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BMW M850i: When Luxury Learns to Roar

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Test Drive

This review is based on my experience during a test drive. It reflects my first impressions behind the wheel rather than long-term ownership.

The BMW M850i occupies a unique place in BMW’s lineup. It’s not a full M car, yet it offers performance that rivals many dedicated sports cars while wrapping it all in a luxurious grand touring package.

Going into this test drive, I wasn’t expecting the M850i to surprise me.

As someone who daily drives a BMW M550i xDrive, I’m already very familiar with BMW’s 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8. On paper, the M850i uses a newer version of the same engine with a little more power, so I expected the driving experience to feel largely familiar.

I couldn’t have been more wrong.

From the moment I pulled away, it became obvious that this wasn’t simply a more powerful M550i. It felt like an entirely different beast.

First Impressions

Even before setting off, the M850i makes an impression.

The startup immediately lets you know you’re sitting in something special. This particular car was completely stock, yet the V8 produced a deep, refined growl that sounded incredible without ever feeling excessive. It wasn’t loud for the sake of being loud. It simply sounded like a proper performance car.

Once underway in Comfort mode, the character changed completely.

The M850i became calm, composed and incredibly smooth. The ride quality was excellent, the gearbox almost disappeared into the background, and the car felt perfectly suited for long-distance cruising. It was quiet, effortless and every bit as luxurious as you’d expect from BMW’s flagship coupe.

Behind the Wheel

Then came Sport mode.

This is where the M850i completely transformed.

Throttle response sharpened instantly, the gearbox became more aggressive, and the V8 came alive. The acceleration is nothing short of brutal. The amount of power the car delivers is simply insane, yet it never feels intimidating. It builds speed effortlessly, making every press of the throttle addictive.

Despite already owning a car with the same engine family, I was genuinely surprised by how different the M850i felt. It delivers its performance with a confidence that constantly reminds you you’re driving something special.

Comfort & Interior

What impressed me most was how well BMW balanced two completely different personalities.

In Comfort mode, it’s an exceptionally refined grand tourer. The ride is smooth, quiet and incredibly comfortable.

Switch to Sport, and it becomes an entirely different machine.

Very few cars manage to combine luxury and performance this well. It never asks you to compromise. Whether you’re cruising on the motorway or accelerating out of a corner, the M850i always feels composed and capable.

For me, that’s what makes this car so impressive. It isn’t just fast. It’s genuinely comfortable at the same time.

Design

The M850i is one of BMW’s most elegant modern coupes.

Its long bonnet, low roofline and muscular rear give it real presence without looking overstyled. It has an understated confidence that’s becoming increasingly rare.

Unlike many performance cars that try to grab attention with oversized vents and aggressive styling, the M850i feels mature. It doesn’t need to shout.

Things I Didn’t Like

It’s genuinely difficult to criticize the M850i after a short test drive.

If I had to point out one thing, it’s that the car can almost hide its own performance. In Comfort mode it’s so refined and composed that it’s easy to forget there’s a twin-turbo V8 waiting under your right foot.

That isn’t really a flaw. It simply highlights how successfully BMW has combined luxury and performance in one package.

Final Thoughts

I expected the M850i to feel like a slightly newer, slightly more powerful version of my own M550i.

Instead, I discovered a car with a completely different character.

The M850i isn’t simply about having more horsepower. It’s about how effortlessly it combines luxury, refinement and breathtaking performance into one package.

It cruises like a luxury coupe, sounds exactly as a V8 should, and accelerates with an authority that constantly reminds you you’re driving something special.

BMW didn’t just build a fast grand tourer.

They built one that makes every journey feel like an occasion.

Nordic Throttle Verdict

Would I drive it again?

Absolutely.

Pros

✓ Incredible V8 soundtrack

✓ Brutal yet effortless acceleration

✓ Outstanding comfort

✓ Premium interior

✓ Perfect balance of luxury and performance

✓ Elegant grand touring design

Cons

✗ None that stood out during my test drive.

The BMW M850i completely exceeded my expectations.

I expected familiarity.

Instead, I experienced a car that felt entirely different from the one I drive every day, despite sharing the same engine family.

It’s refined when you want it to be, exciting when you ask it to be, and somehow manages to combine comfort and performance without compromising either.

Some cars are driven.

Others are experienced.

The BMW M850i belongs in the second category.

Audi A6 e-tron: The Drive Impresses, the Price Doesn’t

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Test Drive
This review is based on my experience during a test drive. It reflects my first impressions behind the wheel rather than long-term ownership.

