2024 BMW M8: A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE ON FEATURES, SPECS, AND PRICING

The BMW M8 is currently the Bavarian brand's oldest M car currently in production, having been introduced in 2019 as one of the performance division's first CLAR-based models, after the last-generation M5. Like the M4, BMW offers this performance range as a traditional Coupe, Gran Touring, and Convertible, but only in Competition form. All three body styles feature the exact same drivetrain configuration. The M8 is the only non-crossover M car that BMW has fitted with its S63 V-8, making it one of the last of its kind, as the brand explores smaller electrified powertrains.

The M8 is a bit older than some of its rivals, but it still delivers an enjoyable, high-performance GT experience that you can enjoy on and off the racetrack. Now that a lot of manufacturers are downsizing and electrifying their GT options, the M8 sits as a rare option. However, this is a remarkably niche segment. This is the first M8 BMW has ever produced and, thus far, it hasn't exactly been the biggest sales success.

What’s New For 2024?

BMW doesn't apply any alterations to the 2024 model year, but it handed the range a minimal revision in 2023, consisting of a revised signature illuminating kidney grille design and infotainment system.

2024 Highlights

• Illuminating kidney grille
• Updated 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with iDrive 7.0
• Twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8
• xDrive all-wheel drive with rear-wheel drive drift mode
• Convertible, Gran Touring, and Convertible body style options

Exterior Dimensions

(Data sourced from BMW)

Engine Specifications And Performance

BMW only equips the M8 range with its S63 twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8, producing 617 horsepower and 553 pound-feet. Power is sent to all four wheels via BMX's xDrive system and eight-speed automatic transmission, but you can deactivate the front driveline if you want the tail to slide out. BMW claims that the M8 Coupe will sprint from 0-60 MPH in 3.0 seconds, but independent tests prove you can achieve times as low as 2.5 seconds in the right conditions.

Tests also reveal the M8 will cover a quarter mile in 11.1 seconds at 124 MPH, while BMW limits top speed to 156 MPH unless you specify the optional $2,500 M Driver's Package, which increases the limit to 196 MPH. BMW issues similar claimed performance figures for all three body styles, so you can expect a consistent experience across the range. As for stopping abilities, the M8 comes standard with M Compound brakes, but if you frequent racetracks, you may want to invest in the $8,500 M Carbon Ceramic brakes.

BMW's S63B44T4 is based on its N-series engine range, but incorporates two twin-scroll turbochargers in the hot-vee formation and a pulse-tuned cross-engine exhaust manifold. BMW M first introduced this engine in the 2018 M5, but it also features in the X5 and X6.

Performance Specifications

(Data sourced from BMW and the EPA)

The M8 sits on a front double wishbone and rear multilink suspension with adaptive springs, resulting in some sharp and poised driving characteristics that outperform most GTs in its class. The performance model balances athleticism and comfort, but critics have noted its poor steering feel and feedback.

Speed and Performance Records

Rhys Millen is a Pikes Peak International Hill Climb veteran. He made an impressive run in the 2023 BMW M8 during the 101st Running of The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. He completed the challenging course, boasting 156 turns and a climb of 4,720 feet from the 9,390-foot start line to the 14,115-foot finish line at the mountain’s summit, in a time of 10 minutes 12.024 seconds. This achievement was a personal best for Millen in the production car class.

Millen's performance at Pikes Peak is a testament to his skill and experience. He has competed in the event multiple times, earning 14 division wins, including eight division records, and two King of the Mountain crowns. His record-setting run in the BMW M8 adds another remarkable achievement to his illustrious career and also highlights BMW's ability to create a car that can adapt to various driving conditions.

Interior Technology And Comfort

Best Interior Features Of The 2024 BMW M8

• Electrically adjustable, heated, and ventilated front M Sport seats with memory functions
• Dual-zone climate control with active-charcoal filters
• Ambient lighting
• Heated and electrically adjustable multifunction steering wheel
• 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• 16-speaker 464-Watt Harman Kardon Surround Sound Audio System

The BMW M8 is the flagship model of the 8 Series range, so the brand has equipped it with the most generous standard specification list. Both the driver and front passenger enjoy a set of M Sport bucket seats upholstered in Merino leather. These seats are electrically adjustable and feature heating, ventilation, and memory functions. The driver takes charge of a leather-upholstered electrically adjustable multifunction steering wheel with heating functions.

