BMW M8 Competition: A Grand Tourer Redefining Performance Expectations
For years, automakers adhered to rigid design principles, confining cars to singular roles. Sports cars prioritized athleticism, luxury cars emphasized opulence, and SUVs were essentially rugged off-roaders in disguise. However, groundbreaking advancements in engine technology, tire innovation, and sophisticated suspension systems have blurred those lines, ushering in an era of multifaceted vehicles. We now see examples like the Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT, a family-friendly SUV that transforms into a canyon-carving beast, or the McLaren 720S, which blends hypercar-level performance with everyday usability. This evolution has redefined our expectations of what a car can truly be.
While some vehicles fall short in blending multiple personalities, struggling to satisfy their target audience, the BMW M8 Competition emerges as a true standout. This 617-horsepower coupe initially presents itself as a high-powered luxury grand tourer. However, a closer examination reveals a surprisingly sporty nature, challenging traditional GT boundaries and setting a new benchmark for performance and versatility.
Historically, BMW’s grand tourers have been precisely that – grand tourers, without much sporting pretense. The original 8-Series wasn’t setting any lap records, and even the V10-powered M6, while exceptional on the open road, wasn’t particularly agile on winding back roads. The M8 Competition shatters that mold, pushing the boundaries of what a modern M-badged GT can be and redefining expectations for its class.
Power and Performance: Underrated and Unapologetic
Introduced in 2019 as the successor to the M6, the M8 Competition largely maintains its predecessor’s dimensions. It’s slightly shorter, wider, and lower, with a marginal weight increase of around 45 pounds. This slight weight gain is easily justified by the inclusion of a standard all-wheel-drive system, making the car more versatile.
The most significant change lies in the M8’s enhanced performance. The Competition variant’s twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine churns out an impressive 617 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque, a modest 17-hp bump over the standard M8. Power is delivered to all four wheels via a smooth and responsive eight-speed automatic transmission. The result is breathtaking acceleration, reaching 60 mph in just three seconds and topping out at 155 mph (or 190 mph with the M Driver’s Package).
These figures are compelling, but they fail to fully capture the raw visceral experience behind the wheel. The M8 Competition feels even quicker than the numbers suggest. The twin-turbo V8 delivers power with a ferocity and immediacy that is genuinely surprising, especially considering the car’s hefty curb weight. While other manufacturers have since incorporated mild-hybrid systems to enhance responsiveness, the M8 Competition’s powertrain feels remarkably responsive without them. BMW performance enhancements have made this vehicle a leader in its class.
On a winding back road, you’d need something truly special – perhaps from McLaren, Lamborghini, or Ferrari – to outpace the M8 Competition in the corners. And as soon as the road straightens out, this luxury GT matches the speed of most high-dollar exotic cars. While some might question labeling a $160,000 coupe an “overachiever,” consider that you’d have to spend at least double that amount to surpass its overall performance capabilities. The BMW M8 Competition is simply outstanding.
Refinement and Restraint: A Delicate Balance
Despite its blistering speed, there’s a slight disconnect between the speedometer and the driver’s seat. The M8’s exceptional noise isolation, while contributing to a luxurious cabin, somewhat diminishes the raw driving experience. You don’t always feel the physics-defying performance that this machine delivers. The electronic power steering and optional carbon-ceramic brakes, while effective, provide limited feedback. Even the engine note, piped into the cabin through the speakers, sounds somewhat muted in most driving situations.
Body roll is unavoidable in a vehicle of this size and power. While BMW could have stiffened the adaptive suspension to eliminate this motion, doing so would compromise the car’s overall comfort and daily usability. Balancing these factors is essential, especially in a grand tourer. The M8 Competition’s Adaptive M Suspension strikes an impressive balance. It’s slightly firmer than the standard M8, but still surprisingly supple, retaining much of the comfort needed for daily driving. While it might not completely mask the car’s weight in tight corners, the compromise is worthwhile for maintaining ride quality and makes it a standout among high performance vehicles.
Despite the slight body roll, don’t mistake the M8 for a clumsy or unagile car. It tackles corners with surprising dexterity for its size and weight. Grip feels seemingly endless, and the all-wheel-drive system allows for seamless power delivery upon exit. For added excitement, the front wheels can be completely disengaged, enabling controlled drifts like an old-school BMW. The softer suspension actually becomes an asset here, making the car more forgiving and boosting driver confidence when approaching its limits.
The Open Road: Where the M8 Truly Shines
On the open highway, the M8 comes into its own. Like its predecessor, and indeed many of BMW’s M cars, this GT excels at effortlessly cruising at triple-digit speeds. It is both comfortable and composed, and the excellent noise isolation creates a surprisingly serene environment, even at high speeds. Here, the M8 showcases its dual personality, equally capable of chasing supercars or embarking on long-distance road trips. Grand touring automobiles such as this are among the best options for any enthusiast.
Contributing significantly to the car’s overall comfort are the seats. While the cabin is lavishly appointed with leather and carbon-fiber trim, the choice of seating has the most significant impact. The standard M Sport Seats are the ideal choice. The optional carbon-backed bucket seats, while suitable for an M2 or M3, are fundamentally mismatched to the M8’s overall mission. While they might enhance back-road driving, they would detract from the car’s comfort and versatility. The best automotive seats provide a luxurious yet comfortable ride.
As the BMW M8 Competition enters its sixth model year, BMW continues to refine the car with subtle but impactful upgrades. A curved infotainment screen integrates the instrument cluster and control display into a single, seamless unit, while the traditional gear selector has been replaced with a more minimalist design. Exterior changes include new paint colors and updated wheel designs, further enhancing the car’s already striking presence.
The Verdict: A Masterclass in Modern Grand Touring
The BMW M8 Competition is a technological marvel, showcasing how modern engineering can make a large, heavy car dance through corners like a nimble sports car. While it may read like a GT on paper, and its refined cabin certainly supports that notion, its true sporting nature cannot be denied. By blending supercar performance with a relatively compliant suspension and a luxurious interior, the M8 achieves a duality that few modern GTs can match. With the price of my Imola Red tester coming in at just under $160,000, the breadth of personality offered by BMW’s flagship makes it a compelling and versatile choice. With all it brings to the road, the BMW M8 Competition remains a superior option in the high-performance market.
Ready to experience the unparalleled blend of luxury and performance for yourself? Visit your local BMW dealer for a test drive and discover why the M8 Competition is redefining the grand touring experience.