The electric executive car segment is becoming more competitive than ever, and the Audi A6 e-tron is one of the latest contenders. Having previously owned an electric car myself, I was curious to see if Audi had created an EV that could genuinely impress me.

The model I drove was the Audi A6 e-tron quattro Proline Edition, equipped with the 94.9 kWh battery.

First Impressions

The A6 e-tron immediately feels like a premium car.

From the moment you step inside, it’s obvious that Audi has paid close attention to quality. The cabin feels modern, well-built and exactly what you’d expect from a car in this class. Everything is easy to use, and the layout is clean without feeling overly complicated.

One feature that stood out straight away was the passenger display. At first, I wasn’t sure how useful it would actually be, but after spending time with the car, I really appreciated it. It gives the passenger something to interact with while adding a modern touch to the overall interior.

Design

The A6 e-tron is a good-looking car overall, but I have mixed feelings about its design.

The front never really grew on me. It feels a little too plain and lacks the presence I expected from a premium Audi. It isn’t unattractive, but it also isn’t a front end that makes you stop and look back after parking.

The rear is clean and simple, although perhaps a little too simple. Audi has played it safe with the overall design, and while there’s nothing wrong with that, I found myself wishing for a bit more character.

The A6 e-tron is a car I admired more for the way it drove than the way it looked.

Behind the Wheel

This is where the A6 e-tron impressed me the most.

The handling feels confident, balanced and predictable. Despite being a large executive car, it never feels heavy or awkward to place on the road. Instead, it feels composed and reassuring, making it easy to settle into from the very first kilometre.

More importantly, it simply feels good to drive.

Some electric cars can feel isolated from the road, but the A6 e-tron strikes a nice balance between comfort and driver engagement. It isn’t trying to be a sports car. Instead, it focuses on refinement, stability and making every journey effortless.

Interior

Audi has built a reputation for producing some of the best interiors in the industry, and the A6 e-tron continues that tradition.

The materials feel premium, the seats are comfortable, and the cabin has a clean, modern design. The technology is well integrated without making the dashboard feel cluttered.

The passenger display deserves another mention because it genuinely adds something to the experience. It isn’t there simply for the sake of having another screen. It gives the passenger useful functionality and helps make the cabin feel more interactive.

Things I Didn’t Like

The biggest drawback wasn’t the driving experience.

It was Audi’s options list.

Many of the features that make the A6 e-tron feel truly special come at a significant additional cost. It’s very easy to configure the car well beyond its starting price, so it’s worth paying close attention when choosing optional equipment.

While I came away genuinely impressed, I also felt there was room for improvement. The A6 e-tron delivers exactly what you’d expect from a premium executive EV, but I didn’t leave the test drive feeling that it had become the benchmark for the segment.

Final Thoughts

The Audi A6 e-tron left a very positive first impression.

It combines confident handling, a refined driving experience and a premium interior that makes every journey feel comfortable. The passenger display is a clever addition, and the overall quality of the cabin is exactly what I’d expect from Audi.

The expensive options list is something I’d carefully consider before buying one. By the time you’ve added the equipment that really brings the car to life, the price climbs quickly. That doesn’t take away from how good the A6 e-tron is to drive, but it does make you question whether it’s still the right value.

The Audi A6 e-tron convinced me with the way it drove. It just didn’t convince me with the price it takes to get the best version of it.

Nordic Throttle Verdict

Would I drive it again?

Maybe

Pros
✓ Excellent handling
✓ Premium cabin
✓ Comfortable ride

Cons
✕ Expensive options
✕ Front lacks presence
✕ Conservative rear styling

The Audi A6 e-tron is a refined and well-engineered electric car that delivers the premium experience you’d expect from Audi. I genuinely enjoyed my time behind the wheel and came away impressed by its handling, comfort and interior quality.

However, the options list changes the conversation. The car is excellent in many ways, but getting the specification that unlocks its full potential comes at a price that’s difficult to justify. For that reason, I’d happily drive it again, but I wouldn’t rush to put one in my garage.

MG ZS EV (2022) – My First Experience With an Electric Car

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Buying my first electric car was something I genuinely looked forward to. I was curious to see whether EV ownership would suit my lifestyle. Unfortunately, it didn’t take long to realise it wasn’t for me.

The facelifted MG ZS EV was my introduction to fully electric driving. On paper, it seemed like a sensible choice. An affordable electric SUV, an improved battery and enough range to make everyday driving practical.

The car did exactly what it was supposed to do.

