The BMW M8 has been around for a while now but is no less current than cars built yesterday. This is real luxury motoring from the prestige German car maker and it is available as a coupé or a convertible.
Both premium BMW M8 models derive their performance from a hugely powerful, high-revving V8 unit with ‘M TwinPower Turbo’ technology developing 625hp (633PS). Two turbo-chargers, cross-bank exhaust manifolds, direct injection with increased pressure, plus cooling and oil supply systems are all designed for driving at the limit on the track or more sensibly on the road to deliver supreme performance and handling.
The high-performance power unit is aligned to an eight-speed ‘M Steptronic’ auto gearbox, before it is channelled to the road via the ‘M xDrive’ all-wheel-drive system. The rear-wheel bias of the system delivers assured handling with optimised traction. The performance-focused character of the engine and transmission enables the BMW M8 Competition Coupé to sprint from zero to sixty-two miles per hour (100kph) in 3.2 seconds and from zero to 124 mph (199kph) in 10.6 seconds while the Convertible will complete the task in 3.3 and 11.1 seconds respectively. It may be a luxury car but it’s no slouch.
Driving
Minimised weight, a low centre of gravity, an ideally sized wheelbase and exceptionally wide tracks along with excellent torsional rigidity from the M-specific chassis ensure the BMW M8 Competition models stand out for pure driving enjoyment.
The BMW M8 Competition models allow the driver to choose various settings for the engine, suspension, steering and braking, all independently of one another, using the Setup button on the centre console. Through the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system, the driver is also able to adjust how power is distributed between the front and rear wheels.
Meanwhile, the engine characteristics can be adjusted by means of the ‘Efficient, Sport and Sport Plus’ settings, while the ‘Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus’ chassis options give access to the three profiles for the electronically controlled dampers. The driver can also choose between ‘Comfort’ and ‘Sport’ for both the M-specific electromechanical steering and the new braking system. Various modes can also be selected for the all-wheel-drive system.
The Sporting Exterior
The two BMW M8 Competition models both display the hallmark proportions of a luxury-class sports car. Their dynamic appearance is shaped by a low-slung body, stretched outline, slim window graphic and a roofline flowing into the rear.
Character-defining features of the Coupé include the double-bubble contour of its M carbon roof, reminiscent of classic racing cars. Passengers in the Convertible are protected from the elements by a high-quality fabric roof pulled taut over the cabin. The multi-layer soft-top opens and closes in fifteen seconds at the touch of a button while the electric mechanism can be activated while driving at up to 31mph. Once opened, the soft-top stows away flat under a high-quality cover whose surface structure matches that of the instrument panel, door and side-panel trim.
Along with the iconic BMW kidney grille, the three extra-large elements of the front apron’s intake satisfy the engine, transmission and braking system’s need for gulping in lovely cooling air. The grille features the black double bars familiar from other M models and displays the ‘M8’ logo in high-gloss black. Both cars have a grille surround and model lettering also in high-gloss black.
All prestige BMW M8 models are fitted as standard with Adaptive LED headlights, while the optional BMW ‘Laserlight’ with ‘Selective Beam’ can be identified by blue accents inside the twin headlights.
Another exclusive feature is the suitably prominent ‘Air Breathers’ with integrated ‘M gills’ in the front side panels. M-specific design features include the exterior mirrors painted, once again, in high-gloss black while the M-specific rear apron incorporates a diffuser inlay in contrasting colour, with the M Sport twin exhaust tailpipes in ‘black chrome’. Both cars are fitted with a spoiler on the boot lid in, yes you’ve guessed it, black.
The Premium Interior
The interior design features red accents on the M leather steering wheel’s M buttons and the start/stop button on the centre console. The newly designed transmission selector lever with ‘Drivelogic’ switch is leather-surfaced with an embedded M logo and stitching in M colours.
The electrically-operated sports seats have perforated 3D quilting, pronounced side bolsters, clearly defined shoulder areas and integral head restraints with illuminated model badges. Full Merino leather trim is standard, and both cars come exclusively with bicolour leather/Alcantara trim. The standard-fit M Sport seats feature the BMW Individual headliner.
The fully digital screen grouping comprises a high-resolution instrument cluster behind the steering wheel with a screen diagonal of 12.3 inches and a 10.25 inch Control Display. The driver has a choice of the Control Display’s touchscreen, the familiar BMW ‘iDrive Touch’ Controller, the controls on the steering wheel, voice control (Hey BMW!) or BMW’s gesture control. As ever, there is a host of optional features available for new car orders.
The standard Head-Up Display projects driving-related information onto the windscreen and directly into the driver’s field of view. It employs full-colour graphics and allows the driver to see a wealth of information without having to divert their eyes from the road. The ‘M Mode’ button on the centre console can be used to alter both the responses of the driver assistance systems and the information shown in the instrument cluster and Head-Up Display. M Mode allows the driver to activate Road, Sport and a Track setting. Changing the mode alters the information presented to the driver on the screens, while the safety-enhancing interventions by the driver assistance systems – such as active braking or steering inputs – are reduced to a bare minimum or deactivated altogether.
Put simply, the BMW M8 is one of the finest luxury sports cars available. Drophead or coupé, the choice is yours.
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