I’ll get straight to the point: if I were in the market for a luxury GT coupe today, I’d be heading to a BMW dealership for the M8 Competition.
Oh, a Porsche 911 Turbo is quicker, and a Ferrari Roma’s V8 might sound a bit more exciting. Aston Martin’s Vanquish is also tempting. But, if I were buying a high-end GT, this is the car I’d choose. I’d even spec it like the one I drove in SoCal, right down to the color, the tire selection, and everything. Exactly this car.
The BMW M8 Competition is seriously powerful. This version boasts a 4.4-liter V8 producing 617 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. With launch control and the xDrive all-wheel-drive system engaged, it can hit 100 kilometers per hour in just 3.2 seconds, according to BMW. However, some tests have clocked it even quicker—with 0-60 mph sprints in as little as 2.5 seconds. Expect sub-three-second times to 100 km/h, especially with the grippy Pirelli PZeros.
In short, the M8 Competition is a mighty machine, capable of disappointing those who might be considering a Porsche 911 Turbo or even some recent supercars.
It also sounds great, with delightful noises coming from both the exhausts and the speakers. Despite the possible complaints about its “artificial” soundtrack, the big V8 does the job. While I’d still prefer a V12, good luck finding one in a GT these days.
Some will voice concerns about the eight-speed automatic transmission. The automatic transmissions, including the ones from ZF in this Bimmer, have become incredibly sophisticated with super quick shift times, that there is no reason for a manual transmission in a car like this, aside from romanticizing a time that wasn’t as good as some would like to remember.
A Remarkable Combination of Ride and Handling
However, the powerful V8 isn’t even among the top three reasons to buy the Competition. First and foremost, the handling is exceptional. Recent BMW reviews often lament the loss of their ability to make large cars handle like smaller ones. The M8 Competition, despite its weight (4,295 pounds, or 1,948 kilograms), handles exceptionally. It feels like a well-honed machine. Railing through long sweepers, it sticks like glue, with minimal body roll. Flinging it into tight corners is done with precision.
Even more impressive is that the stiff suspension doesn’t make the Competition feel harsh. The combination of handling and ride is truly amazing. The car manages to handle bumps exceptionally well.
Another factor contributing to its enjoyable handling is that, like many modern BMWs, the M8 Competition utilizes all-wheel drive. However, you can, with the right button combination, send the full 617 horsepower (and, more importantly, all 553 torques) to the rear wheels. While it wasn’t possible to thoroughly test its drifting capabilities, it has the potential to be quite a show.
And finally, the M8 utilizes a computer-controlled brake-by-wire system. Instead of a direct hydraulic connection to the brake pedal, the system engages brakes via a pressure transducer that controls the hydraulic pressure applied to the calipers. The brakes offer plenty of stopping power and are sensitive enough to be manageable.
Comfort Matters
When you’re tackling high-G maneuvers, comfortable seats are key. The M Carbon seats in the M8 Competition keep you firmly in place. The lower side bolstering is adjustable. These are among the most comfortable sports seats I’ve ever sat in, more comfortable than seats in many luxury sedans.
The M8 Competition is also a looker. Its BMW iDrive system is easy to use. Its gesture control works well. While the trunk is spacious, rear seats are not ideal for adults.
Ultimately, the reason you’d spend this much money on a luxury GT coupe is for an optimal combination of performance and comfort. The M8 Competition delivers this better than any gran turismo I’ve driven.
Here’s the exact spec for this car:
The base price for a 2025 BMW M8 Competition is $160,550, options included:
- Premium package (a $9,200 bundle that offers up a Bowers & Wilkins sound system, Driving Assistant Professional, Evasion Assistant, and Traffic Jam Assistant);
- BMW Laserlight Headlights ($1,500);
- M Carbon Ceramic Brakes ($10,900);
- M Carbon seats ($6,500);
The M Carbon Exterior package may not be worth the $5,400.
This is how I’d spec an M8 Competition for the best gran turismo experience (if you’re willing to spend the money, of course).