But that was about it.

What It Is

The 2022 facelift addressed one of the biggest weaknesses of the original ZS EV by introducing a larger battery.

In my experience, the car could achieve around 480 kilometres during summer and roughly 280 kilometres during winter. Compared to the earlier model, it was a significant improvement and made the car far more practical for everyday use.

If your daily driving mainly consisted of commuting or shorter journeys, the range was more than sufficient.

The Daily Feel

The MG was simple to drive.

It was quiet around town, easy to manoeuvre and inexpensive to run compared to a petrol car.

But despite spending months with it, I never really enjoyed driving it.

Longer journeys quickly exposed its shortcomings. The seats weren’t particularly comfortable, and the overall driving experience lacked the refinement I had expected. It always felt like a car built to complete a task rather than one that made you look forward to getting behind the wheel.

It got me from A to B.

Nothing more.

Handling and Ride

This was where the MG disappointed me the most.

On the motorway, whenever the road curved gently, the car would occasionally cut power, making the acceleration feel jerky and inconsistent. It felt as though one of the safety systems was intervening unnecessarily, making the car frustrating to drive over longer distances.

Ride quality also left plenty to be desired.

Despite having relatively low mileage, the suspension had already started squeaking, something I simply didn’t expect from such a new car. Small details like that immediately made me question the overall build quality.

Combined with the firm ride and uninspiring handling, the MG never felt particularly refined.

Personal Note: The Car Was Only Half the Story

The biggest lesson I took away from owning the MG wasn’t actually about the car itself.

It was about electric car ownership.

When I first bought the MG, I didn’t have a home charger. Looking back, that period was by far the most frustrating part of the experience.

Instead of simply parking the car after work, I constantly had to think about where and when I was going to charge next. Public charging became part of my daily routine, and instead of feeling convenient, it often felt like another task that had to be planned.

Winter only made things worse.

Not only did the available range drop significantly, but charging wasn’t always straightforward either. There were times when public chargers wouldn’t start immediately, forcing me to unplug, reconnect and try again before charging finally began. On their own, those moments weren’t a huge problem, but over time they became increasingly frustrating.

Eventually, I installed a home charger, and owning the MG became much easier. Charging overnight removed a lot of the planning and made everyday life considerably more convenient.

Even then, though, my opinion of the car itself didn’t really change.

It remained practical, but it never became enjoyable.

Verdict

The facelifted MG ZS EV deserves credit for making electric motoring affordable and accessible. The larger battery transformed its practicality, and for everyday commuting it performed exactly as promised.

Unfortunately, that was also where my praise ended.

The uncomfortable seats, jerky motorway behaviour, early suspension squeaks and lack of refinement meant I never formed a connection with the car. While installing a home charger improved the ownership experience considerably, it couldn’t change the way the car drove or how it made me feel.

Looking back, I’m glad I experienced electric car ownership because it gave me a much better understanding of what living with an EV is really like.

The MG ZS EV wasn’t a terrible car.

It simply wasn’t a car I ever enjoyed owning.

Mercedes-Benz C300e (2021) – A Step Into the Hybrid World

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Every car teaches you something. The C300e taught me that performance and efficiency don’t have to be opposites.

Stepping into the hybrid world was something completely new for me, and honestly, I wasn’t sure what to expect. The Mercedes-Benz C300e turned out to be a pleasant surprise, offering a driving experience that was both refined and surprisingly quick.

It wasn’t perfect, but it did exactly what it was designed to do.

What It Is

The C300e combines a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor, producing a combined output of around 320 horsepower.

Those figures only tell half the story.

What really stands out is the instant response from the electric motor. The moment you press the accelerator, the car feels eager and effortless, making it noticeably quicker than you’d expect from a comfortable executive saloon. It never feels underpowered, whether you’re pulling away from traffic lights or overtaking on the motorway.

The Daily Feel

This was where the C300e impressed me the most.

My car was the pre-facelift model with the smaller battery, offering around 50 kilometres of electric range. For city driving, that proved to be more than enough. Most shorter journeys could be completed entirely on electric power, making daily driving both quiet and surprisingly economical.

Comfort was another area where the Mercedes excelled. The cabin was incredibly quiet, the seats were supportive, and every journey felt relaxed. Whether it was my daily commute or a longer road trip, the C300e always felt effortless to drive.

It wasn’t just me who noticed. Friends and family regularly commented on how comfortable the car was, especially during longer journeys.

Handling and Ride

The C300e was built with comfort in mind, and it shows.

