At last they land: the BMW M8 Gran Coupe and BMW M8 Competition Gran Coupé

The duo formed by the BMW M8 Gran Coupe and BMW M8 Competition Gran Coupé is the pair that was still missing to complete the range of the new 8 Series developed by M

We had been waiting for them since the prototype was unveiled, which previewed what is now a reality. The BMW M8 Gran Coupé Concept presented at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show made it clear that the decision to develop a four-door version, with a body extended thanks to a 200 mm increase in the wheelbase, was more than a design exercise compared with the two-door M8.

And so it is confirmed with the debut of the new BMW M8 Gran Coupé and BMW M8 Competition Gran Coupé, two superb warships with enough capacity to thrill everyone on board and to intimidate anyone sailing in their vicinity.

Especially considering the roar coming from its engine and the response obtained when pressing down on the right pedal.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kt0VH2iULrw

The mechanics of the BMW M8 Gran Coupé siblings

In both cases, despite sharing the same 8-cylinder block, arranged in a V configuration, a V8 engine paired with an M TwinPower Turbo twin-turbo system that, in the BMW M8 Gran Coupé, delivers 600 CV and 750 Nm of torque, while the BMW M8 Competition Gran Coupé has 625 horses and the same amount of torque for towing.

Both cars feature a high-performance 8-speed gearbox, M Steptronic with integrated Drivelogic system.

The power from the mechanical unit is transmitted to the wheels through the M xDrive system, which sends power to the rear wheels by default in everyday situations, although it is possible to configure the drive like an all-wheel-drive car by activating 4WD mode.

Thus, the acceleration of the BMW M8 Gran Coupé from standstill to 100 km/h is set at just 3.3 seconds. The Competition, meanwhile, shaves off a tenth of a second.

A car ready for the track

Considering track use, the chassis of this car has been specially treated to respond more in line with the demands of a closed circuit.

It thus features stiffer mounts than the BMW 8 Series, electronically controlled dampers, an electromechanical M Servotronic steering system, and dynamic stability control (DSC) that includes M Dynamic Mode, along with a braking system offering two distinct configurations and responses: one for standard, comfortable use and another that is more immediate and direct, all to enhance driving emotions and find the optimal balance between the comfort of a grand tourer and a high-performance sports car.

And, to adjust the car’s response to the driving style, it also equips the button for accessing the engine configuration, suspension, traction, steering and the aforementioned braking system.

In the case of the BMW M8 Competition Gran Coupé, the set-up can be selected from the driver’s seat as Road, Sport or Track, depending on the moment.

Interior space in a car designed to thrill

As for the driver’s seat and the rest of the seats in the tandem formed by the BMW M8 Gran Coupé and BMW M8 Competition Gran Coupé, in both cases the luxury, exclusivity and distinction are based on high-quality materials, an elitist design and a comfort reminiscent of a grand lounge.

At first glance, one might think these cars are aimed at bourgeois, unremarkable use on long journeys, but it is clear that, in this case, the sporty individual seats make it obvious that, rather than just fastening the seatbelt, it is necessary to fasten the 6-point harness before setting off.

Regarding the technological devices and features, both versions come standard with the BMW Driving Assistant and parking assistant BMW, and offer connectivity through the BMW Live Cockpit Professional, which integrates the navigation system and an intelligent personal assistant
BMW.

The landing begins with a first limited edition

This pair will be officially presented at the Los Angeles Auto Show
, next November of this same year.

There, in the United States, the price of the BMW M8 Gran Coupé is already known: from $130,995, and from $143,995 for the BMW M8 Competition Gran Coupé, figures that are $3,000 less than the two-door versions.

By the time sales begin, a limited edition of 400 units worldwide will be available, sold as the BMW M8 Gran Coupé First Edition, which stands out at first glance thanks to its BMW Individual paint in Aurora Diamond Green metallic with Gold Bronze details, very similar to the prototype we mentioned at the beginning.