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2019 BMW M850i xDrive: How it compares on paper with other GT coupes

Although the hot new vehicles for the rich seem to mainly comprise SUVs and supercars, the neglected luxury GT coupe segment is starting to see some life again. The latest to add a spark to this set is the 2019 BMW M850i xDrive. It goes on sale later this year, and revives the 8 Series that's been dead since the 1990s. The first version available to Americans will be one with a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8, with other versions likely following. Before it launches, we wanted to get a lay of the grand-touring land and see how the new BMW stacks up to the competition in performance, practicality and price. While some of these models have higher-performance or more-affordable iterations, we picked the versions that would be the closest match to this 8 Series model. They include the 2019 Lexus LC 500, 2018 Mercedes-Benz SL 550, 2018 Mercedes-Benz S 560 Coupe and the 2018 Maserati GranTurismo. We will also provide some short summaries on our experiences with these cars, but to get a full picture of each model, be sure to check out their full reviews. And if you want to compare any of these cars with models you don't see here, be sure to try out our car comparison tool. Engines, transmissions and performance On paper, the BMW M850i xDrive is clearly the performer of the group. It has the most power and torque at 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet. Coupled with all-wheel-drive and an eight-speed automatic, the car is able to overcome its relatively portly 4,478-pound curb weight to hit 60 mph in a scant 3.6 seconds. That's more than half a second quicker than the lightest car in the group, the Mercedes-Benz SL550, which weighs 4,012 pounds. The other three vehicles are in the low- to mid-4-second range to 60 mph. Though the Maserati is the slowest to 60 mph, it does boast the highest top speed of 186 mph. The M850i and SL 550 are electronically limited to 155 mph, while the Lexus is limited to 168 mph. The Mercedes S 560 has the lowest top speed at an electronically limited 130 mph. View 52 Photos Of interest is that there's a 50/50 split among these cars between using a pair of turbos, and having none at all. The BMW and Mercedes resort to forced induction, whereas the Lexus and Maserati choose to stay naturally aspirated. This is likely why the Germans break 500 pound-feet of torque, while the others don't make it to 400. Also interesting is the spread of gear quantity. The Maserati has just six ratios to choose from, and the Lexus has a whopping 10.

Maserati dubs new SUV Levante, new sedan to resurrect Ghibli moniker

Building on the introduction of the GranCabrio MC that debuted at the Paris Motor Show, Maserati is planning three new models over the next couple of year in an attempt to raise sales to 50,000 units annually by 2015. While we think that that is a pretty lofty goal for a boutique automaker, redesigning its flagship sedan and adding two all-new models in popular segments sounds like a great plan of attack
The first new car we'll see from the Italian automaker is the next generation of the Quattroporte which will be a fitting way to celebrate the car's golden anniversary. We've already seen spy pictures of the new Quattroporte testing as well as a series of patent drawings that reportedly show the car's basic lines. Expect the new Quattroporte out sometime next year with a possible launch at the Detroit Auto Show.
Following the new Quattroporte, we'll finally get to climb behind the wheel of a Maserati SUV... just not the Kubang. Maserati confirmed that its new utility vehicle, based on the Jeep Grand Cherokee, will in fact be named the Levante. We already knew that Maserati would definitely not be using the odd Kubang name after this year, but if the Levante name sounds familiar, it's because we previously reported that this name would be used on a sedan slotting in below the Quattroporte.

2021 Maserati Quattroporte spied getting ready for another light refresh

Maserati just announced that both the Quattroporte and Ghibli sedans would get Trofeo versions next month, but it looks like the standard Quattroporte is going to get a facelift soon, too. The Quattroporte is on the old side of the spectrum at this point (last refreshed for 2017), and we expect this to be the last refresh before a totally new model is released. From the looks of these spy shots, Maserati is painting the Quattroporte with a very light brush. Camouflage simply covers the front bumper of the white sedan and the rear lights of the black one. Everything else looks identical to the current car, so look for an updated front bumper, grille and lights with this refresh on the exterior. The vast majority of changes coming to the Quattroporte are likely going to be those we can’t see.  Look for updated tech in the infotainment system and instrument cluster. ItÂ’s generally made up of tech borrowed from FCA now, so an update from the parent company could help the Quattroporte keep pace with its luxury competition. Expect minor updates with additional features and possibly a number of additional driver assistance technologies.  WeÂ’re still unsure if Maserati will update the engine lineup. Right now you can choose between a couple of boosted engines, one a V6 and the other a V8. When the Trofeo comes, we expect the new flagship will offer the same power as the Levante Trofeo with its Ferrari engine. The Quattroporte maxes out at 523 horsepower now, and if nothing else changes, the Trofeo would bring it up to 590 horsepower. Assuming the Trofeo debuts sporting the facelifted styling, we donÂ’t have long to wait for the full details on what weÂ’d assume is the 2021 model year car. Maserati says itÂ’s revealing the Trofeo on August 10, so check back in for the full details on that car and the Ghibli Trofeo. Related video: