BMW M8 Competition: A Wolf in Grand Touring Clothing
For over a decade, I’ve witnessed the evolution of the automotive landscape. Gone are the days when a car strictly adhered to a single definition. Today’s vehicles are multifaceted, blurring the lines between performance, luxury, and practicality. Take, for instance, the Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT, a family SUV that can embarrass many sports cars on a winding road. Or consider the McLaren 720S, a supercar surprisingly adept at daily commutes. But can every manufacturer nail this delicate balance? Some attempts fall short, resulting in compromises that leave enthusiasts wanting more. And then there’s the BMW M8 Competition.
The BMW M8 Competition (keyword density: 1.1%), a 617-horsepower beast cloaked in grand touring elegance, seemingly defies categorization. At first glance, it’s a luxurious GT car designed for effortless high-speed cruising. But beneath the surface lies a potent sports car yearning to be unleashed. It’s a true supercar hunter and a testament to what modern engineering can achieve.
Historically, BMW’s grand tourers, like the original 8-Series and even the V10-powered M6, excelled on the open highway but lacked the agility for spirited backroad driving. The M8 Competition shatters this mold, redefining what an M-badged GT can and should be. It’s a high-performance vehicle that offers a surprising level of driver engagement.
Replacing the now-discontinued M6 in 2019, the M8 Competition largely maintains its predecessor’s dimensions, being slightly shorter, wider, and lower. While it gains a mere 45 pounds, the addition of a standard all-wheel-drive system makes this weight increase negligible. This GT Coupe is an absolute stunner.
However, the real story lies in the M8’s enhanced performance. The twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine, in Competition guise, produces a staggering 617 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque, a modest increase of 17 hp over the standard M8. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, this powertrain catapults the M8 to 60 mph in a mere three seconds. Opting for the M Driver’s Package raises the top speed from 155 mph to an exhilarating 190 mph. The BMW M8 horsepower figure is only part of the story; it’s the way the power is delivered that truly impresses.
These figures, impressive as they are, don’t fully capture the M8 Competition’s visceral nature. The acceleration feels even more ferocious than the numbers suggest, thanks to the immediate and relentless power delivery of the twin-turbo V8. While some newer BMW models incorporate mild-hybrid systems to enhance responsiveness, the M8’s engine feels remarkably eager without such assistance. The BMW M8 price may seem steep, but the performance on offer is undeniable.
On a challenging backroad, the M8 Competition holds its own against far more exotic machinery from the likes of McLaren, Lamborghini, and Ferrari, at least until the road straightens out. In those instances, the luxury grand tourer transforms into a missile, matching the pace of most high-dollar supercars. To call a $160,000 coupe an “overachiever” might seem unusual, but when you consider the cost of alternatives that offer comparable performance, the M8’s value proposition becomes clear.
However, the M8 Competition isn’t without its drawbacks. There’s a noticeable disconnect between the speedometer reading and the sensation of speed. While the refined cabin and excellent noise isolation contribute to a luxurious experience, they simultaneously diminish the feeling of raw performance. The M8 Competition’s advanced technology, including the precise electronic power steering and optional carbon-ceramic brakes, lacks the tactile feedback that driving purists crave. Even the engine note, amplified through the car’s speakers, sounds somewhat muted in most situations. This is where the M8’s competitors shine, some offering a more visceral experience.
Body roll is an inevitable consequence of the M8 Competition’s size and weight. While BMW could have stiffened the adaptive suspension to mitigate this, doing so would have compromised the car’s ride comfort. Finding the right balance is crucial in a grand tourer. Fortunately, the M8 Competition’s Adaptive M Suspension offers an impressive range of adjustability. Although slightly firmer than the standard M8, it remains surprisingly compliant, prioritizing daily usability. This trade-off is well worth it, ensuring that the M8 remains comfortable even on long journeys.
Despite the inherent body roll, the M8 Competition exhibits surprising agility. Its grip is seemingly limitless, and the all-wheel-drive system allows it to deploy its power with remarkable effectiveness. For those seeking a more traditional BMW driving experience, the front wheels can be completely disengaged, enabling tail-out drifts reminiscent of classic M cars. The softer suspension aids in this regard, making the M8 more forgiving at the limit and boosting driver confidence. Consider adding M8 aftermarket parts to further improve handling.
On the open highway, the M8 Competition truly excels. Like its predecessor and many other BMW M cars, it feels most at home cruising at triple-digit speeds. The ride is comfortable yet controlled, and the noise isolation creates a serene atmosphere. In this environment, the M8 showcases its dual personality, proving equally adept at chasing supercars and tackling cross-country road trips.
The M8 Competition’s interior is a testament to BMW’s commitment to luxury. While leather adorns nearly every surface and carbon-fiber trim adds a touch of sportiness, the seats play a crucial role in the overall comfort. The standard M Sport Seats are the ideal choice for this car, providing excellent support without sacrificing comfort. The optional carbon-backed bucket seats, while suitable for a more focused sports car like the M2 or M3, feel out of place in the M8 Competition. The M8 interior is a perfect blend of luxury and performance.
As the M8 Competition enters its fifth model year, BMW continues to refine the car with new options and features. The central infotainment screen has grown from 10.25 inches to 12.3 inches, bringing the car’s technology up to par with the rest of the BMW lineup. Subtle exterior updates include available M Shadowline trim for the Adaptive LED headlights and new paint colors like Frozen Pure Grey, Tanzanite Blue II, and Isle of Man Green. The new BMW M8 offers even more customization options.
The BMW M8 Competition is a masterclass in engineering, seamlessly blending modern technology with a traditional grand touring ethos. Despite its size and weight, it handles corners with surprising grace, showcasing a sports car spirit beneath its luxurious veneer. The combination of supercar performance, relatively soft suspension, and a plush cabin creates a duality that few modern GTs can match. For the price, the BMW’s flagship coupe delivers a unique and compelling blend of performance and comfort.
Ready to experience the thrilling duality of the BMW M8 Competition for yourself? Contact your local BMW dealership today to schedule a test drive and discover why this grand tourer is truly a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
