BMW M8 Competition: A Grand Tourer That Thinks It’s a Supercar
For years, the automotive world has been obsessed with categorization. Sports cars were about agility, luxury cars prioritized comfort, and SUVs were… well, they were usually just glorified trucks. But the relentless march of technology has blurred these lines. Today, we have SUVs like the Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT that can out-handle many sports cars, and supercars like the McLaren 720S that are surprisingly livable day-to-day. The expectation of what a car can be has fundamentally shifted.
Not every attempt to blend these worlds is successful. Some cars end up feeling compromised, failing to truly excel in any one area. But then there’s the BMW M8 Competition. This 617-horsepower two-door initially presents itself as a luxurious grand tourer. But scratch beneath the surface, and you’ll find a seriously capable performance machine, a true supercar killer in disguise.
BMW’s grand touring heritage has traditionally emphasized comfort and effortless performance. The original 8-Series wasn’t exactly setting lap records, and even the V10-powered M6, while exhilarating on the open road, wasn’t ideally suited for tight, twisty backroads. The M8 Competition throws that script out the window. It redefines what a modern M-badged GT can be, showcasing a depth of capability rarely seen in this segment. It is, in short, a high-performance grand tourer done right.
Power and Performance: Underrated and Overwhelming
The M8 Competition, launched in 2019 as the successor to the M6, largely maintains the familiar formula. Its dimensions are similar to its predecessor, slightly shorter, wider, and lower. Despite adding standard all-wheel drive, its curb weight only increases marginally.
The real story is under the hood. The twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 churns out a staggering 617 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. All that power is delivered through an eight-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels. The result? A claimed 0-60 mph time of just 3.0 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph (or 190 mph with the optional M Driver’s Package).
But those numbers don’t tell the whole story. After a decade in the automotive world, I can confidently say these figures are heavily underrated. The M8 Competition feels significantly quicker than the spec sheet suggests. The power delivery is ferocious and immediate. BMW has added mild-hybrid systems to its SUVs using this powertrain, claiming improved responsiveness. But frankly, I struggle to see the need here; the M8’s engine is already a masterpiece of turbocharging.
On a challenging back road, you’d need something truly special from the likes of McLaren, Lamborghini, or Ferrari to keep pace with an M8 Competition, especially when the road opens up. This luxury GT car is just as fast as most high-dollar exotics. You might think it’s mental gymnastics to call a $160,000 coupe an overachiever, but when you consider you’d have to spend double that amount to outperform it, that label seems apt.
The performance luxury this car offers is truly outstanding.
The Disconnect: Speed Without Sensation?
Despite its incredible speed, there’s a slight disconnect between the speedometer reading and the feeling behind the wheel. The M8 Competition’s excellent noise isolation, while contributing to its refined cabin, somewhat diminishes the driving experience. It masks the raw sensation of its physics-defying performance. The electronic power steering, though incredibly precise, offers little in the way of feedback. Even the engine note, piped through the speakers, sounds muffled. The $8,150 carbon-ceramic brakes, while effective, also lack the tactile feel that enthusiasts crave.
The challenge for BMW was balancing performance with comfort. A car as powerful and heavy as the M8 Competition inevitably experiences body roll. Stiffening the adaptive suspension to eliminate body roll could compromise ride quality. The range of the M8 Competition’s Adaptive M Suspension is impressive. It’s slightly firmer than the standard M8 but still surprisingly compliant. The trade-off is well worth it for retaining everyday comfort.
Agility and Versatility: A Surprising Combination
Make no mistake: body roll doesn’t equate to a lack of agility. The M8 Competition tackles corners with a poise that belies its size and weight. The grip is seemingly endless. Despite a hint of understeer on corner entry, the all-wheel-drive system ensures maximum power delivery on exit. For the adventurous, you can disengage the front wheels completely and drift through corners like a classic BMW. The softer suspension actually aids in this scenario, making the car more predictable and boosting driver confidence.
On the open highway, the M8 Competition truly shines. Like its predecessor and many other BMW M cars, it’s most comfortable cruising at high speeds. It is comfortable yet controlled. Thanks to the noise isolation, it’s remarkably quiet for a performance car. This highlights the duality of the M8: equally capable of chasing supercars and embarking on cross-country journeys.
Interior Comfort: A Grand Touring Oasis
The interior significantly contributes to the car’s comfort. The cabin is lavishly appointed with leather, and the carbon-fiber trim adds a touch of sportiness. However, the seats are the most crucial element. The standard M Sport Seats are the ideal choice. While BMW’s carbon-backed bucket seats are available as an option, they are better suited for cars like the M2 or M3. They may slightly enhance back road driving, but they detract from the M8’s overall purpose.
For the current model year, BMW has added new options, including those carbon bucket seats. The central infotainment screen grows to 12.3 inches, bringing the interior in line with the rest of the BMW lineup. Exterior changes are subtle, with M Shadowline trim now available for the Adaptive LED headlights, along with new colors like Frozen Pure Grey, Tanzanite Blue II, and Isle of Man Green.
The Verdict: A True All-Rounder
The BMW M8 Competition is a masterclass in using modern technology to make a large, heavy car handle like a lightweight sports car. Despite its grand touring credentials and refined cabin, its sports car persona is undeniable. By combining supercar performance with a relatively compliant suspension and a luxurious interior, the M8 achieves a duality that most modern GTs can only dream of. It’s a compelling all-in-one solution for those seeking both thrilling performance and grand touring comfort. For around $160,000, the M8 Competition offers a unique blend of talents that makes it an incredibly desirable and capable machine. This ultimate driving machine continues to impress.
Ready to experience the exhilarating performance and luxurious comfort of a BMW M8 Competition for yourself? Contact your local BMW dealer today to schedule a test drive and discover what makes this grand tourer a true supercar hunter.