The 2025 BMW M8 Competition: A Grand Tourer That Thinks It’s a Supercar
For years, automakers seemed content pigeonholing vehicles: sports cars were solely about performance, luxury cars prioritized comfort, and SUVs were, well, just glorified off-roaders. But the 21st century ushered in an era of technological marvels in engine design, tire compounds, and suspension systems, blurring those once-rigid lines. Think of the Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT, a vehicle that manages to be both a practical family SUV and a track-ready canyon carver. Or the McLaren 720S, possessing hypercar-level acceleration while remaining surprisingly comfortable for daily commutes. The modern car landscape demands versatility.
However, the path to blended performance isn’t always smooth. Some vehicles attempt to straddle too many categories and fail to satisfy any particular audience. And then there’s the BMW M8 Competition. On the surface, it appears to be a quintessential high-performance grand tourer, a comfortable long-distance cruiser with a hefty price tag. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll find a surprisingly capable sports car lurking beneath the surface. After spending the last decade wrenching on and driving high-performance vehicles, it is an impressive all around car.
BMW’s grand touring legacy, particularly in models like the original 8-Series and even the V10-powered M6, prioritized highway comfort over track prowess. The 2025 M8 Competition completely upends that tradition. It redefines what a modern M-badged GT can and should be, pushing the boundaries of performance and luxury in equal measure. For those looking for BMW performance upgrades, the M8 competition is a great place to start, with plenty of headroom from the factory.
The M8 Competition debuted in 2019, succeeding the now-discontinued M6. The formula remains largely unchanged. Dimensions are similar, with the M8 being slightly shorter, wider, and lower than its predecessor. Despite the addition of a standard all-wheel-drive system, the curb weight increased marginally, a testament to BMW’s engineering prowess.
The real story lies in the M8’s performance. The Competition variant’s twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine generates a staggering 617 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque, a modest increase from the standard M8’s 600 hp. Power is delivered to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission, a configuration common in modern high-performance BMWs. The result? A blistering 0-60 mph time of just 3.0 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph (or 190 mph with the optional M Driver’s Package). This positions the car as a real contender in the luxury sports car market.
These figures, impressive as they are, don’t fully capture the M8 Competition’s true potential. Even after years of driving high-performance vehicles, the raw power on tap is amazing. The M8 feels even quicker than the numbers suggest. There’s an almost violent immediacy to the engine’s power delivery. While BMW has since incorporated mild-hybrid systems into its high-performance SUVs to enhance responsiveness, the M8’s raw, unadulterated power feels perfectly suited to its character. The BMW M8 Competition’s performance is difficult to overstate.
On winding back roads, only exotic machines from manufacturers like McLaren, Lamborghini, or Ferrari can truly outpace the M8 Competition in the corners. And once the road straightens out, this full-size luxury GT transforms into a supercar-rivaling missile. In most scenarios, labeling a $160,000 coupe as an “overachiever” might seem a stretch. However, considering that you’d need to spend at least double that to achieve significantly better performance, the M8 earns the title.
Despite its incredible speed, there’s a subtle disconnect between the numbers on the speedometer and the sensation behind the wheel. The M8’s exceptional noise isolation, while contributing to its luxurious cabin, also diminishes the visceral driving experience. Its precise yet somewhat numb electronic power steering and optional carbon-ceramic brakes (costing upwards of $8,000) offer limited feedback. Even the engine note, artificially enhanced through the car’s speakers, sounds somewhat muted. For enthusiasts in major metropolitan areas like Los Angeles BMW M8 Competition drivers might find the refined feel welcome on crowded roads.
Body roll is an inherent challenge in any vehicle as powerful and heavy as the M8 Competition. BMW could have opted for a stiffer suspension to minimize this unwanted motion, but compromising daily comfort isn’t an acceptable trade-off in a GT car. The M8 Competition strikes a near-perfect balance with its Adaptive M Suspension. It’s slightly firmer than the standard M8 but remains surprisingly compliant. While it doesn’t completely eliminate the sensation of the car’s weight in tight corners, the enhanced daily drivability is well worth the compromise. For those looking to enhance their driving experience, consider BMW M8 Competition aftermarket parts.
However, don’t mistake body roll for a lack of agility. The M8 Competition tackles corners with an unexpected level of prowess. Grip feels virtually limitless, and the all-wheel-drive system ensures optimal power delivery on corner exits, even with a slight push from the front end upon entry. For the adventurous driver, the front wheels can be completely disengaged, allowing for classic BMW-style sideways exits. The M8’s relatively softer suspension actually enhances driver confidence in these situations, making it less prone to sudden snap oversteer at the limit.
On the open highway, the M8 truly shines. Like its predecessors and most other BMW M cars, it excels at cruising at triple-digit speeds. The ride is comfortable yet controlled, and the sound isolation makes it surprisingly quiet for a car with an “M” badge. In this environment, the M8 showcases its dual personality, excelling as both a supercar challenger and a comfortable cross-country tourer. This makes it a practical choice for those seeking a high performance daily driver.
The choice of seats significantly impacts the car’s overall comfort. While the M8’s cabin is lavishly appointed with leather and carbon fiber trim, the standard M Sport Seats are the ideal choice. Optional carbon-backed bucket seats, while suitable for the M2 or M3, are fundamentally at odds with the M8’s grand touring nature. While they might slightly enhance the experience on back roads, they detract from the car’s overall comfort and versatility.
Entering its sixth model year in 2025, the BMW M8 Competition receives subtle updates. The central infotainment screen grows from 10.25 inches to 12.3 inches, bringing it in line with other BMW models. Exterior changes are equally subtle, with M Shadowline trim now available for the Adaptive LED headlights, along with new color options such as Frozen Pure Grey, Tanzanite Blue II, and Isle of Man Green. Owners should also be aware of BMW M8 Competition maintenance schedule.
The BMW M8 Competition represents a masterclass in blending modern technology with traditional grand touring sensibilities. Despite its size and weight, it handles corners with the agility of a much smaller sports car. While its focus on isolation might lead some to underestimate its sporting capabilities, there’s no denying its performance potential. By combining supercar-rivaling performance with a comfortable cabin and compliant suspension, the M8 Competition achieves a duality that most modern GTs simply can’t match. At around $160,000, this luxury performance coupe presents a compelling proposition as a versatile, all-in-one solution.
Ready to experience the exhilarating blend of luxury and performance? Visit your local BMW dealer and schedule a test drive of the 2025 BMW M8 Competition today. Discover for yourself why this grand tourer truly believes it’s a supercar.
