspiration from the concept car as seen from the 2017 Concours d'Elegance at Pebble Beach, the exterior design feels a bit more toned down compared to the concept but while it has some ups and downs its design process, it still appeals like the first Z4 made and by such demand, the soft-top roof that was absent from the previous model returns and it can be folded up or down in approximately ten seconds even while cruising on residential zones. With or without the roof, the new Z4 really shows its sportscar charisma, making it the ideal head-turner on the road.

2020 BMW Z4 interior

On the inside, the driver-focused interior really matches the Z4's charisma although most speedo boys will be having a hard time getting used to the new dashboard layout, the two-zone climate control, the Harman Kardon surround sound system, ambient lighting, and other high-tech stuff but as long as they're not bothering with any of the dashboard stuff, the true beauty of the Z4 lies within its driving experience.

2020 BMW Z4

The new Z4's starting price is 40.950 Euros for the base sDrive20i Advantage Steptronic, the one with the 197PS 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo engine mated to an 8-speed Steptronic with 7,3 l/100km of fuel economy on the WLTP scale combined but to get the most out of the new Z4, there's the high-end M40i variant, priced at 60,950 Euros, with the 3.0L BMW TwinPower Turbo engine producing 340PS of power, 500Nm of torque, and when mated to the same gearbox I mentioned above, it does 0-100kph in 4.5 seconds and electronically limited to 250kph.

Apart from the engines, the new Z4 is becoming more enjoyable to drive thanks to its new chassis design as well as its new suspension setup comprising of a double-joint spring strut axle at the front and a five-link rear axle, a first for a BMW roadster. With this setup as well as its lightweight design, the optimal weight distribution makes it a more enjoyable car to drive full-stop, not to mention its dramatic braking feel thanks to its lightweight braking system and other useful features, including the Performance Control function. In the M40i variant, however, this is a completely different story thanks to its M Sport differential, Adaptive M Sport suspension, M Sport brakes, and high-performance tires stuff like these makes it more like getting jabbed by a sweaty high-school girl several times. That hurts but that experience really makes it special.

So, the new BMW Z4 really is a driver's car that appeals just like the original but drives in a way it hasn't done before but for some gentlemen drivers, the new Z4 is much of a fluke because they had something better than the new Z4.

2019 BMW 8-Series Cabriolet

2019 BMW 8-Series Cabriolet

What this is is the new 8-Series Convertible, an open-top version of what is known to be the successor to the old 6-Series and since today's 8-Series is now based on the current 5-Series, it wasn't made to compete against grand tourers like the Bentley Continental GT. In fact, this is now an unrivaled grand tourer in its class, and for this convertible version, you can expect the same choice of engines as the coupe equivalent but the V8-powered M850i Cabrio with the 530PS 4.4L V8 Bi-Turbo is the only choice they had because the diesel variants are not friendly to European drivers right now.

2019 BMW 8-Series Cabriolet interior

2019 BMW 8-Series Cabriolet interior

Of course, while this is basically heavier not just the hardtop equivalent but also the new Z4 because it has an xDrive all-wheel-drive system and the same 8-speed Steptronic as the new Z4, not to mention every M Sport stuff mentioned above for the M850i variant, the new model chews the Z4 for breakfast, lunch, and tea, not because it has a 0-100kph time of 3,9 seconds but only because it has a lot of traction and grip to cleanly get past the Z4 like it was nothing happened. What a trump card this grand tourer has and unlike the Z4, this has two extra seats in the back but sadly, it's hard to squeeze through, meaning only your peripherals can fit into the rear seats following your trips to the rummage sale.

So, there we are, the 8-Series Cabriolet is by no means the ideal open-top BMW fit for gentlemen drivers everywhere but because of the 108,000 Euro price tag, looks like the Z4 wins because you can afford two for the price of one 8-Series Cabriolet while having some spare change for some stuff to do. 

The new Z4 is all about delivering old-school thrills to its new form while the new 8-Series Convertible is a grand tourer that handles almost everything on the road and on the track but either way, these new models will make the grand tour more interesting in the spring season and we can't blame either of these two for what they are capable of. Still, even though the new 8-Series Convertible's got the muscle for its start dash sensation, the new Z4 is still the best pick not only it's cheaper than the 8-Series Convertible but also much more enjoyable to drive full stop.

