Poised to make its mark in the luxury car world, BMW is launching two new versions of its flagship M8 model – M8 Competition Coupé, and M8 Competition Convertible.
Hailed as a perfect fusion of dynamic prowess and luxury, the new models display the hallmark proportions of a luxury-class sports car. Sleek and muscular looking, their lines hint to a decent turn of pace.
Fitted with the most powerful engine ever developed for a BMW M GmbH car – a high-revving V8 unit with M Twin Power 625hp Turbo delivering 750Nm, both models are capable of a blistering sub 3.3 second 0-62 sprint.
As sure footed as they are swift, the models come with a super-slick eight-speed auto box and rear-wheel bias all-wheel-drive system for optimum traction whatever the terrain.
Eye catching, with ample kerb appeal, both coupé and convertible models have ample character-defining and practical features. The coupé’s double-bubble contour roof is reminiscent of classic racing cars. Passengers in the convertible version are protected from the elements by a multi-layer super-tough soft-top which opens which closes in 15 seconds at the touch of a button, and can be deployed at speeds of up to 31mph. 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.
Signature M design features point to top-level performance across both models, including a grille which features the black double bars familiar from other M models and displays the ‘M8’ logo in gloss black. Both cars have a grille surround and model lettering also in the same finish.
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.
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 bi-colour, star-spoke design as standard, fitted with 275/35 R 20 tyres at the front and 285/35 R 20 tyres at the rear.
Slip inside the cabin to discover newly designed sports seats with perforated 3D quilting, pronounced side bolsters, clearly defined shoulder areas and integral head restraints with illuminated model badges. Soft full merino leather trim is standard, and both cars come exclusively with bi-colour leather/Alcantara trim.
Comprehensively equipped as you’d expect, highlights include a new control system which enable the driver to tailor the car’s set-up even more closely to personal preferences and the situation at hand. BMW’s Comfort Access system, telephony with wireless charging, the BMW Display Key, Adaptive LED headlights and ambient lighting are all included as standard. There is also the option of BMW Laserlight with BMW Selective Beam, which generates a high-beam range of up to 600 metres.
As well as boasting a BMW Head-Up Display with M-specific readouts, the new M8 Competition models also come with Driving Assistant and Parking Assistant Plus as standard, while an array of further driver assistance systems are available as options. The BMW Live Cockpit Professional – including navigation system and the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant – is also standard equipment and provides full access to the latest digital services from BMW Connected and BMW ConnectedDrive.
Performance wise, there’s an M Mode button which 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.
The all-new BMW M8 Coupé and Convertible is on sale from now with prices starting from £123,435 OTR.
