The 2025 BMW M8 Competition: A Grand Tourer with Supercar Ambitions
For years, the automotive world neatly categorized cars: sports cars were for performance, luxury cars for comfort, and SUVs for utility. But with advancements in engine technology, tire grip, and sophisticated suspension systems, these lines have blurred. We now see vehicles like the Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT, a family SUV that can embarrass many sports cars on a winding road, and the McLaren 720S, a near-hypercar with surprising daily usability. This convergence has fundamentally altered our expectations of what a car can achieve.
Not all vehicles successfully navigate this multi-faceted landscape. Some falter, trying to be everything to everyone and satisfying no one. But then there’s the BMW M8 Competition, a two-door, 617-horsepower grand tourer that, at first glance, appears to be a luxurious cruiser. However, dig a little deeper, and you’ll discover a machine with genuine supercar aspirations.
As someone who’s spent the last decade immersed in the automotive industry, I’ve seen firsthand how GT cars have evolved. Historically, BMW’s grand tourers were precisely that: grand tourers. The original 8-Series wasn’t setting any lap records, and even the V10-powered M6, while excellent on the open road, felt out of its element on tight, twisty roads. The M8 Competition boldly rewrites this narrative, redefining what a modern, M-badged GT can be – and, arguably, what it should be. This car redefines high-performance touring with its capabilities.
Engineering Excellence: Performance Specs and Beyond
The M8 Competition, launched in 2019 as the successor to the M6, maintains a similar formula dimensionally. It’s slightly shorter, wider, and lower than its predecessor. Despite adding standard all-wheel drive, the curb weight increases only marginally, a testament to BMW’s engineering prowess.
The real story is the performance. The M8 Competition’s twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine delivers a staggering 617 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque, a modest increase over the standard M8’s 600 hp. Like most modern fast BMWs, power is sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. The result? A claimed 0-60 mph time of 3.0 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph (or 190 mph with the M Driver’s Package). Consider also the M8 Gran Coupe for another performance option.
However, these figures, while impressive, don’t fully capture the M8 Competition’s visceral nature. Behind the wheel, the car feels even quicker. The power delivery is immediate and ferocious, a characteristic often associated with supercars. BMW has since incorporated mild-hybrid systems into its high-performance SUVs to enhance responsiveness, but the M8’s powertrain already feels remarkably sharp.
On a challenging back road, you’d need something from McLaren, Lamborghini, or Ferrari to definitively outpace the M8 Competition in the corners. And once the road opens up, this full-size luxury GT can match the acceleration of many high-dollar exotics. It might seem odd to call a $160,000 coupe an “overachiever,” but when you consider that you’d need to spend significantly more to achieve similar performance, the label seems apt. Furthermore, with vehicles like this, professional BMW service is a must.
The Disconnect: Bridging the Gap Between Speed and Sensation
Despite its blistering speed, the M8 Competition suffers from a slight disconnect between the numbers on the speedometer and the feeling behind the wheel. The excellent noise isolation, while enhancing the cabin’s refinement, diminishes the driving experience by filtering out some of the visceral sensations of speed. Similarly, the precise but somewhat numb electronic power steering and the optional ($8,150) carbon-ceramic brakes offer limited feedback. Even the engine note, artificially enhanced through the car’s speakers, sounds somewhat muffled in most situations.
Body roll is inevitable in a car as powerful and heavy as the M8 Competition. BMW could have stiffened the adaptive suspension to eliminate this unwanted motion, but doing so would have compromised the car’s everyday usability. Finding the right balance is crucial in a GT car. The M8 Competition’s Adaptive M Suspension offers an impressive range. While slightly firmer than the standard M8, it remains surprisingly compliant. It may not completely mask the car’s weight in tight corners, but the trade-off is well worth it for retaining daily comfort. Consider other options as well like the Porsche 911 Turbo S and the Mercedes-AMG GT.
Agility and Grand Touring Comfort: A Duality of Purpose
However, don’t mistake body roll for a lack of agility. The M8 Competition navigates corners with surprising poise for a vehicle of its size and weight. The grip is seemingly endless, and the all-wheel-drive system effectively puts the power down on corner exit, even with a slight push from the front end upon entry. For added excitement, the front wheels can be completely disengaged, allowing for old-school, tail-out cornering antics. The softer suspension actually enhances driver confidence in these situations, making the car less prone to snapping when pushed to its limits.
On the open highway, the M8 Competition truly shines. Like its predecessor and many other BMW M cars, it excels at effortlessly cruising at high speeds. It’s comfortable yet composed, and the noise isolation makes it surprisingly quiet for a car bearing the M badge. Here, the M8 Competition embodies its dual personality, equally adept at chasing supercars and embarking on cross-country road trips.
Interior Refinement and Modern Touches
The M8 Competition’s comfort is significantly enhanced by its seating options. While the cabin is extensively covered in leather, and my test car featured carbon-fiber trim, the seats are the most crucial element. My tester was correctly equipped with the standard M Sport Seats. BMW offers carbon-backed bucket seats as an option, but while suitable for an M2 or M3, they feel out of place in the M8 Competition. While they might enhance back-road driving slightly, they would detract from the car’s overall grand touring experience.
As the M8 Competition enters its fifth model year, BMW has added new options, including the aforementioned carbon bucket seats. The central infotainment screen has grown from 10.25 inches to 12.3 inches, bringing the interior in line with the rest of the BMW lineup. Exterior changes are equally subtle, with M Shadowline trim now available for the Adaptive LED headlights, along with new colors such as Frozen Pure Grey, Tanzanite Blue II, and Isle of Man Green. In addition, consider ceramic coating options for further paint protection.
The Verdict: A Compelling One-Car Solution
The 2025 BMW M8 Competition is a masterclass in integrating modern technology to make a large, heavy car handle like a lighter, more nimble sports car. While its size and sound insulation might suggest a purely grand touring focus, its supercar-rivaling performance is undeniable. By blending supercar performance with a relatively compliant suspension and a luxurious cabin, the M8 Competition achieves a duality that eludes most modern GTs. At nearly $160,000 for my Imola Red test car, the breadth of personality offered by BMW’s flagship coupe makes it a compelling one-car solution.
Are you ready to experience the M8 Competition for yourself? Contact your local BMW dealer today to schedule a test drive and discover the perfect blend of luxury and performance.
