Title: Unleashing the Beast Within: The BMW M8 Competition Redefines the Grand Tourer
For over a decade, I’ve been immersed in the automotive world, witnessing firsthand the evolution of performance vehicles. From wrenching in the shop to analyzing sales trends and test driving hundreds of cars, I’ve seen trends come and go. The BMW M8 Competition, however, isn’t a fleeting trend; it’s a statement. This isn’t just another luxury car; it’s a meticulously crafted machine that blurs the lines between a grand tourer and a supercar, carving out a unique niche in the high-performance landscape.
The automotive industry has dramatically shifted over the past two decades. Once, vehicles were neatly categorized: sports cars were built solely for speed, luxury cars prioritized comfort, and SUVs were rugged off-roaders. But advancements in engine technology, tire design, and sophisticated suspension systems have redefined these boundaries. Today, we see vehicles like the Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT, a family SUV capable of thrilling track performance, and the McLaren 720S, a hypercar offering surprisingly good everyday usability. This fusion of capabilities has raised the bar, reshaping our expectations of what a car can – and should – be. The BMW M8 Competition rises to meet that expectation.
However, not every attempt to blend these disparate qualities is successful. Some vehicles fail to resonate with their target audience, falling short in both performance and comfort. Then there’s the BMW M8 Competition, a 617-horsepower marvel that initially appears to be a luxurious grand tourer, but upon closer inspection, reveals the heart of a true sports car. It is a true supercar hunter.
Historically, BMW’s grand tourers, including those available at BMW dealerships in New York and BMW dealerships in Los Angeles, have leaned heavily into their namesake. The original 8-Series, while stylish and comfortable, wasn’t known for its track prowess. Even the V10-powered M6, though exhilarating on the open road, felt somewhat out of place on tight, winding back roads. The BMW M8 Competition shatters this mold, pushing the boundaries of what a modern M-badged GT can achieve, defining a new standard for its class.
Introduced in 2019 as a successor to the M6, the BMW M8 Competition retains a familiar formula but elevates it to new heights. Its dimensions are strikingly similar to its predecessor, slightly shorter, wider, and lower to the ground. Despite gaining an all-wheel-drive system as standard, the curb weight increases by a mere 45 pounds – a testament to BMW’s engineering prowess. Its closest rivals include the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S Coupe and the Porsche 911 Turbo S.
The most significant change lies in the M8’s enhanced performance. The twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine, in Competition guise, unleashes 617 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque, a noticeable increase from the standard M8’s 600 hp. Power is delivered to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission, a signature feature of modern high-performance BMWs. This translates to blistering acceleration, reaching 60 mph in a mere three seconds and achieving a top speed of 155 mph (or 190 mph with the M Driver’s Package). These figures are definitely improved with 2025 technology.
These numbers, while impressive, don’t fully capture the BMW M8 Competition’s true capabilities. Spending just a few minutes behind the wheel reveals a sense of raw power that feels significantly underrated. The acceleration is ferocious and immediate. While BMW has incorporated mild-hybrid systems into its high-performance SUVs to enhance responsiveness, the BMW M8 Competition demonstrates that this powertrain is already exceptionally responsive. This makes it a strong contender for high-performance vehicle investment portfolios.
On winding roads, only vehicles from McLaren, Lamborghini, or Ferrari can consistently outperform the BMW M8 Competition in the corners. And as soon as the road straightens, this luxurious GT matches the speed of most high-dollar exotics. While labeling a $160,000 coupe as an “overachiever” might seem unusual, its performance rivals cars costing twice as much, making it an undeniable bargain in the realm of high-performance automobiles.
However, the sheer speed of the BMW M8 Competition can create a slight disconnect between the speedometer reading and the driver’s perceived experience. The cabin’s excellent noise isolation, while contributing to its luxurious ambiance, reduces the sensation of the car’s physics-defying performance. While highly effective, the electronic power steering and the optional $8,150 carbon-ceramic brakes, although a good luxury car upgrade, offer limited feedback. Even the engine note, piped through the speakers, sounds somewhat muted in many situations.
Body roll is inevitable in a car as powerful and heavy as the BMW M8 Competition. BMW has opted for a sophisticated adaptive suspension system to manage this, striking a balance between performance and comfort. While past BMW models have occasionally missed the mark in suspension tuning, the BMW M8 Competition excels with its Adaptive M Suspension. It’s slightly firmer than the standard M8 but remains surprisingly compliant, prioritizing daily comfort. While it might not completely mask the car’s weight in tight corners, the tradeoff is well worth it for maintaining a comfortable ride.
Despite the presence of body roll, the BMW M8 Competition displays impressive agility. It tackles corners with a nimbleness that belies its size and weight. Grip feels limitless, and despite some initial push from the front end, the all-wheel-drive system ensures optimal power delivery upon exit. For added excitement, the front wheels can be disengaged entirely, allowing drivers to experience the classic BMW sideways drift. The softer suspension, in this scenario, proves advantageous, making the car less snappy at its limits and boosting driver confidence.
On the open highway, the BMW M8 Competition truly shines. Like its predecessor and many other BMW M cars, it excels at triple-digit speeds. It’s comfortable and composed, thanks to its excellent noise isolation, making it quieter than expected for a car bearing the M badge. This is where the BMW M8 Competition showcases its dual personality, equally adept at chasing supercars and embarking on cross-country journeys. It’s a top choice for luxury long-distance driving.
The car’s comfort is further enhanced by its carefully chosen seats. While the interior is lavishly adorned with leather and carbon-fiber trim, the seating choice is particularly important. The standard M Sport Seats provide the best balance of support and comfort. While BMW offers optional carbon-backed bucket seats, these are better suited for the M2 or M3 and are fundamentally at odds with the BMW M8 Competition’s grand touring aspirations. While they might enhance the experience on back roads, they would detract from overall comfort and usability.
As the BMW M8 Competition enters its sixth model year in 2025, BMW continues to refine its offerings. The central infotainment screen has been upgraded from 10.25 inches to 12.3 inches, bringing the car’s interior in line with the rest of the BMW lineup. Exterior changes are equally subtle, with M Shadowline trim available for the Adaptive LED headlights, along with new color options such as Frozen Pure Grey, Tanzanite Blue II, and Isle of Man Green. This helps maintain high resale value vehicles.
The BMW M8 Competition exemplifies the seamless integration of modern technology to make a large, heavy vehicle handle with surprising agility. While its grand touring credentials are evident on paper and reinforced by its refined cabin, its sports car persona is undeniable. By combining supercar-level performance with a relatively compliant suspension and a plush interior, the BMW M8 Competition achieves a duality that most modern GTs can’t match. At nearly $160,000, the breadth of personality offered by BMW’s flagship makes it a compelling all-in-one solution. It truly redefines what a grand tourer can be, offering an unparalleled blend of luxury, performance, and driving excitement. The BMW M8 Competition is the ultimate expression of grand touring.
Considering an upgrade to a vehicle that expertly blends luxury and performance? Visit your local BMW dealer in Chicago or BMW dealer in Miami for a test drive and experience the BMW M8 Competition firsthand. Discover how this grand tourer redefines what’s possible.