Additional features include dual-zone climate control with active-charcoal micro-filters, automatic-dimming interior rearview mirror and driver's-side exterior mirror, adjustable ambient lighting, and a plethora of storage components located at the rear, center console, and dashboard.

You get to choose from Black or Silverstone extended Merino leather, but BMW also provides nine full Merino leather options for $3,500. Individual Piano Black or Ash Black Silver Wood trimming costs $1,080. M Carbon Bucket Seats perfectly suit track enthusiasts, but you have to part with an additional $4,500.

Technology

BMW introduced the updated 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system for the 2023 model year. Fans were surprised that BMW excluded the new iDrive 8.0 configuration from the range, as it now makes the M8 look outdated compared to the rest of BMW's model line. Regardless, this unit still features all the essential software, including wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and navigation.

BMW connects this system to a comprehensive and premium 16-speaker 464-Watt Harman Kardon Surround Sound Audio System. You also get access to a wireless smartphone charger, two USB charging ports, and a 12-volt power socket. For a more enjoyable in-cabin experience, you can specify the $3,400 16-speaker Bowers and Wilkins audio system, which consists of Diamond Dome tweeters and a 1,400-Watt amplifier with 10 fully active channels.

Interior Dimensions

(Data sourced from BMW)

(Data sourced from BMW)

Safety And Reliability

BMW equips the M8 with a comprehensive level of active and passive safety features. This includes airbags for the driver and front passenger, sides, and curtains, front and rear head protection systems, and an intelligent impact sensor that activates a battery safety terminal, which disconnects the alternator, fuel pump, and starter from the battery. It also automatically unlocks the doors and turns on the hazards and interior lights.

Driver Assistance Features

BMW doesn't include its full advanced driver assistance suite as standard, but you'll find most of the key features. These include its Active Guard with lane departure Warning, frontal collision warning, and automatic city collision mitigation and braking. Thankfully, you only need to pay an extra $100 to specify the Driving Assistance Package, which includes active blind-spot detection, among other parking assistance features. The $1,700 Driving Assistance Professional Package adds steering and lane keeping assistant, lane change assistant, emergency stop assistant, evasion aid, and traffic jam assistance to the adaptive cruise control suite.

• Lane departure warning
• Frontal collision warning
• Automatic city collision mitigation and braking
• Optional active blind-spot detection
• Optional Driving Assistance Professional Package

• Recalls (NHTSA): 0
• NHTSA Investigations: 0
• NHTSA Consumer Complaints: 0

Warranties

The BMW M8 range ships standard with the brand's basic warranty package, which includes bumper-to-bumper and powertrain coverage for 48 months or 50,000 miles. BMW also covers roadside assistance for 48 months with an unlimited mileage cap and scheduled maintenances during a 36-month or 36,000-mile period. BMW covers corrosion for 96 months over unlimited miles. You can extend this coverage by up to seven more years via BMW's Ultimate Care+ 4 plan, which costs $6,649.

(Data sourced from BMW)

2024 BMW M8 Versus Its Competitors

The BMW M8 tackles some noteworthy rivals in the GT sphere. Its opponents vary based on the body style, but considering the Gran Coupe is the most popular option, its most challenging foes are the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S four-door and Audi RS7 Sportback. Mercedes-AMG's new GT and SL range aptly challenges the M8 Coupe and Convertible, but Audi doesn't have any two-door options that compete in this sphere.

