By resurrecting the 8-Series nameplate, BMW aims at biting off a larger chunk of the luxury GT segment than the 6-Series, which wasn’t as comfortable or upscale as the S-Class Coupe.

Judging by recent reviews, the new 8-Series can’t beat the Merc on these aspects, although it definitely does a better job than the car it replaces when it comes to offering customers higher quality materials, more tech and an overall more stylish appearance both inside and out.

But is that all there is to it? Is the new 8-Series simply a slightly more modern 6-Series with a greater emphasis on comfort? Yes and no, according to reviewer Doug DeMuro, who sampled the car in M850i xDrive spec, which in the U.S. costs almost as much as what one might have spent on a 2017 BMW M6 Coupe.

Aside from its excellent on-board tech, the 2019 M850i also does well in the comfort department, although there are more upscale alternatives out there. What DeMuro found most interesting though was how fun the M850i was to drive – he didn’t expect that from a car that weighs nearly two tonnes (4,400 lbs).

He was also pleasantly surprised by the 4.4-liter TwinPower Turbo V8’s responsiveness and acceleration, as it can take the M850i from zero to 60 mph (96 km/h) in just 3.6 seconds. It does so with the help of an eight-speed automatic transmission and of course, 523 HP (530 PS) and 553 lb-ft (748 Nm) of torque.