The 2025 BMW M8 Competition: A Grand Tourer That Thinks It’s a Supercar
For years, the automotive world was neatly compartmentalized. Sports cars were about raw speed, luxury sedans prioritized comfort, and SUVs were, well, built for questionable off-road adventures. But the relentless march of technology has blurred those lines, creating a new breed of vehicle – the multi-talented performer. Take the Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT, a family SUV that can embarrass sports cars on a canyon road, or the McLaren 720S, a hypercar with surprising daily usability. The modern driver demands versatility, and automakers are scrambling to deliver.
However, not every attempt at blending these roles is a success. Some cars try to be everything to everyone and end up pleasing no one. Then there’s the 2025 BMW M8 Competition, a 617-horsepower coupe that initially presents itself as a luxurious grand tourer. But spend some time behind the wheel, and you’ll discover a seriously sporty personality lurking beneath the surface. This M8 Competition is an animal.
Having spent a decade in the automotive industry, I’ve witnessed firsthand the evolution of the GT car. Historically, BMW grand tourers like the original 8-Series or even the V10-powered M6, excelled on the open road but felt cumbersome on winding backroads. The new M8 Competition throws that playbook out the window. It not only redefines what a modern M-badged GT can be but showcases what it should be.
Replacing the now-discontinued M6 in 2019, the M8 Competition retains a similar footprint. Its dimensions are nearly identical to its predecessor, slightly shorter, wider, and lower to the ground. While the curb weight increases marginally, the addition of a standard all-wheel-drive system makes the weight gain negligible. It is available at BMW dealers across the United States.
But the real story is the M8’s performance. The twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8, in Competition trim, churns out a staggering 617 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque – a modest bump over the standard M8’s 600 hp. Like other modern BMWs, this power is routed to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The result? A claimed 0-60 mph time of three seconds flat and a top speed of 155 mph, or 190 mph with the optional M Driver’s Package. Many reviewers consider this car to be one of the best grand tourers available today.
Those are just numbers, and the M8 Competition’s true potential becomes apparent within minutes. The numbers, as impressive as they are, feel like an understatement. Three seconds to 60 mph is rapid in any vehicle, especially one nearing two tons. The M8 simply feels faster, with a raw, immediate power delivery. Although BMW has implemented mild-hybrid systems in its SUVs to enhance responsiveness, it’s difficult to imagine the M8 needing further assistance. The feeling is raw and pure.
On a twisty backroad, you’d need something from the likes of McLaren, Lamborghini, or Ferrari to outpace the M8 Competition through the corners. The M8 is just as fast as those high-dollar exotics once the road straightens out. While it might seem like a stretch to call a $160,000 coupe an overachiever, its performance easily rivals that of vehicles costing twice as much. The M8 Competition truly earns the title of “supercar hunter”.
However, the M8’s astonishing pace comes with a slight disconnect. The exceptional noise isolation, while contributing to the cabin’s refinement, diminishes the driving experience, preventing the driver from fully experiencing the car’s physics-defying capabilities. The incredibly effective electronic power steering and the optional $8,150 carbon-ceramic brakes, while precise, provide minimal feedback. Even the engine note, piped through the car’s speakers, sounds somewhat muted in most situations. This issue has been resolved in newer models.
Body roll is inevitable in a car as powerful and heavy as the M8 Competition. BMW could have stiffened the adaptive suspension to eliminate this unwanted movement, but once stiffness is added, it’s hard to remove. Finding the right balance is crucial, particularly in a grand tourer. While BMW has had its share of suspension missteps in the past, the M8 Competition’s Adaptive M Suspension impresses with its broad range. It’s slightly firmer than the standard M8 but still more compliant than expected. While it doesn’t completely mask the car’s weight in tight corners, the trade-off is worthwhile for maintaining daily comfort and superior handling.
Don’t mistake body roll for a lack of agility. The M8 Competition tackles corners in a way that defies its size and weight. The grip is seemingly endless, and despite slight understeer upon initial turn-in, the all-wheel-drive system ensures maximum power delivery on exit. For those seeking extra thrills, the front wheels can be completely disengaged, allowing for old-school, sideways corner exits, boosting driver confidence.
On the open highway, the M8 truly shines. Like its predecessor, the M8 is most at home cruising at triple-digit speeds on an open stretch of pavement. The ride is comfortable yet controlled, and the sound insulation keeps the cabin remarkably quiet for a car bearing the M badge. Here, the M8 showcases its duality, equally capable of chasing supercars or embarking on cross-country journeys.
The seats are a significant factor in the car’s overall comfort. Although the cabin is swathed in leather, the seat selection has the greatest impact. I would stick to the standard M Sport Seats. While BMW offers carbon-backed bucket seats as an option, the M Sport Seats are more suitable for the car’s purpose. They may enhance enjoyment on back road drives, but they would detract from the car’s comfort in other situations.
Entering its sixth model year, the 2025 BMW M8 Competition receives a few updates. The central infotainment screen grows from 10.25 inches to 12.3 inches, bringing it in line with the rest of the BMW lineup. The exterior changes are subtle, with M Shadowline trim now available for the adaptive LED headlights and a selection of new colors, including Frozen Pure Grey, Tanzanite Blue II, and Isle of Man Green.
The BMW M8 Competition is a testament to the power of modern technology, transforming a large, heavy car into a surprisingly agile performer. While its grand tourer nature is undeniable, thanks to its sound deadening and comfortable ride, its sports car persona cannot be ignored. By blending supercar performance with a compliant suspension and a luxurious cabin, the M8 Competition achieves a versatility that most modern GTs can’t match. At nearly $160,000, the M8 Competition’s breadth of personality makes it an enticing, all-in-one solution for driving enthusiasts.
Interested in experiencing the M8 Competition for yourself? Contact your local BMW dealership to schedule a test drive and discover the ultimate blend of luxury and performance.
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