How The BMW M8 Compares To The Mercedes-AMG GT Four-Door

• 2024 BMW M8	Mercedes-AMG GT 63 Four-Door Coupe
  Model	BMW M8 Competition	Mercedes-AMG GT 63 Four-Door
  Engine	Twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8	Twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8
  Transmission	Eight-speed automatic	Nine-speed automatic
  Horsepower	617 HP @ 6,000 RPM	630 HP @ 6,000 RPM
  Torque	553 LB-FT @ 1,800 RPM	664 LB-FT @ 2,400 RPM
  Driveline	All-wheel drive	All-wheel drive
  Range	342 miles	380 miles
  MSRP	$140,795	$136,595
  Fuel Economy	17 MPG	18 MPG
  0-60 MPH	3.0 seconds	3.3 seconds
  Quarter-Mile	10.7 seconds @ 129 MPH	11.1 Seconds @ 125 MPH

The Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S is the M8 Competition's most noteworthy rival. It features a smaller twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 producing more power and torque to all four wheels via a transmission with one more gear. Despite this, its claimed sprint time is a bit slower than the Bavarian model's. It's also a bit slower down the quarter mile. On the efficiency front, the AMG doesn't fare that much better than the M8 either, but it is marginally more efficient with a higher range on a single tank.

Interestingly, the AMG GT 63 S Four-Door is cheaper than the M8 by a few thousand dollars and boasts a similar features list. The GT Four-Door also features a more comprehensive range, including the 53, which rivals the 850i, and 63 S E-Performance.

How The BMW M8 Compares To The Audi RS7

• 2024 BMW M8

  ModelBMW M8 Competition

  EngineTwin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8

  TransmissionEight-speed automatic

  Horsepower617 HP @ 6,000 RPM

  Torque553 LB-FT @ 1,800 RPM

  DrivelineAll-wheel drive

  Range342 miles

  MSRP$140,795

  Fuel Economy17 MPG

  0-60 MPH3.0 seconds

  Quarter-Mile10.7 seconds @ 129 MPH

• 2024 Audi RS7

  ModelAudi RS7

  EngineTwin-turbocharged 4.-liter V-8

  TransmissionEight-speed automatic

  Horsepower591 HP @ 6,250 RPM

  Torque590 LB-FT @ 2,050 RPM

  DrivelineAll-wheel drive

  Range328 miles

  MSRP$130,195

  Fuel Economy17 MPG

  0-60 MPH3.3 seconds

  Quarter-Mile11.2 seconds @ 123 MPH

The Audi RS7 also features a smaller twin-turbo V-8, but it is noticeably less powerful than the M8 Competition's unit, but boasts a higher torque figure. The result is a slower 0-60 MPH acceleration and quarter-mile times. Despite featuring a smaller and less powerful engine, the EPA rates the RS7 to be as efficient as the M8 range. Critics also suggest that the Audi isn't as engaging to drive as the BMW.

The RS7 is considerably less expensive and boasts a more attractive and futuristic interior design that appeases many enthusiasts. Audi also appears to have mastered the four-door coupe configuration, as the RS7 features more cargo space compared to the BMW.

How Much A 2024 BMW M8 Costs

The BMW M8 Coupe and Gran Coupe cost $138,800, while the Convertible stretches the budget to $148,800. These prices exclude BMW's $995 destination charge.

(Pricing sourced from BMW)

Fuel Economy

The EOA estimates all variations of the M8 Competition to return the same fuel consumption figures. It returns a 15/22/17 MPG result on the city/highway/combined cycle and an estimated $3,650 annual fuel cost.

(Data sourced from the EPA)

Is It Worth Buying The BMW M8?

The BMW M8 is still a worthwhile purchase if you are looking for an engaging and fast grand tourer. Regardless of which body style you opt for, the Bavarian brand's high-end M performance model is a smile-inducing option that doesn't fail at making a statement wherever it does. It's a great example of how to merge a tailored luxury car experience with adrenaline-pumping performance abilities.

The M8 is a comparatively older option in BMW M's existing line-up, but it's still a more viable option, primarily thanks to its electric-free V-8 drivetrain. We suggest you take advantage of the brand's big-displacement cars before they get replaced by a downsized and electrified configuration.

2024-03-21T23:42:53Z dg43tfdfdgfd