After an exhilarating 15-minute drive in the 2023 BMW M8 Competition Coupe, I bring the car to a stop at a stop sign. As I wait, warm air escapes from the side fender vent and enters the cabin through my open window, filling the space with the excess heat generated by the powerful 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine. To counterbalance the warmth, I adjust the fan speed of the auto climate control and maximize the ventilation settings of my seat. Satisfied with the temperature, I press the accelerator once again, causing the digital speedometer to rapidly climb.
The M8 Competition is an impressive car in every conceivable aspect. However, BMW faced challenges with the model, leading them to halt sal es of the M8 Coupe and Convertible in 2021 due to an excess of 2020 models still available at dealerships. The main deterrent for customers was the exorbitant price tag, with the 2020 M8 Competition Coupe starting at an intimidating $146,995. Considering three years of inflation and industry-wide price increases, it is surprising to find that the 2023 model’s price is now $131,995—a rare case where the price has actually decreased. This price reduction is not the only improvement that BMW has made to the 2023 M8. The most significant change is the addition of the optional M Carbon bucket seats, which were first introduced in the M3 and M4 models. While these seats may not be ideal for long-distance touring, they make a strong statement with their impressive design and support. The entire 8 Series lineup has also received upgrades, including a larger 12.3-inch infotainment display running on iDrive 7.
This is a welcome change compared to other BMW models that have transitioned to the less user-friendly iDrive 8. In terms of exterior aesthetics, the M8 has received a new grille, additional black trim, and the availability of the classic BMW Motorsport logo. Five new colors have also been added to the palette, with the Brooklyn Grey Metallic catching my eye on the test car. However, my personal recommendation would be to choose the new Isle of Man Green option for a more distinctive look. The mid-cycle refresh of the 8 Series—specifically the M8—has been well-executed. The V8 engine in the BMW M8 Competition Coupe is a combination of qualities that thrill any enthusiast. When the engine roars to life at the touch of the red start button, its powerful and muscular sound immediately asserts its dominance over BMW’s inline-six engines. The low-end torque of this engine ensures that keeping up with traffic is effortless, as the revs rarely exceed 2,500 rpm when left to the eight-speed automatic transmission. Even when driven in a calm manner, the M-specific exhaust produces satisfying rumbling sounds that reverberate through the surroundings.
When the engine is pushed past 5,000 rpm to its redline of 7,200 rpm, the acceleration becomes even more captivating. The twin turbos provide constant boost, and thanks to the rear-biased all-wheel drive system, the M8 delivers all 617 horsepower and 553 pounds-feet of torque to the wheels with remarkable agility. With each gear change, the acceleration intensifies, creating a thrilling experience for the driver. The launch control feature is particularly exhilarating, propelling the M8 from a standstill to 60 mph in an astonishing 2.5 seconds. This acceleration feels even quicker than BMW’s claimed 3.0 seconds, and it undoubtedly positions the M8 as one of the fastest cars on the market. Opting for the M Driver’s Package allows drivers to reach a top speed of 190 mph. Weighing a hefty 4,295 pounds, the M8 does feel its weight when pushed through corners. It is not as nimble as the M4, but this is to be expected from a car that is designed to excel both as a corner carver and a grand tourer. The steering wheel feels thick and slightly numb, and the heavy steering combined with the car’s size reduces driver confidence. However, this chassis delivers a raw connection to the road thanks to its ball joints, stiff engine mounts, unique camber settings, and well-tuned adaptive dampers.
The M8’s wide Pirelli P Zero summer tires offer impressive grip, allowing drivers to accelerate confidently through corners. Shifting through the eight-speed transmission is a rapid and enjoyable experience, accompanied by satisfying exhaust notes with every downshift. The sound is not obtrusive or predictable, striking the perfect balance of excitement. However, the BMW M8 Competition’s firm suspension can become tiresome on rough roads, as it transmits every crack and pothole directly to the occupants. In contrast, the rest of the cabin and the trunk are designed with comfort in mind. The spacious trunk offers ample room for luggage and other items, making the M8 suitable for grand touring adventures. While the rear seat lacks headroom, it can still accommodate an adult below average height comfortably. The cabin is adorned with luxurious features, such as leather and Alcantara surfaces, metal switchgear, and glossy carbon fiber trim.
The updated and larger screen is a significant improvement, and opting for vibrant color options enhances the ambiance within the car. However, the interior execution of the Lexus LC 500 surpasses that of the BMW M8 Competition in terms of elegance and sportiness. Despite its potential drawbacks, the M8’s price is now more competitive compared to rival models like the Porsche 911, Jaguar F-Type, Lexus LC 500, and even the Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray and Z06 variants. With the absence of an S-Class Coupe with an AMG version, BMW has strategically positioned the M8 as the leading German performance coupe with a powerful V8 engine. Its striking appearance and performance ensure that it stands out, and we can only hope that BMW continues to offer such impressive vehicles in the future.