The suspension absorbs poor road surfaces with ease, making motorway driving incredibly relaxing. It’s the kind of car that encourages you to settle into the seat and simply enjoy the journey.

That said, the extra battery weight does make itself known. At nearly 300 kilograms heavier than a standard petrol C-Class, the car feels noticeably heavier through corners. It remains composed and confidence-inspiring, but it doesn’t have the agility or sharpness of lighter rivals.

If you’re looking for a car to attack your favourite back road, this probably isn’t it.

If you’re looking for effortless comfort every single day, it’s difficult to fault.

Personal Note: Better Than Expected

I’ll admit it, I was sceptical before buying my first plug-in hybrid.

I wondered whether it would feel like a compromise. Too heavy to be fun, yet not efficient enough to justify the extra complexity.

Instead, it completely changed my opinion.

The instant electric torque made everyday driving effortless, while the combined 320 horsepower meant the car always had plenty of performance when I wanted it. It introduced me to hybrid driving in the best possible way and made me realise that efficiency doesn’t have to come at the expense of comfort or performance.

Like every car, it had its flaws.

The battery occupied a significant portion of the boot, creating a large hump that made loading luggage less practical than in a regular C-Class. Fuel consumption also became noticeably higher once the battery was depleted, largely due to the additional weight the petrol engine had to carry around.

Neither issue was enough to overshadow what the car did well.

Verdict

The Mercedes-Benz C300e won’t be remembered as the most exciting C-Class ever built.

What it offers instead is something many drivers will appreciate even more: a brilliant balance of luxury, performance and efficiency.

Yes, the boot space is compromised, and yes, you’ll notice the extra weight if you start pushing through corners.

But if you can charge it regularly and use it as intended, the C300e is an outstanding daily driver.

Looking back, it exceeded every expectation I had. It changed my opinion of hybrid cars completely, and that’s probably the biggest compliment I can give it.

My first review – BMW M550i xDrive – The Daily with a Dark Side”

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BMW M550i xDrive (2018) – The Daily with a Dark Side

This is the best car I’ve ever driven , and I drive it every day.

I’ve driven a wide range of cars, from bare-bones compacts to aggressive performance builds, but few have managed to balance daily comfort and raw speed the way this one does. The M550i isn’t just a fast 5 Series. It’s something else entirely.

What It Is

Under the hood is BMW’s 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 (N63), putting out around 462 horsepower and 650 Nm of torque. But numbers aside, it’s the way the car delivers that power that stands out: smooth, relentless, and deceptively fast.
0–100 km/h comes in about 4 seconds, and it doesn’t even flinch doing it.

This isn’t an M5 – and that’s exactly the point.

The Daily Feel

As a daily driver, this car nails it. Adaptive dampers soak up rough roads, the cabin stays quiet, and the xDrive system makes sure traction is never a concern.

With all the comfort tech, massaging seats, full driver assistance, soft-close doors, and even Bowers & Wilkins audio, it’s a proper luxury machine. You can crawl through traffic in total comfort, then floor it and drop jaws.

It’s calm when you want it to be, and brutal when you ask for it.

Handling and Ride

Despite its size, the car hides its weight well. Steering is more responsive than you’d expect, and it stays composed through corners.

It’s not razor-sharp – that’s not its mission – but it feels planted, stable, and powerful enough to muscle its way through almost anything.

The ride in Comfort mode is legitimately soft. Switch to Sport and it tightens up without going full track-mode stiff. It’s the kind of balance that makes you want to take the long way home.

Not much to complain about, honestly. The touchscreen can lag on cold starts, and the steering, while solid, doesn’t quite talk back as much as I’d like. But that’s nitpicking. This car does exactly what it promises, and then some.

Personal Note: The Best Yet

I’ve driven quite a few cars – some quick, some refined, some just forgettable. But this one stands out. The M550i has been, hands down, the best car I’ve owned. Not just because of the power or comfort, but because it manages to do everything I ask of it. It’s confident without being loud, fast without being twitchy, and luxurious without feeling fragile. I find myself taking detours just to enjoy it more. And that’s not something I’ve said about many cars.

Verdict

The M550i isn’t just a “fast 5 Series.” It’s a car that delivers supercar pace without sacrificing comfort or usability. It quietly threatens everything around it, without ever needing to shout.

And after living with it daily, I can say this: it’s the best car I’ve driven – period.
Not because it’s perfect, but because it hits that rare balance between power, comfort, and composure that most cars never even attempt.
It makes every drive feel intentional – and I still look forward to the next one.