The 2020 BMW M8 Gran Coupe is the range-topping version of the 8 Series Gran Coupe. As the latter replaces the 6 Series Gran Coupe, the 2020 M8 Gran Coupe steps in to replace the M6 Gran Coupe. Essentially an M8 Coupe with extra rear doors, the 2020 M8 Gran Coupe shares almost everything with its two-door counterpart. So just like the two-door, it's available in two flavors output-wise, both powered by the mighty 4.4-liter V-8 engine.

The 2020 M8 Gran Coupe arrives just in time to compete with the recently launched Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe and the new, second-generation Audi RS7. Let's find out more about BMW's range-topping high-performance four-door in the review below.

BMW M8 Gran Coupe Exterior

Not surprisingly, the M8 Gran Coupe is an M8 Coupe with two extra doors. Okay okay, the Gran Coupe has a few extra features as well but with both the BMW M8 Coupe and the 8 Series Gran Coupe on the market for a while, we can say that we've already seen this sedan.

The production model is heavily based on the concept, with notable changes such as a taller roof and different wheels. The front fascia of the Gran Coupe is virtually identical to the two-door model. It has the same big kidney grille with sharp edges, slim dual headlamps with LED technology, and an aggressive bumper. The latter features a three-vent design with a long opening in the center and two outlets on the sides. The side vents are slightly taller than the center section and feature black trim. The same black detailing adorns the splitter below. All three grilles feature a sporty honeycomb mesh. The main grille between the taillights is finished in Black Chrome for a mean look.

The profile is basically identical to the standard 8 Series Grand Coupe. It shares everything with the M8 Coupe from the nose to the B-pillars, while the rear section includes the extra doors, a slightly taller roof and bigger rear door windows. The wheelbase is also longer than the coupe's. But despite all these changes, the M8 Gran Coupe retains a sporty stance and it's almost as sleek as its two-door counterpart. BMW ditched the fancy wheels of the concept car, but the standard five-spoke rims feature a cool two-tone design in black and silver.

The rear section is identical to the M8 Coupe save for smaller changes made to the deck lid and the rear window. There’s a big spoiler integrated into the trunk lid, slim, two-piece taillights that extend into the rear fenders, vertical bumper vents to the sides, and a sporty diffuser with big exhaust pipes. The diffuser isn't overly aggressive, but it's finished in black for a sporty look.

Size-wise, the M8 Gran Coupe is a bit longer than the two-door M8. At 200 inches long, the Gran Coupe is almost 10 inches longer than the two-door version. The wheelbase measures 119 inches, eight inches longer than the M8 Coupe. The Gran Coupe model is also 1.2 inches wider and sits 2.2 inches taller compared to the coupe.

Compared to its spiritual predecessor, the M6 Gran Coupe, the 8 Series Gran Coupe is only marginally bigger. Specifically, it’s almost three inches longer and 1.5 inches wider. All told, it's more of a replacement for the M6 Gran Coupe rather than a model that sits between the latter and the range-topping 7 Series.

BMW M8 Gran Coupe Interior

Just like the M8 Coupe, the M8 Gran Coupe is an 8 Series with sportier and fancier features inside the cabin. It features a wide center console that rises toward the dashboard to separate the driver and front passenger areas and a clean center stack with just a few controls for the audio system and the air conditioning. The remaining features are accessible through the freestanding, 10.25-inch infotainment display at the top, just like you’d expect in any modern premium vehicle.

This modern screen is part of the new BMW Live Cockpit Professional, which also includes a fully digital, 12.3-inch instrument cluster that shares graphics with recent BMW models like the X5 and the Z4. Naturally, the instrument cluster has bespoke graphics in this model. Select the most aggressive driving mode and it adopts a race-inspired design that will make you look like you're sitting inside a race car.

But that's not the only thing that's new inside the M8. Unlike the 8 Series, it comes with an M steering wheel that's wrapped in leather and features red M buttons. The standard seats were also replaced with M Sport seats that feature heavier bolstering, diamond-pattern stitching, M seat belts, and a two-tone leather trim. They also include illuminated M8 badges in the headrests.

The gear lever for the eight-speed M Steptronic transmission also has a unique design, while the center console now features new M-specific buttons. Other standard features include a navigation system, two USB ports, Bluetooth interfaces, remote engine starts, keyless entry, soft-close automatic doors, wireless charging, WiFi hotspot, and a 464-watt, 16-speaker Harman-Kardon audio system.

