BMW 8 Series coupe - Practicality & boot space

The BMW 8 Series sits between the larger Mercedes S-Class Coupe and slightly shorter Aston Martin DB11 in size, and thanks to its grand touring brief, BMW hasn't scrimped on practical features.

It might not be a car you'll want to move house in, but a holiday to the South of France is easily within its ability, while parking sensors all round and four-wheel steering make manoeuvring convenient when you reach your destination. A 360-degree camera is part of the Parking Assistant Plus package.

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BMW 8 Series interior space & storage

There's a clear focus on the low-slung front seats in the 8 Series, which sit ensconced between a tall centre console for a snug feeling. Room in the back is rather too limited, however, because there's almost no room for rear occupants' legs. The 8 Series’ sloping roof might look sensational, but it also means back-seat headroom is very tight indeed - an S-Class Coupe is significantly better suited to carrying more than one passenger.

Oddment storage is better than you might expect, with decent door pockets, a proper glovebox and two cup-holders. The central armrest also has flaps that open to reveal a compartment for storing drinks, or your wallet, phone and house keys.

Boot space

It might have sleek lines, but the BMW 8 Series also measures 4.8 metres in length, making it longer than some SUVs. It pays dividends for boot space, because with 420 litres behind the rear seats it's not only more practical than the S-Class Coupe, but many run-of-the-mill family hatchbacks too.

There's plenty of room for suitcases even before you explore the 8 Series' party trick; the 50:50 split-folding rear seats, which reveal even more room when you need it. These fold via levers inside the boot, and the powered boot lid itself can be opened and closed 'hands-free'. The boot opening itself is rather narrow and awkwardly shaped, though, and you'll find soft luggage a lot easier to accommodate than rigid cases.