[TupperBMW]

Both have the same engine, but one has the M branding and the other doesn’t.

Any idea why? Are there other attributes that make the M850i deserving of the “M” moniker, or is this just a bunch of branding stuff and nothing more?

[Tenac]

To really sum it up you are looking at the 7 series which is BMW's flagship luxury sedan made for comfort. It is bigger in size and weight than the 8 series in general. The M moniker on the M850i means its the sport version of the base car, more features that show sportiness and tuned for performance. They do not share much in the chassis other than the drivetrain. Software however is different as well and suspension are not the same. Once again one is tuned to be sportier. The 7 series is also super quiet and comfortable. That's about it in a nutshell.

[TupperBMW]

^ That I guess makes sense. I guess that’s why there isn’t an M7

The closest they went in that direction was the M760i with that V12 engine….

[PresM850i]

I always had a pretty fixed idea of what a "trackable" car might be. Certainly an M850i just touches that, and a M8 is right in the range, if heavy.

But if you watch the numerous YouTube videos of amateur cars flailing on the Nürburgring track, apparently ANYTHING is trackable. SUVs, Van trucks, Old VW bugs, (I am sure I saw a old Ford Pinto, but could not be sure) ....

So I guess anything could be "M" if enough folks are willing to pay them!

[Kponti]

I've driven the 750i, and that engine is as sporty as they come. Not the absolute in speed (reserved for the M8/M5), but peppy and fast enough. I cannot imagine the 850 is any peppier

[bloozemanAZ]

Originally Posted by Kponti

I've driven the 750i, and that engine is as sporty as they come. Not the absolute in speed (reserved for the M8/M5), but peppy and fast enough. I cannot imagine the 850 is any peppier

As per the thread, in which you brought up your 750i loaner experience and enjoying the peppiness of the V8 (and I confirmed same N63TU3 as the M850i) theoretically the M850i is peppier. Including the factors Tenac called out.

The M850i curb weight for the coupe is less than the 750i X-drive plus optioned with the CF roof even a bit more so. Granted it may be marginal 300 to 400 lbs but power to weight is always a factor. That aside it shows up in the 0-60 speed specs but as often discussed the real winner is 80 to 100+ and the M850i's aerodynamics over the 750i alone rules in that arena as well.