The BMW 8 Series returned in 2018 after almost 20 years. Developed to replace the 6 Series, the 8 Series is sportier, more modern, and enables BMW to compete against the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe.. But since this is BMW we're talking about, it's not just a matter of competing against its rivals; it's also about one-upping them when the opportunity comes. That "opportunity" has arrived in the form of the BMW M8, the high-performance version that will be offered in coupe and convertible form, not to mention coupe and convertible variants of the more potent Competition trim. Production for the M8 starts in mid-to-late 2019. The M8 is priced from $133,000 for the base coupe model to $155,500 for the Competition convertible model.

2019 BMW M8

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2019 BMW M8
  • Engine/Motor: V8
  • Horsepower: 600
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

BMW M8 Exterior

- Aggressive bumpers - M-specific add-ons - Carbon-fiber parts - Bespoke wheels - Lowered suspension - Concept-based design

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The 2020 BMW M8 adopts most of the 8 Series’ looks. That shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone. But there are differences between the two models, in part because the M8 is, well, an M car. Its sporty characteristics have been dialed up to 11 with a smattering of aerodynamic bits and pieces that are in place to not only give the grand tourer a sleeker and more streamlined look than its predecessor, the M6, but, more importantly, to further enhance the model’s performance capabilities.

The headlamps look properly aggressive. The unmistakable BMW kidney grille is massive in size yet distinctive in its layout. The lower air intakes are huge, too, but they’re also appropriately sized in a way that creates a solid visual balance with all the design elements in this area. It’s hard not to look at the 2020 M8 and not talk about the M6 that came before it. The M6 displayed a lot of the same characteristics when it first came out. It’s just that, in my mind, its design hasn’t aged well. When I see the M6 now, I see a grand tourer that looks a little too clunky for its own good. The headlamps look awkward, and the kidney grille looks too small. Even the front openings look smaller than used to. There’s a lot of negative space in the M6 that you don’t see in the new M8. That results in a more dynamic-looking performance model that fits our expectation on what a proper grand tourer should look like.

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Looking at the 2020 M8 from the side is also a treat. The M-style side mirrors are visible for all the world to see, but the most distinctive design is the stunning shape of the M8 Coupe’s roof. Look at it. There’s little, if any, flat surface on top. It slopes up in the front to accommodate the windshield, but just as it reaches its apex, it immediately — and gradually slopes down all the way to the rear where the M8’s decklid spoiler caps off the angular look of the model. Sure, other models of year’s past featured a similar style, but not to the extent to which BMW did it. Carefully place body lines also help enhance the model’s muscular profile without this section, looking like it spent too much in the gym. It’s cut in the right ways that should appeal to a lot of potential customers. It's a different story with the M8 Convertible, though it is nice that it comes with a multi-layer soft-top that opens and closes in 15 seconds.

The BMW M8 has the makings of a perfectly designed grand coupé. Unfortunately, it isn’t. Sure, it looks aggressive when I first looked at it, but the more I looked at it, the more I realized that it looks too aggressive. There are way too many lines on the rear section of the M8. Way too many. The design also departs from the perfectly balanced look of the front. The taillights are too small, and the bumper is way too big. Part of that is excusable — the vertical brake lamps on opposite ends of the car are a nice touch — but it also looks like Bimmer designed the bumper to be this big to accommodate the repeated lines in this section. The quad tailpipes also bolster the aesthetic of the M8 in ways that make this section look more brutish than it probably should.

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As disappointing as the rear section looks, it takes little away from the overall design of the 2020 BMW M8. This is a design achievement on BMW’s part. It’s a great example of what a grand tourer should look like, mixing aggressive design cues with sleek and sultry lines and curves to create an ideal marriage that highlight the strengths of both design approaches. It’s a proper way to finally bring the M8 into the real world.

Taking this route means you’re going to have to spend more than you would if you just buy the standard M8, but that’s the price you have to pay if you want to make your M8 look like the M8 GTE racer. The M Performance parts catalog is going to make you dizzy with its wealth of available add-on parts and equipment. Here’s a small sample of what you can expect when the M Performance parts become available for the M8.

-* M Performance carbon fiber radiator grille

-* M Performance carbon fiber side decorative grille

-* M Performance engine cover

-* M Performance sport brake pads (sourced from the race cars for shorter braking distance, sharper, and longevity)

-* M Performance Pro steering wheel with carbon fiber shift paddles and carbon fiber/Alcantara (or carbon fiber/leather) trim

-* M Performance floor mats

-* M Performance indoor car cover (this thing looks sick)

-* M Performance wheel bags

Remember, that’s not everything that will become available for the M8. In the event that you do decide to add a few M Performance bits on your M8, do so with caution. It can get pretty crazy when you have the entire catalog in front of you.

