The BMW M GmbH is embarking on its first foray into the world of luxury motoring with two new high -performance sports cars, the BMW M8 Competition Coupé and M8 Competition Convertible.
The new models derive their performance from the most powerful engine ever developed for a BMW M GmbH car: a high-revving V8 unit with M TwinPower Turbo technology developing 625hp.
Two turbochargers, cross-bank exhaust manifolds, direct injection with increased pressure, plus cooling and oil supply systems designed for driving at the limit on the track combine to deliver supreme performance and handling.
The high-performance power unit is aligned to an eight-speed M Steptronic, before it is channelled to the road via the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system. The rear-wheel bias of M xDrive 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 62mph in 3.2 seconds and from zero to 124mph in 10.6 seconds while the Convertible will complete the task in 3.3 and 11.1 seconds respectively.
All models have an electronically limited top speed of 155mph, rising to 189mph if the optional M Driver’s Package is specified. The Coupé’s average fuel consumption is 26.6-26.9mpg* with CO2 emissions of 242g/km while the Convertible’s fuel combined fuel consumption is 26.2-26.6mpg* with CO2 emissions of 246g/km*.
The high-revving 4.4-litre V8 engine in the new models works alongside two turbochargers – positioned in the ‘V’ between the cylinder banks for optimised efficiency – and indirect charge air cooling help the engine to deliver outstanding performance.
The specially tuned responses of the engine powering the BMW M8 Competition Coupé and Convertible means that peak torque of 750Nm is delivered at 5,800 rpm and develops a maximum output of 625hp at 6,000rpm. The V8 teams up with a special engine mounting for a more rigid connection with the vehicle structure. This results in even more direct engine response and immediate transmission of power to the drivetrain. The stiffer engine mounting also has a positive effect on the immediacy of turn-in and the transmission of engine noise into the cabin.
The rear-wheel-biased version of the M xDrive system only brings the front wheels into play when the rear wheels reach their power-transferring limits and additional traction is required. The driver can also configure the distribution of power between the front and rear wheels, as required, via the Setup menu. The default 4WD provides maximum traction and controllable handling while 4WD Sport mode turns the intensity of the driving experience up another notch with a noticeable sharpening of the car’s agility. Here, the system diverts a larger slice of engine power to the rear wheels. Deactivating the Dynamic Stability Control system (DSC) transfers power exclusively to the rear wheels for a more exhilarating drive.
A model-specific take on BMW M design points to outstanding power and handling. Along with the BMW kidney grille, the three extra-large elements of the front apron’s intake satisfy the engine, transmission and braking system’s need for 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 new 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 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 Black.
The optional M Carbon exterior package includes inlays for the front air intakes, exterior mirror caps, M gills in the side panels, plus a rear diffuser in Black. A notch in the centre of the spoiler mirrors the double-bubble contour of the roof.
The Competition models ride on 20-inch forged M light-alloy wheels in a bicolour, star-spoke design as standard, fitted with 275/35 R 20 tyres at the front and 285/35 R 20 tyres at the rear.
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 GmbH colours.
The newly developed 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.
Pricing from £123,435 OTR.