In the back you'll get a 40:20:40 split bench that can seat up to three people and sporty seatbacks for the outboard passengers. The diamond-pattern stitching is similar to that on the front seats, as are the integral head restraints. A four-zone automatic climate control unit is optional if you want enhanced comfort for your rear-seat passengers.

But is the Gran Coupe roomier than the regular M8 Coupe? It is, but only by a little bit. For instance, the taller roof adds an extra 0.2 inches of headroom in the front. Granted, it's not much, but at least BMW did something to improve comfort. There's bigger news in the rear, where rear-seat passengers benefit from an extra 7.1 inches of legroom. Due to the longer wheelbase, rear legroom is rated at 36.6 inches, up from 29.5 inches in the M8 Coupe. Shoulder room for rear passengers is also up by 7.7 inches, now at 54.6 inches, a solid figure from a vehicle in this niche.

The trunk of the Gran Coupe is also bigger than the regular Coupe, but not by much. While the two-door coupe takes up to 14.8 cubic feet of luggage, the Gran Coupe can swallow 15.5 cubic feet. That’s an extra 0.7 cubic feet. Overall, the M8 Gran Coupe has a decent trunk, but it's smaller than the competition. The Audi RS7, for instance, offers the most room at 18.9 cubic feet. The Mercedes-AMG CLS53 also comes in a bit better at 18.3 cubic feet. The Porsche Panamera swallows up to 17.5 cubic feet, while the Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe offers 16.1 cubic feet of luggage room. All told, the M8 Gran Coupe falls behind by between 0.6 and 3.4 cubic feet versus the competition.

BMW M8 Gran Coupe Performance

Like all big-sized BMW M vehicles out there, the M8 Gran Coupe features the already legendary 4.4-liter V-8 engine. The twin-turbo unit comes from the M8 Coupe and is available in the same two flavors.

First up, there's a "base" model that hits the ground with 591 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. The M8 Gran Coupe is impressively quick for a sedan this big, as it needs only 3.3 seconds to hit 62 mph from a standing start. Its top speed is limited to 155 mph, the usual mark for M-powered BMWs.

The second model, the M8 Competition, features a slightly more powerful engine that generates 617 horsepower and the same 553 pound-feet of twist. This version is a tad faster to 62 mph, a benchmark that it reaches in 3.2 seconds, a tenth-second quicker than the standard model. Top speed increases to 189 mph for this model. Impressively enough, the Gran Coupe is just as quick as the two-door version of the BMW M8.

Needless to say, the M8 Gran Coupe is a solid competitor for this small niche. Compared to the latest Audi RS7, the base M8 lacks nine horsepower and 37 pound-feet. However, it's three tenths quicker to 62 mph. The M8 Competition rises above the RS7 by 17 horsepower and wins the race to 62 mph by a solid three tenths. It also has a superior top speed, adding 34 mph to what the RS7 can do.

The range-topping Mercedes-Benz CLS clearly falls behind the M8 Gran Coupe, but that's mostly because there's no AMG CLS63 version on the market. Mercedes only offers a CLS53 version with 457 horsepower and 568 pound-feet of torque and it's more than a second slower than the Bimmer to 62 mph, with a 4.5-second benchmark.

However, the Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe comes in to make up for that with two powerful models. The AMG GT63 features a twin-turbo, 4.0-liter V-8 rated at 577 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. That's only 14 horsepower less than the M8 Gran Coupe which translates into a slightly slower sprint to 62 mph, rated at 3.4 seconds. The same engine cranks out 630 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of twist in the AMG GT63 S model, which means an extra 13 horses and 111 pound-feet compared to the M8 Competition. This variant is just as quick as the Bimmer, needing the same 3.2 seconds to hit 62 mph from a standing start. Its top speed is seven-mph higher at 196 mph.

Just like the coupe, the Gran Coupe pairs the V-8 engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission and an xDrive all-wheel-drive system tweaked by the M division. The latter features two modes, including a 4WD Sport setup that sends more power to the rear wheels for that classic layout we all love. The sedan is also fitted with an Active M Differential that keeps the car in check at all speeds thanks to its ability to lock between zero to 100 percent in just a few milliseconds.

The chassis is also borrowed from the M8 Coupe, which in turn shares some elements and part of the setup with the M8 race car. The four-door rides on a double-wishbone setup in the front and a five-link layout in the rear. The system is backed by a stiffer anti-roll bar, a steel X-brace, and an aluminum transverse strut. In all, the M8 Gran Coupe is much more dynamic than the regular 8 Series Gran Coupe. With the proper options, it could also be a potent track car.

