BMW has no shortage of eye-catching and captivating designs within its expansive vehicle line-up. Yet, one vehicle stands high above the rest: the BMW M8. Clad in a stunning mixture of aggressiveness and sheer class, the M8 has a dominant road presence. If the aesthetic doesn’t impress you, the performance most definitely will. Now only offered as a Competition model, the 2023 M8 is the brand’s most refined representation of what a GT car can be.

For those seeking the best driving experience BMW has to offer in a new vehicle, the M8 allows for extensive customization along with value on every front. With powerful driving dynamics and luxury dripping at every corner, the M8 is one of the most appealing GT models available today.

2023 BMW M8 PERFORMANCE AND CAPABILITY

Buyers will have the option of choosing between Coupe, Convertible, and Gran Coupe models to fit specific desires. Regardless of body style, the M8 Competition sports a lofty 617 ponies from its twin-turbo V-8 engine, guaranteed to leave a smile on your face with every blip of the throttle.

BMW’s high-performance vehicles the M8 will have no shortage of power. Whether passing on the freeway or carving a good backroad, the S63 4.4-liter V-8 engine provides an immersive experience at every touch of the throttle.

The M-specific S63 engine has now been powering With 617 horsepower at 6,000 RPM and 553 pound-feet of torque starting at 1,850 RPM, the 2023 M8 Competition requires your full attention at full throttle. since 2010 and has gone through a series of refinements since. Being the first production engine to offer the revolutionary “hot-V” turbo layout to reduce lag and increase efficiency, BMW has been paving the way for innovative turbo technology for over a decade.

The 2023 BMW M8 retails at a starting MSRP of $134,100. The refined 8-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic provides snappy shifts in Sport modes while optimizing coasting in Comfort modes.

Drivers can be confident in a variety of road conditions as well, thanks to the xDrive all-wheel drive system. Want to burn some tires instead? No issue. The available rear wheel drive mode allows the 2023 M8 to keep the enchanting driving dynamics that gave BMW its driver-focused reputation.

Coming in at about 4,560 pounds curb weight, the M8 is far from a light vehicle. Yet, the M8 drives like a much smaller and lighter version of itself, despite its commanding size on the road. While not built for track functionality, the M8 will be happy to discredit the purchase of many unsuspecting supercar owners.

Let’s not forget that the M8 actually debuted to the world as the M8 GTE race car first, three years before the production model was available. While still unreleased for the 2023 model year, buyers can expect an EPA fuel economy of about 17 MPG City and 21 MPG on the highway. End of the day, you don’t buy a motorsport-bred twin-turbo V-8 for its gas mileage.

2023 BMW M8 Specs

MAIN COMPETITION

While the 2023 BMW M8’s performance is its strongest feature, its aesthetic is going to be the primary selling point. Its sleek and long angular body lines look endless. The silhouette of the car sits low compared to its commanding length. The BMW’s aerodynamic shape makes it an undeniable view on the road, guaranteed to catch the attention of even the least interested passerby. There is no other vehicle on the road that looks quite like it.

For the 2023 model year, there will be 11 different color choices available with 4 different 20-inch wheel designs to match. Certain special options will be available for further customization such as the M Carbon exterior package or the exclusive 50th-anniversary classic BMW roundel package. Standard LED headlights will now feature the new M Shadowline inserts to further distinguish the aggressive front fascia.

Exterior Colors

Dimensions

INTERIOR QUALITY AND TECHNOLOGY

The interior space of the 2023 M8 is more restrained than other luxury models in the GT segment. BMW chooses a simple but sleek design that looks driver-focused. Every touch point provides amazing tactile feedback that feels quality throughout the cabin. Customization options are impressive with over 11 different leather options available along with four different trims to choose from.

For buyers who love to throw their cars through corners or attend a high-performance driving event, you’ll appreciate the new optional M Carbon bucket seats. With a $4,500 price tag and functionality better reserved for a fighter jet, these seats become the primary statement piece of the interior.

Featuring the largest central control display available on an M8 to date, the new 12.3-inch unit offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. The beautiful high-resolution bezel-less instrument cluster display provides the driver with all important details about their vehicle’s functionality. A standard HUD display creates a seamless driving experience for both navigation and performance.

2023 BMW M8 PRICE AND AVAILABILITY

2023 BMW M8 Price

Even at its high-end luxury price point, the M8 stands alone in its segment. There isn’t exactly any other vehicle available to rival its performance, aesthetic, or features at this particular price point. The 2023 BMW M8 retails at a starting MSRP of $134,100. With extra options, the M8 is easily a $150,000 vehicle. For example, optioning the M carbon bucket seats, M carbon exterior package, and M carbon ceramic brakes will tack on an additional $18,400 on top of the base price.

MAIN COMPETITION

Within the small niche of the luxury GT automotive market, there are only a few cars even comparable to the BMW M8. Each option will sacrifice either price or performance. For example, the Lexus LC 500 is one of the best-looking cars anywhere, but cannot provide anywhere near the performance of the M8 with a naturally aspirated V8 making 471 horsepower. While the Lexus is $40,000 cheaper, its gorgeous aesthetic still makes it worth being cross-shopped with cars double its price.

Mercedes has discontinued its only competitor in the segment, the CLS, while the Audi RS 7 with 591 horsepower at $118,500 offers the only alternative within the German trio. While not a true GT in design, the Audi still remains the closest in performance at the price point. Porsche offers direct performance competition to the M8 in the Panamera Turbo S with 620 horsepower, but its $186,000 base price puts it in a different category without having a true GT variant.

The king of GTs, Aston Martin, would only be able to offer comparable performance to the M8 with the DB11 V12 model. Yet, considering its $232,500 base price, you could almost buy two M8s for the same coin. Thus, if you value performance for the price you pay within the category, the BMW M8 should be at the top of your list.

Those who don’t need the absolute most capable vehicle and prefer a smoother ride with undeniable GT body lines may consider the Lexus LC 500, especially at its price point. But, within the segment at its price, there is no other vehicle available that will provide the package available in the BMW M8. Here are 10 things you need to know before buying the BMW M8.