The BMW 8 Series (G15 generation), which first launched in 2018, is approaching the end of its production life. Before the curtain falls on this modern grand tourer, BMW has prepared a fitting tribute in the form of a limited-run special edition. Known as the 2026 M850i Edition M Heritage, this model celebrates the legacy of the 8 Series while offering a unique blend of nostalgia and performance. Production will be capped at just 500 units worldwide, making it one of the most exclusive iterations of the current generation outside of the high-performance M8.
The car made its public debut at the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, where it was displayed alongside the original E31 8 Series from the 1990s. Unlike that classic two-door coupe, the new M Heritage edition is based on the more versatile M850i xDrive Gran Coupe, offering four doors and added practicality while retaining its sporting character.
One of the standout aspects of this special edition is its heritage-inspired paintwork. BMW has revived five colors from the E31 palette—Bright Red, Mauritius Blue metallic, Cosmos Black metallic, Oxford Green metallic, and Daytona Violet metallic. These nostalgic hues come standard with the package and are complemented by several performance-inspired design cues. A carbon fiber roof with signature M tri-color stripes, a set of 20-inch bi-color Orbit Grey alloy wheels, and the inclusion of the M Sport Professional package—which adds darkened accents, black brake calipers, and tinted headlights—enhance the overall sense of exclusivity.
The cabin continues the theme with a focus on premium materials and bespoke details. Alcantara covers the dashboard, door panels, and headliner, while the M Sport seats feature a mix of Black Full Merino leather and Alcantara upholstery with a diamond pattern. Subtle touches like non-illuminated M badges on the headrests, tri-color stitching, Edition-specific lettering on the cupholders and door sills, and a numbered plaque on the center console further distinguish this model from the standard M850i. Matte carbon fiber trim completes the heritage-inspired look, while equipment levels are near the top of BMW’s catalog. Owners will enjoy the Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System, Driving Assistance Professional Package, and a host of other premium features as standard.
Power remains formidable. Under the hood sits a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8, producing 523 horsepower and 723 Nm of torque. With its eight-speed automatic transmission and xDrive all-wheel-drive system, the M850i Edition M Heritage can accelerate from 0 to 96 km/h in just 3.9 seconds, making it one of the fastest non-M models in BMW’s lineup.
Pricing for the Edition M Heritage begins at $130,400, excluding destination fees, which makes it roughly $21,000 more expensive than the standard M850i xDrive Gran Coupe. However, the extensive list of standard equipment, unique styling cues, and limited production numbers more than justify the premium. BMW will restrict availability to select global markets, including the United States. Production is scheduled to begin in November 2025, with first customer deliveries expected in the first quarter of 2026.
The M850i Edition M Heritage is not just a car—it is a carefully curated farewell, blending the spirit of the 1990s E31 with the performance and technology of modern BMW engineering. For collectors and enthusiasts, it represents both an end and a celebration of an era in the 8 Series story.