BMW M8 Gran Coupe Safety

The M8 Gran Coupe benefits from the same safety and driving assist features introduced with the 8 Series. The package includes Personal Co-Pilot, a suite of driver assistance technologies that give the car semi-autonomous capability. Using camera images and data provided by ultrasonic and radar sensors, the system monitors vehicle surroundings and takes actions depending on the environment and the traffic around the car.

The standard Cruise Control system includes automatic braking function and Collision and Pedestrian Warning with City Braking function. It can also be equipped with an 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 Gran Coupe Pricing

Pricing information is obviously not available at this point, but the M8 Gran Coupe shouldn't cost much more than the M6 Gran Coupe. The latter comes in at $119,800, so it's safe to say that the M8 Gran Coupe could fetch around $125,000. This would make it the most expensive model in the M lineup. The Audi RS7 is likely to be a bit more affordable, but the Mercedes-AMG GT63 4-Door Coupe is more expensive at $136,500 before options.

BMW M8 Gran Coupe Competition

Audi RS7

A new RS7 was unveiled for the 2020 model year with a more aggressive exterior, a more modern interior, and a mild-hybrid drivetrain under the hood. The second-generation RS7 is notably more powerful than the old model, thanks to a twin-turbo, 4.0-liter V-8 and a 48-volt system. The German sedan comes with 600 horsepower and 590 pound-feet on tap, which results in a 0 to 62 mph sprint of 3.6 seconds. While this benchmark is a tenth-second quicker than the old one, it's two to three tenths slower than the BMW M8 Gran Coupe. Top speed is limited to the usual 155 mph. Pricing for the new-generation Audi RS7 is expected to starts from at least $120,000.

Read our full review of the 2020 Audi RS7.

Mercedes-AMG CLS63

The CLS is the vehicle that started this full-size, four-door coupe niche and the AMG CLS63 is also the first performance model in this class, so it's only natural to include it in this comparison. However, the latest-generation CLS has yet to spawn a 63 model, and it might not get one anytime soon. Mercedes did launch the AMG CLS53 recently, but this four-door coupe is no match for the upcoming M8 Gran Coupe and the Audi RS7. Instead of a V-8, the CLS53 uses a twin-turbo, 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine and EQ Boost technology, which turns it into a mild hybrid. The drivetrain is rated at up to 457 and 568 pound-feet when the EQ Boost delivers maximum output, but that's not enough to compete against a 600-horsepower Bimmer. Getting to 62 mph takes 4.5 seconds, while top speed is limited to 155 mph, with both figures being inferior to the competition. Should Mercedes-Benz offer a proper AMG CLS63 S version, it should arrive with close to 600 horsepower, but we might not get one. And the reason for that is called the Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe.

Read our full story on the 2020 Mercedes-AMG CLS53.

Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe

Launched at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show, the GT 4-Door Coupe is essentially a more hardcore version of the CLS. It shares many design cues with the latter, but it also borrows some from the AMG GT sports car. More importantly, it has more aggressive aerodynamics and significantly more powerful engines. While the base version uses the CLS53's six-cylinder and EQ Boost drivetrain, the AMG GT63 version is powered by the familiar twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8. The mill is rated at 577 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque, which puts it on par with the AMG GT R. Not as powerful as the upcoming M8 Gran Coupe, right? Yes, but it's notably quicker, needing only 3.3 seconds to hit 62 mph. Top speed is nothing to sneeze at either at 193 mph. But there's a more powerful version in GT63 S trim. Powered by the same engine, this one comes with a whopping 630 horsepower and 627 pound-feet on tap, more than you can hope from the M8 Gran Coupe. The sprint to 62 mph takes only 3.2 clicks, while top speed is rated at an impressive 196 mph. Pricing starts from $136,500.

Read our full review of the 2019 Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe.

Conclusion

The M8 Gran Coupe might seem like an awkward decision at first glance, but since the 8 Series replaced the 6 Series, BMW also needed a replacement for the 6 Series Gran Coupe. The M8 Gran Coupe steps in as BMW competitor for the Audi RS7 and the Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe and based on what we know so far, it could succeed where the M6 failed in this niche. It's way quicker than the Audi RS7 and it has what it takes to give the Mercedes-AMG GT63 4-Door Coupe a run for its money. That's something not even the Porsche Panamera can brag about.

Further reading

Read our full review on the 2019 BMW 8 Series.

Read our full review on the 2020 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe.

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

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

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

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

References

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

Read our full speculative re view on the 2019 BMW 8 Series.

Read our full speculative review on the BMW M8.

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

Read our full review on the BMW 8 Series Concept Coupe.0}

January 25, 2019 - 2020 BMW M8 Gran Coupe caught testing for the first time