The 840i nameplate belongs to BMW’s revived 8 Series family and was added for the 2020 model year, following the return of the 8 Series name in the modern G14/G15/G16 generation. BMW first used the 840i designation on the coupe and convertible lineup, then extended it to the four-door Gran Coupe, making it the six-cylinder entry point to the range. In BMW’s North American press material, the 840i was introduced as part of the 2020 8 Series model-year expansion in mid-2019, with production for the range beginning that July and market launch following shortly after.
Historically, the 8 Series name carries a strong grand-touring image. The modern 840i continues that role by offering the 8 Series’ low-slung styling and luxury-focused positioning without the top V8’s emphasis on outright performance. Across its body styles, the model has served as the more accessible way into the 8 Series lineup while still sitting firmly in BMW’s flagship-coupe territory. The designation has appeared in rear-wheel-drive and xDrive form depending on market and body style, but it has remained part of the same continuous modern 8 Series production run.
The current 840i lineage is therefore tied to the second modern era of the 8 Series rather than the original 1980s and 1990s E31 car, and it is best understood as BMW’s six-cylinder grand touring variant within the revived 8 Series range.