DecodedCarsBMW 8 Series
8 model years from 2019 to 2026, compared on size, efficiency, safety and reliability.
- Model years
- 2019–2026
- Class
- Subcompact Cars
- Latest engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 4.4L 8-cyl turbo
- Best MPG
- 20–25 combined, by year
- Latest rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaigns, all years
- Fewest problems
- 2022
- Interest
- 7,126 Wikipedia views / 30 days
The 2026 8 Series in brief
The 2026 BMW 8 Series is a subcompact car offered with 2 engines (3.0L 6-cyl turbo and 4.4L 8-cyl turbo) and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 191 inches long and 75 inches wide on a 111-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,747 lb (8-Series 2dr Convertible).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 24 MPG combined (21 city / 29 highway), 0% better than the 2026 subcompact car average of 24 MPG, for an estimated $3,400 a year in fuel.
There are no recalls or owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year.
The BMW 8 Series has 8 model years in our data, from 2019 to 2026.
Its most efficient year was 2022 at 25 MPG combined; across all years the best version ranged from 20 to 25 MPG.
Buying used? 2024 has the fewest problems in our data.
2023 has the most recalls (1); all years together count 1 campaigns and 0 owner complaints.
How the 2019 8 Series compares
The 2019 BMW 8 Series is a subcompact car offered with a 4.4L 8-cyl turbo engine and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 191 inches long and 75 inches wide on a 111-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,608 lb (8-Series 2dr Convertible).
About the BMW 8 Series
The BMW 8 Series is a range of grand tourer coupes and convertibles produced by BMW.
From the Wikipedia article "BMW 8 Series", licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
2026 8 Series pros & cons
Full 2026 details →What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Best and worst years to buy used
2024 8 Series
0 owner complaints · 0 recalls
None of the 6 model years we compared stands out for complaints or recalls.
NHTSA recalls and complaints for 6 model years since 2015; use it alongside a pre-purchase inspection. How we calculate this →
Compare head to head
8 Series changes by model year
- 2021
- Engine added: 4.4L 8-cyl turbo
- 2020
- Engine added: 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
- Engine dropped: 4.4L 8-cyl turbo
- Best combined MPG up from 20 to 25
- Lightest version 154 lb heavier
Years without a measurable change are left out.
Show all 8 model years side by side
| Year | Latest engines | Best MPG / range | Length | Weight | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 4.4L 8-cyl turbo | 24 MPG | 191.3 in | 4,747 lb | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 4.4L 8-cyl turbo | 24 MPG | 191.3 in | 4,747 lb | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 4.4L 8-cyl turbo | 24 MPG | 191.3 in | 4,747 lb | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 4.4L 8-cyl turbo | 24 MPG | 191.3 in | 4,747 lb | Not rated | 1 | 0 |
| 2022 | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 4.4L 8-cyl turbo | 25 MPG | 191.3 in | 4,747 lb | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 4.4L 8-cyl turbo | 25 MPG | 191.3 in | 4,747 lb | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 25 MPG | 191.3 in | 4,747 lb | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | 4.4L 8-cyl turbo | 20 MPG | 191.3 in | 4,608 lb | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
Alternatives to the 2026 8 Series
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 BMW 3 Series | 31 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2026 BMW 5 Series | 31 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 28 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus IS | 22 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Tesla Model 3 | 363 mi | Not rated | 1 |
| 2026 Audi A6 | 24 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or BMW. How we calculate this →