Of course, you can do away with all the hard work of studying the catalog by just opting for the range-topping M8 Competition. This version gives you everything the M8 offers with the added benefits of gloss-black trim and badges, as well as a carbon fiber spoiler and carbon fiber mirrors. BMW is also offering a double-bubble carbon fiber roof in this setup. Let’s not forget about the wheels, too. BMW has some of the finest wheels in the auto world, and while some designs have faltered in recent years — the M5’s wheels were particularly disappointing — the M8 Competition’s set of 3D-sculpted wheels look incredible.



BMW M8 Interior

- Carbon-fiber trim - All-black upholstery - Bespoke instrument cluster - Sports seats - Flat-bottom steering wheel

The 2020 BMW M8’s interior is the perfect example of using an existing template and creating something different with it. For all intents and purposes, the M8 has a similar interior to its 8 Series brethren, particularly the M850i. But there’s also something different about it. That difference is something that you don’t necessarily see; it’s something that you feel. Take the seats, for example. The thicker bolsters don’t trigger the senses when you look at them, but once you sit down on the seats, you feel them. It doesn’t hurt, too, that rich black leather wraps the seats up in a warm embrace. BMW also added brown contrast stitching to give it a sportier look and a brown diamond inlay pattern in the middle to give it a more premium feel. I can wax poetic about these new seats, but, really, it’s completely different when I talk about it as opposed to you actually sitting on it. Do the latter, and you’ll know what I’m talking about.

It’s not just the seats, too. BMW also gifted the 2020 M8 with a new shift lever that mercifully replaces the wonky knob on the M5. Not only does it look better — it’s covered in black leather with red contrast stitching — but it also helps add to the premium environment inside the grand tourer. This is a common theme that you’ll see when people describe the M8’s interior. There are red accents on all the buttons in the center console, though it’s still a bit too busy for my liking. But there is something to be said for the lack of a “wow!” factor in the cabin. Look at the interior of the Aston Martin DB11 and how it’s drowning in leather and carbon fiber. Look at the interior of the recently launched Mercedes-AMG S 63 Coupe and notice mesmerizing the massive dual digital display screen looks. Then there’s the interior of the Bentley Continental GT, which personifies what state-of-the-art luxury looks like. All these cabins have something to offer that makes you stop and notice them. They demand to be noticed. The M8 just doesn’t have that. Carbon fiber interior trim is standard, though there are different wood options to choose from too, as are various leather packages. It’s a great-looking setup, and these options should provide enough freedom to choose your own setups. But for the most part, everything's neatly arranged, and BMW didn’t force anything to make it look more sophisticated than it should. But as far as a “wow!” factor is concerned, the M8 doesn’t move the needles as much as some of its rivals.

The good news is that if you’re not like me who likes to nitpick these things, then you should be fine. The BMW M8 has a solid interior that doesn’t have to necessarily rely on a standout feature to, well, stand out. For instance, it’s loaded on the technology front, led in no small part by Bimmer’s new Live Cockpit Professional, which brings the benefits of the new BMW Operating System 7.0 to the M8. Controlling it can be done in a number of ways, including through touchscreen or through the familiar iDrive Touch Controller. You can even work the system through controls on the steering wheel, voice control, or even gesture control, at least if you avail of the latter option. The M8 also features BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, a must-have tech offering for models in this segment. All it needs to activate is a simple “Hey BMW” prompt to activate its functions.

Two more important items in the M8’s interior can be found on the center console. You’ll see a new Setup button that effectively gives the freedom to configure the settings to the engine, steering, dampers, xDrive system, and the braking system that suits your personal preferences. Should you wish to change the M8’s vehicle configuration, you can do so too through one of the two M buttons located on the steering wheel. The Setup button is joined in the center console by the M Mode button, which is pretty much self-explanatory at this point. This allows you to adjust the M8’s driver assistance systems depending on how adventurous you are on a particular day. The ROAD setting is engaged when you’re looking for a comfortable and luxurious ride while the SPORT setting livens up the proceedings. The BMW M8 Competition has another setting — TRACK — that’s designed exclusively for the race track. You should know that all bets are off when you choose the TRACK setting. You get minimal driving assistance from the M8, so you’re left with your own devices, and, hopefully, a modicum of racing skill.

Cargo volume is far more important in grand tourers because these models are inherently tight on meaningful space. The M8 boasts around 12.3 cubic feet in cargo room, which is right around the average for models of its size. Rivals like the Aston Martin DB11, for example, has a paltry 9.5 cubic feet in cargo room while the Bentley Continental GT has just a shade more at 13 cubic feet of cargo room. The big winner in this group is the McLaren GT with a massive 20.1 cubic feet of cargo room, though, if I’m being honest, it’s still hard to imagine a McLaren in the same class as all of these models. Takes some getting used to.