Photo: BMW AG

BMW 8-Series G15

The old 8-Series was BMW's flagship grand tourer when it was launched in the early '90s and based on the old E32 7-Series but as the 20th century came to an end, the 8-Series was laid to rest until almost two decades later, the 8-Series name was resurrected from the ground up and if you ask that the new 8-Series will follow the same footsteps as the original, well, sorry to disappoint because the new 8-Series is basically a replacement of the 6-Series and it's now based on today's 5-Series rather than 7-Series. Bummer.

2019 BMW 8-Series

2019 BMW 8-Series

There are many reasons why BMW's new 8-Series is not the 8-Series the 90's kids familiarized with but we'll talk about it later because let's focus more on some of the aspects of the new 8-Series. From concept to reality, the detailing of the new 8-Series is smart, strong, and sexy indeed. It's like having an expression of a salaryman who happens to be a MMA fighter in disguise and if you got beaten by him, you're gonna wait for another 20,000 years to face him again. Fierce.

2019 BMW 8-Series interior

2019 BMW 8-Series interior

Street-fighting salaryman looks aside, the new interior is definitely an office desk on wheels because while you are stuck in traffic in the middle of a very important meeting, the new 8-Series features Microsoft Office 365 with Skype for Business so you can check important appointments, memos, conferencing, it really is a fantastic feature for businessmen filling on important stuff while doing leisurely stuff like soccer or surfing. Who says an office should have four walls? Who says you can't sit on both boards? Let's talk it over but Super Dry references aside, the 8-Series' handcrafted interior really puts you in a place between Modena to 5th Avenue, and for a grand tourer of this caliber, it's impressive to toy around with it.

2019 BMW 8-Series

Now we get to answer why BMW's new 8-Series is not the 8-Series the 90's kids familiarized with because in the range-topping M850i xDrive variant, it's powered by, no, not the magnificent 12-cylinder from the old 8er, it's an updated version of the 4.4L V8 Twin Turbo engine. It produces 530PS of power and 750Nm of torque and when mated to an 8-speed automatic and xDrive all-wheel drive, it goes 0-100kph in 3.7 seconds and is electronically limited to 250kph. There's your answer, ladies and gentlemen, well only just because we can expect a more powerful M variant next year and it's powered by the same V8 engine as the M5 and that's also a bummer for a grand tourer of this size. Of course, there's a six-cylinder in-line diesel engine in the BMW 840d xDrive Coupe but it's best not to talk about it now because of what's going on in the motoring world right now.

On the dynamics side, the xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive with electronically controlled differential lock can adapt to various road conditions it can recognize any road conditions with precision. Yes, this drivetrain can get a lot more enjoyable thanks to its rear differential lock, but when it gets hard on the handling, better be prepared for what lies ahead within the xDrive's limits because it's going to be a cruncher judging from its ideal weight distribution, low center of gravity, Adaptive M suspension, Integral Active Steering, every nooks and crannies honed from their motorsports expertise. When driven in a very comfortable setting, its grand tourer charm really works well during a weekend drive at Tagaytay but engaging in SPORT+ when taken on track days, it really bites you harder and harder when you take it to the bends and before you know it, the struggle is real. Who knew?

When the weekend trip's over and if you're heading home after a day out, the 8-Series' wide array of safety tech really keeps this grand tourer prepared during the journey home. With the Driving Assistant Professional, the 8-Series takes full advantage of all the driving aids that make driving back home more convincing, and in terms of parking, what else?

The all-new 8-Series starts at a very expensive 100,000 to 125,700 Euros and that's too much to bear for the reborn grand tourer that uses the 5-Series' underpinnings instead of the 7's. So, the new 8-Series may not be the 8-Series the 90's kids familiarized with as well as its unquestionable performance that takes moments to answer all of its questions but for a grand tourer, the charms of being a weekend cruiser is worth a shot and whether you love it or loathe it, the all-new 8-Series from BMW is starting to pick up the pace by all means necessary and expect more to come for the revived grand tourer from BMW.

Photo: BMW AG