New BMW M8 Competition Gran Coupe

BMW M8 Competition Gran Coupe

BMW M8 Competition Gran CoupeThe introduction of the BMW M8 Competition Gran Coupe signals the next chapter of the brand’s model offensive in the luxury segment.

Combining, as it does, the hallmark performance, agility and precision of BMW M GmbH with four full-size seats, the latest M8 model is derived directly from the new BMW M8 Competition Coupe and was developed alongside the BMW M8 GTE endurance racer. Its powertrain, chassis and aerodynamics were adapted to suit this standalone concept; intensive testing took place at the BMW Group’s proving grounds, the Nürburgring-Nordschleife circuit and other race tracks.

The new BMW M8 Competition Gran Coupe will receive its world premieres at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November 2019. The worldwide market launch will get underway in April 2020, with the BMW M8 Gran Coupe First Edition also forming part of the launch offering.

The renowned power delivery of BMW M engines is one key features of the V8 fitted in the new BMW M8 Competition Gran Coupe. The 4.4-litre eight-cylinder engine offers instant response to the slightest press of the accelerator, a vast appetite for revs and uninterrupted power development over a wide rev band.

The high-revving eight-cylinder engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology develops maximum 625hp and is teamed with a sports exhaust system and eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic. It serves up peak torque of 750Nm and completes the sprint from zero to 62mph in 3.2 seconds. The V8’s rigid connection to the vehicle structure results in remarkably direct transmission of engine power to the drivetrain. This also sharpens the car’s responses and allows for more engine noise to be transmitted to the cabin.

The M xDrive all-wheel-drive system channels the engine’s power onto the road via the Active M Differential at the rear axle. The M xDrive system has a rear-biased configuration in its default 4WD mode. Drivers can then use the Setup menu to select 4WD Sport mode, which sends an even higher proportion of drive to the rear wheels. Deactivating DSC brings 2WD mode into play, with drive fed exclusively through the rear wheels.

Among the ingredients in the extravagant appearance of the four-door high- performance sports cars are their dynamically stretched silhouette, muscular shoulders and standalone rear-end design. Large air intakes, M gills on the side panels, aerodynamically optimised exterior mirrors, a rear spoiler and other M-specific features provide a visual showcase for the high-performance character of the new models.

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Measuring 5,098 millimetres from nose to tail, the new BMW M8 Competition Gran Coupe is 231 millimetres longer than its two-door siblings. Its distinct proportions are further emphasised by a width of 1,943 millimetres and height of 1,420 millimetres. Track widths are 1,626 millimetres at the front and 1,660 millimetres at the rear. The entire 200-millimetre increase in wheelbase length (to 3,027 millimetres) has been used to improve spaciousness in the rear compartment, where passengers can savour sports-car performance in two full-size individual seats. There is also a third seat suitable for use on short journeys. The boot has a capacity of 440 litres.

The BMW M8 Gran Coupe First Edition will be available in the UK, however limited to just five units; its exclusive design cues include a BMW Individual Aurora Diamond Green metallic paint finish for the exterior, with accents in Gold Bronze.

The BMW M8 Competition Gran Coupe is on sale from today ahead of its official market launch early 2020.

OTR pricing starts from £120,935

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