Perhaps a V8 coupe just isn’t quite enough for your tastes in the luxury world. If that’s the case, an E31 BMW 8 Series might be the solution. Spanning model years from 1990 to 1999, this phenomenal luxury coupe stands out both today and within its respective time period. It’s low, both in ride height and overall body height, giving it more of a supercar appearance than what one might picture when thinking of a “cookie cutter” BMW model. Instead, its styling is more reminiscent of the iconic BMW M1 supercar. It doesn’t just have high-performance looks, either. It packs serious punch.
While V8 options were available, the flagship 850i came sporting the M70 dual-overhead-cam V12 with a plenty potent power output of 296 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. It could sprint from zero to 60 mph in around six seconds and had a top speed of 155 miles per hour. The crown jewel of the E31 lineup, though, is the 850CSi. Equipped with a manual transmission and the S70 V12 (the same platform that powered the almighty McLaren F1), it put out an almost unbelievable 375 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. Without the 155 mph factory-installed limiter, it could run freely up to 180 mph and hit 60 seconds in the low five-second range. They’re not easy to find, though, and when they do come up for sale, they aren’t cheap. Hagerty values a good condition example at $121,000.