Overall, the BMW M8’s interior offers what you can expect from a top-shelf grand tourer. Don’t expect to be blown away by it, but I don’t think you’ll mind it one bit once you sit in those seats.



BMW M8 Performance

- Revised V-8 engine - Around 600 horsepower - V-12 mill possible - Automatic transmission - Standard AWD

The “base” M8 Coupe and M8 Convertible come with 600 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. The M8 Competition comes with identical torque numbers, but output has been massaged up to 617 horsepower, making it more powerful than any grand tourer in the market not named the 635-horsepower Bentley Continental GT. The M8 Competition has more horsepower than the 600-horsepower Aston Martin DB11, the 603-horsepower Mercedes-AMG S 63 Coupe, the 550-horsepower Porsche Panamera Turbo, and the 612-horsepower McLaren GT.



The output advantage provides the BMW M8 Competition enough thrust to beat its rivals in a sprint-to-60-mph race. The more powerful Continental GT can do it in 3.7 seconds. That’s a direct result of the Bentley weighing 230 kilos (507 pounds) more than the M8 Competition.

Unfortunately, the Bimmer won’t be able to hold its lead if this imagined sprint turns into a full-blown, one-mile race. The M8 Competition boasts a top speed of “only” 189 mph while all of its mentioned rivals can clear 200 mph. The DB11, for example, comes with a top speed of exactly 200 mph while the McLaren GT maxes out at 203 mph. The Bentley Continental GT reigns supreme with a top speed of 207 mph.

These numbers paint an interesting picture on how the M8, particularly the M8 Competition, stacks up against the competition. For what it’s worth, the “base” M8 Coupe can also hold its own with a sprint-to-60-mph time of 3.1 seconds while the M8 Convertible is 0.1 seconds slower with a time of 3.2 seconds. Sadly, the base M8’s top speed is limited to only 155 mph. Bummer.

Of course, the BMW M8 is more than just the performance numbers it posts. The German automaker prides itself on creating the “ultimate driving machine,” or so says its timeless slogan. We’ve found little reason to doubt BMW’s claims with its past models, and it looks like we have no reason to start now with the 2020 M8.

Notice the similarities between the M8’s powertrain with the M5’s? That’s because the M8 actually uses the same powertrain as the M5. Now, some people might be disappointed in that, particularly those who expected a massive V-12 under the M8’s hood. Fair laments, sure, but before we dismiss that notion, let’s remember that the M5 is actually a fantastic car to drive and its powertrain, as well as Bimmer’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system, is a huge reason for that.

The 2020 BMW M8 isn’t purely defined by its powertrain, too. Like every BMW that’s worth its salt, the M8 relies on a handful of auxiliary systems and components that all work together to create the “ultimate driving machine.”

You won’t notice most of these components, and that’s the beauty of this whole setup. You appreciate the M8 without knowing what BMW did to make you appreciate it. The aforementioned xDrive all-wheel-drive system, for example, is capable for switching from normal “4WD” mode to a sportier “4WD Sport” mode that keeps more power at the rear axle to help you engage in more driving debauchery. Engaging “2WD” mode deactivates the front axle — yes, it can do that — and the DSC entirely. That's 617 horsepower, all going to the two rear wheels. I can paint a picture on what that can look like on the track, but let's just say that this setup should provide you the perfect recipe to tap into your hooligan tendencies.

On the flip side of that equation is the M8’s Active M Differential.So the next time you lose control of your M8 — or if you’re in the middle of a tire-burning sesh — and it corrects itself instantly, it’s probably not your driving skills that did it.



BMW M8 Chassis and Suspension

Obviously, for all of this to even happen, the BMW M8 needs to handle like a proper M car. That’s where Bimmer’s double-wishbone front suspension and a five-link rear axle come into play. the M8 is a unique vehicle in part because its chassis and suspension were developed with all that BMW learned from the M8 GTE race car. In so many words, the M8 owes its suspension setup to the race track. These lessons evolved into a number of modifications to the M8’s chassis and suspension, at least compared to the standard M8. Qualities like the model’s rigidity on the road were addressed by adding a stiffer anti-roll bar at the rear, as well as a steel X-brace and an aluminum transverse strut.

That is, after all, what the M Series is all about. Drive the M8 in public roads with a solid set of tires and the model's suspension provides the comfort and stability expected of a grand tourer. Unleash it in the track with a proper set of race-spec Cup tires and the M8 turns into a supercar with a BMW badge.

Some of you can complain that the M8 is just a bigger version of the M5, but, if you think about it, isn’t that a positive thing? Knock the M5 all you want, but it’s still one of the best-handling BMWs that’s out in the market today. If the M8 is as agile and as responsive as the M5 on any road surface, that counts as a win in my book.

