The 2025 BMW M8 Competition: A Grand Tourer That Thinks It’s a Supercar (And Almost Pulls It Off)
For years, the automotive world operated under clearly defined boundaries. Sports cars were built for adrenaline, luxury sedans for comfort, and SUVs…well, they were just SUVs. But advancements in engine technology, tire compounds, and adaptive suspension systems have blurred those lines, creating a new breed of vehicles that defy easy categorization. Think of Porsche’s Cayenne Turbo GT, a family SUV that can embarrass sports cars on a track, or a McLaren 720S, a supercar surprisingly suited for daily driving. The possibilities of what a car can be have fundamentally changed our expectations.
However, not every automaker nails this multi-faceted approach. Some cars stretch themselves too thin, failing to satisfy anyone. And then there’s the BMW M8 Competition, a 617-horsepower two-door coupe that walks the line between high-powered grand tourer and outright sports car. As a seasoned auto expert with over 10 years immersed in the intricacies of high-performance vehicles, I’ve seen my share of cars that promise the world and deliver less. The M8 Competition, however, is a fascinating case study.
Historically, BMW’s grand tourers have leaned heavily towards the “touring” aspect. The original 8-Series was never a track weapon, and even the V10-powered M6, while a fantastic highway cruiser, felt out of place on tight, winding roads. The current M8 Competition, introduced to the US market in cities like Los Angeles and Miami, represents a significant departure. It redefines what an M-badged grand tourer can be, showcasing a depth of capability that sets a new standard.
Replacing the now-discontinued M6 in 2019, the BMW M8 Competition largely retains its predecessor’s dimensions. It’s slightly shorter, wider, and lower, giving it a more aggressive stance. Despite gaining all-wheel drive as standard equipment, the weight increase is minimal, a testament to BMW’s engineering prowess.
The real difference lies in the M8 Competition’s performance. Its twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine produces a staggering 617 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque, a modest bump over the standard M8’s 600 hp. Like most modern performance BMWs, this power is channeled to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The result? A blistering 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)
Those numbers, while impressive, don’t fully capture the experience. Behind the wheel, the M8 Competition feels even faster. There’s a raw, almost violent immediacy to its power delivery. While BMW has implemented mild-hybrid systems in its performance SUVs to improve throttle response, the M8’s engine feels perfectly responsive as is.
On a challenging back road, only a select few supercars from McLaren, Lamborghini, or Ferrari could truly outpace the M8 Competition through the corners. And once the road opens up, this luxury GT can keep pace with almost any high-dollar exotic. It might seem odd to call a $160,000 coupe an overachiever, but when you consider that you’d need to spend significantly more to find a car with comparable performance, the label fits.
However, the M8 isn’t without its quirks. There’s a subtle disconnect between the raw speed and the driver’s experience. The car’s exceptional noise isolation, while contributing to its refined cabin, also diminishes the sensation of speed. The steering, while precise, lacks the feedback that enthusiasts crave. Even the engine note, piped through the speakers, sounds somewhat muted. Upgrading your car’s performance near New York, Chicago, or any other major city could make a world of difference.
Body roll is inevitable in a car of this size and weight. BMW has wisely chosen not to over-stiffen the adaptive suspension to eliminate body roll entirely. Striking the right balance between handling and comfort is crucial in a grand tourer. The M8 Competition’s Adaptive M Suspension offers an impressive range, being slightly firmer than the standard M8 but still surprisingly compliant. While it doesn’t completely mask the car’s weight in tight corners, the trade-off is well worth it for the added comfort.
Despite the body roll, don’t mistake this for a lack of agility. The BMW M8 Competition tackles corners with a surprising nimbleness. The grip is seemingly endless, and the all-wheel-drive system allows you to put the power down effectively on corner exit. For those seeking a more traditional BMW experience, the front wheels can be disengaged entirely, allowing for tail-out cornering. Here, the softer suspension actually works in the M8’s favor, making it more forgiving and boosting driver confidence.
On the open highway, the M8 truly shines. Like its predecessor and most BMW M cars, it’s most at home cruising at high speeds. The ride is comfortable yet controlled, and the noise isolation makes the cabin surprisingly quiet. This is where the M8’s dual personality is most apparent, being equally capable of chasing supercars and tackling long-distance road trips.
Contributing to this comfortable experience is the car’s seating. While the cabin is swathed in leather, and carbon fiber trim is abundant, the standard M Sport Seats are the right choice. The optional carbon-backed bucket seats, while suitable for an M2 or M3, are not ideal for the M8’s grand touring mission. While they might enhance the experience on back roads, they would detract from the overall comfort.
Entering its sixth model year in 2025, the BMW M8 Competition has received several updates. The central infotainment screen has grown from 10.25 inches to 12.3 inches, bringing the interior in line with the rest of BMW’s lineup. Exterior changes are subtle, with M Shadowline trim now available for the Adaptive LED headlights, along with new exterior colors such as Frozen Pure Grey, Tanzanite Blue II, and Isle of Man Green. Investing in a well-maintained M8 in cities such as Atlanta, Dallas, or Houston will allow you to travel in both style and comfort.
The BMW M8 Competition is a testament to the power of modern technology, transforming a large, heavy car into something surprisingly agile. Despite its grand touring credentials, its sports car aspirations are undeniable. By combining supercar-like performance with a comfortable suspension and a luxurious cabin, the M8 achieves a duality that few modern GTs can match.
Ultimately, the BMW M8 Competition offers a unique proposition. It’s a car that can thrill on a winding road, provide a comfortable and luxurious experience on long journeys, and turn heads wherever it goes. If you’re looking for a car that can do it all, the M8 Competition deserves a serious look.
Ready to experience the thrill of the BMW M8 Competition for yourself? Visit your local BMW dealer for a test drive and discover the perfect blend of luxury and performance.