Compare the2023 BMW 8 SeriesVS 2021 Rolls-Royce Dawn

The 8 Series has standard City Collision Mitigation, which use forward mounted sensors to warn the driver of a possible collision ahead. If the driver doesn’t react and the system determines a collision is imminent, it automatically applies the brakes at full-force in order to reduce the force of the crash or avoid it altogether. The Dawn has a collision warning system without the crash-mitigating brake feature that could reduce stopping distances.

The 8 Series offers all-wheel drive to maximize traction under poor conditions, especially in ice and snow. The Dawn doesn’t offer all-wheel drive.

The 8 Series’ standard lane departure warning system alerts a temporarily inattentive driver when the vehicle begins to leave its lane and gently nudges the vehicle back towards its lane. A lane departure warning system costs extra on the Dawn.

The 8 Series’ optional blind spot warning system uses sensors to alert the driver to objects in the vehicle’s blind spots where the side view mirrors don’t reveal them and moves the vehicle back into its lane. The Dawn doesn’t offer a system to reveal objects in the driver’s blind spots.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the 8 Series’ optional rear cross-path warning system uses sensors in the rear bumper to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the side, helping the driver avoid collisions. The Dawn doesn’t offer a cross-path warning system.

Both the 8 Series and the Dawn have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, collision warning systems, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, rearview cameras, driver alert monitors and available rear parking sensors.

The 8 Series’ corrosion warranty is 8 years longer than the Dawn’s (12 vs. 4 years).

There are over 9 times as many BMW dealers as there are Rolls-Royce dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the 8 Series’ warranty.

As tested in Car and Driver the M850i 4.4 turbo V8 is faster than the Rolls-Royce Dawn (base engine):

On the EPA test cycle the 8 Series Convertible gets better mileage than the Dawn:

Regenerative brakes improve the 8 Series’ fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The Dawn doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the 8 Series’ engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. The Dawn doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

All wheel drive, available in the 8 Series, provides the best traction for acceleration in wet, dry, and icy conditions. In corners, all wheel drive allows both outside wheels to provide power, balancing the car. This allows for better handling. The Rolls-Royce Dawn is not available with all wheel drive.

The 8 Series’ launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s precisely in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The Dawn doesn’t offer launch control.

For better stopping power the 8 Series’ front brake rotors are larger than those on the Dawn:

The 8 Series stops shorter than the Dawn:

The 8 Series’ standard 245/40R19 front and 275/35R19 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 40 series front and 35 series rear profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Dawn’s standard 45 series front and 40 series rear tires. The 8 Series’ optional 245/35R20 front and 275/30R20 rear tires have a lower 35 series front and 30 series rear profile than the Dawn’s optional 40 series front and 35 series rear tires.

For better maneuverability, the 8 Series’ turning circle is 3.5 feet tighter than the Dawn’s (38.2 feet vs. 41.7 feet). The 8 Series xDrive’s turning circle is 2.7 feet tighter than the Dawn’s (39 feet vs. 41.7 feet).

The BMW 8 Series may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 500 to 1300 pounds less than the Rolls-Royce Dawn.

The 8 Series is 1 foot, 4.9 inches shorter than the Dawn, making the 8 Series easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

For excellent aerodynamics, the 8 Series has standard flush composite headlights. The Dawn has recessed headlights that spoil its aerodynamic shape and create extra drag.

The front grille of the 8 Series uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The Dawn doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The 8 Series Convertible has a much larger trunk with its top down than the Dawn with its top down (12.4 vs. 8.6 cubic feet). The 8 Series Convertible has a much larger trunk than the Dawn with its top up (12.4 vs. 10.4 cubic feet).

The 8 Series’ standard rear seats fold to accommodate long and bulky cargo. The Dawn doesn’t offer folding rear seats.

The 8 Series has a standard remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The climate system will also automatically heat or cool the interior. The Dawn doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

The 8 Series’ front and rear power windows all open or close with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside of the car. The Dawn’s rear power window switches have to be held the entire time to close them fully.

On extremely cold winter days, the 8 Series’ standard heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the car heater warms up. The Dawn doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

The 8 Series’ optional Parking Assistant Plus can parallel park by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. The Dawn doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

The BMW 8 Series comes in coupe, convertible and sedan bodystyles; the Rolls-Royce Dawn isn’t available as a coupe or sedan.