BMW M8 Safety

Just because the M8 is a born and bred M car, that doesn't mean it doesn't trace any roots to the standard 8 Series. It does. That includes standard features like Cruise Control system with automatic braking function and Collision and Pedestrian Warning with City Braking function, but the M8 could also get the optional Active Cruise Control system with Stop & Go. Other highlights include the active Park Distance Control (PDC) with sensors at the front and rear and Driving Assistant Professional, which adds Steering and Lane Control assistant and Crossing Traffic Warning.

BMW M8 Prices

Prepare to break the bank if you want to buy the BMW M8. At the very least, you're going to spend $133,000 for the 2020 M8 Coupe. That's without all the options, accessories, and whatever knick-knacks you can think of. Opt for the M8 Convertible, and you're starting price rises to $142,500.

Now, suppose you have your eyes set on the two M8 Competition models. It's plausible that you would, given all the performance benefits it has over the standard M8. But those benefits come at a price, or, should I say, a price "increase" to the tune of $146,000 for the M8 Coupe Competition and $155,500 for the M8 Convertible Competition.

As expensive as these prices are, they're actually cheaper than the rest of the market, the 2020 Mercedes-AMG S 63 Coupe included. The AMG, for example, starts at $163,450, and that's still on the lower end of the price hierarchy. An Aston Martin DB11 is going to cost you a little over $200,000 while a McLaren GT is a little more expensive at $210,000. Then there's the Bentley Continental GT that starts at $225,000. At that point, you might as well buy the M8 Competition and load it up with all the parts, accessories, and options offered by M Performance and you still won't reach the starting price of the Continental GT. Something to think about, right?



BMW M8 Competition

Mercedes-AMG S63 / AMG S65

You might not be able to buy the M8 until 2019, but Mercedes-Benz already offers a performance grand tourer. Essentially a two-door version of the large S-Class, this coupe is already an iconic presence on the market, having managed to steal some attention from the much more established Bentley Continental GT. This AMG-prepped tourer comes in two flavors. The "base" model is the S63, which just received a new twin-turbo, 4.0-liter V-8 instead of the old 5.5-liter unit. This powerplant cranks out 603 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of torque, paired with all-wheel-drive for a tremendous 0-to-60 sprint in under four seconds. Next up is the S65, motivated by a larger twin-turbo, 6.0-liter V-12 with 621 horsepower and a whopping 738 pound-feet of torque at its disposal. But despite being more powerful, the S65 is actually slower than the S63 due to being a RWD-only model. Pricing for the Mercedes-AMG S63 starts from $164,750, while the S65 retails from $236,250.

Find out more about the 2018 Mercedes-AMG S63.

Bentley Continental GT Speed

Revised for the 2016 model year, the Continental GT Speed, gained a few exterior tweaks but remained the muscular and elegant we all know. Showcasing an imposing exterior look with added sporty features, the GT Speed is complemented by a luxurious interior packed with Bentley's latest technology and a ton of options from the Mulliner division. Powered by a 6.0-liter W-12 mill, the GT Speed hits the streets 626 horsepower and 607 pound-feet of twist, which places it above the Mercedes-AMG in terms of horsepower, but below as far as torque is concerned. Using an eight-speed ZF transmission, the Bentley hits 60 mph in four seconds, slower than its rivals. On the other hand, its top speed is rated at a mind-boggling 206 mph. Pricing starts from $203,500 in the United States, making it cheaper than the AMG S65 and the upcoming M8 with the V-12 engine. On the flipside, the GT Speed is a bit dated now, as Bentley has introduced a new-generation Continental GT recently. A brand-new Speed version could arrive by the end of the year with more power than ever.

Learn more about the Bentley Continental GT Speed.

Conclusion

Arguably the most anticipated return in BMW history, the 8 Series finally made a comeback for the 2019 model year. The M8 is obviously the bigger news here. Not only because it will be the first 8 Series with an M badge, but also because BMW is in dire need of a performance-oriented grand tourer. The M6 has been a rather dull competitor for the AMG E63 and more recently the AMG S63 and S65. The M5 is a great car, but you're asking too much from it if you want it to fight against the Merc-AMGs, the Aston Martin DB11, and the Bentley Continental GT. The BMW M8 is Bimmer's rightful challenger in this extremely demanding niche, and, from the looks of it, it has the chops to change the balance of power in this dog-eat-dog segment.

Further reading

Read our full review on the 2019 BMW 8 Series.

Read our full speculative review on the 2019 BMW M8 Convertible.

Read our full review on the 2018 BMW M8 Gran Coupe..

Read our full review on the BMW 8 Series Concept Coupe.