BMW M850i Edition M Heritage: A Tribute to the Legendary 8 Series
The BMW 8 Series has always stood as a symbol of elegance blended with performance. First introduced in the early 1990s, the original E31 8 Series set new standards for luxury grand tourers with its cutting-edge technology, pop-up headlights, and powerful V12 engines. Today, BMW pays homage to that automotive icon with a special limited-run model—the BMW M850i Edition M Heritage. Unveiled at the Monterey Car Week in California, this exclusive edition is based on the Gran Coupe body style and celebrates the brand’s heritage while offering modern-day luxury and performance.
With a price starting at $130,400, this limited model is designed for collectors and driving enthusiasts who appreciate BMW’s rich legacy and its seamless fusion of tradition with modern technology.
A Nod to the Classic 8 Series
The original BMW E31 8 Series (1990–1999) was a car ahead of its time. It offered advanced electronic features, refined aerodynamics, and engines that pushed the limits of performance in the grand tourer segment. The new M850i Edition M Heritage embraces this history, drawing visual inspiration from its predecessor.
BMW offers the car in five exclusive heritage-inspired colors, directly taken from the palette of the first-generation 8 Series. Each finish is meticulously crafted to highlight the long, flowing lines of the Gran Coupe’s bodywork and ensure the car stands out in any setting.
Exterior Design and Details
The M Heritage Edition is based on the M850i Gran Coupe, a sleek four-door coupé with a sloping roofline and a sporty stance. This special edition adds unique heritage design cues, including:
- Exclusive paint finishes from the original 8 Series era
- Special “M Heritage” badging on the C-pillar
- 20-inch M light-alloy wheels with a gloss finish
- Shadowline exterior trim for a darker, more aggressive look
The subtle yet striking details emphasize exclusivity, making the car immediately recognizable to enthusiasts familiar with BMW’s history.
Luxurious Interior with Motorsport DNA
Inside, the BMW M850i Edition M Heritage combines modern BMW luxury with sporty accents. Highlights include:
Full Merino leather upholstery, available in unique two-tone combinations
Contrasting stitching inspired by the classic 8 Series design language
“M Heritage” logos embroidered into the headrests
Carbon fiber and aluminum trim elements for a motorsport-inspired touch
A limited-edition badge on the center console indicating its exclusivity
The cabin strikes the perfect balance between comfort, exclusivity, and performance-driven design.
Performance and Technical Specifications
Underneath its elegant body, the M850i Edition M Heritage shares the same performance-oriented platform as the M850i Gran Coupe. The car is powered by BMW’s formidable 4.4-liter TwinPower Turbo V8 engine.
Key Technical Specs:
Engine: 4.4L twin-turbocharged V8
Power Output: 523 hp (390 kW)
Torque: 750 Nm (553 lb-ft)
Transmission: 8-speed automatic (Steptronic)
Drivetrain: xDrive all-wheel drive
0–100 km/h (0–62 mph): ~3.7 seconds
Top Speed: Electronically limited to 250 km/h (155 mph)
The xDrive system ensures maximum traction in all conditions, while the adaptive M suspension and Integral Active Steering give the car remarkable agility for its size.
Why This Model Matters
The M850i Edition M Heritage is more than just another luxury coupe—it’s a celebration of BMW’s motorsport tradition and design philosophy. By referencing the iconic E31 8 Series, BMW creates an emotional connection for enthusiasts who grew up admiring the original model. At the same time, it showcases how far BMW has advanced in terms of engineering, comfort, and technology.
For collectors, the limited availability and unique design touches make it a future classic. For drivers, it delivers an intoxicating mix of power, luxury, and exclusivity.
BMW 8 Series in the UAE Market
In the UAE, cars like the BMW 8 Series and its limited editions attract high demand among luxury car buyers and collectors. With Dubai and Abu Dhabi being home to some of the world’s most passionate car enthusiasts, limited-production models like the M850i M Heritage often find buyers quickly.
For those who want to experience the thrill of driving a BMW 8 Series without purchasing, platforms like RentCarUAE.com make it possible to rent luxury models for short or long-term use. Whether for a business trip, a special occasion, or simply to enjoy the performance of a grand tourer on UAE’s highways, BMW rentals in Dubai are a popular choice.
The BMW M850i Edition M Heritage is a masterful combination of BMW’s past and present. With its heritage-inspired colors, exclusive detailing, and powerful V8 engine, it pays tribute to the legendary 8 Series while offering the refinement and performance expected of a modern BMW.
Priced at $130,400, this limited-run model will undoubtedly appeal to collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate exclusivity, history, and cutting-edge performance. In many ways, it is a rolling reminder that BMW’s legacy is built not only on innovation but also on honoring its timeless icons.
