2024 BMW M8 Evaluation, Pricing and Specs

We’d recommend the convertible; you won’t lose any time at the track unless you hold a gold-level FIA racing license, and you can put the top down on the way to and from the circuit. Both body styles come standard with all manner of luxuries, so we’d select options that help unlock the M8’s full performance potential. These include the M Carbon ceramic brakes, which BMW says reduce weight and are built to better withstand track abuse. We’d add the M Driver’s package that marshals the car’s formidable power at the limit and includes one day of performance driving school. Even better, the package increases the top speed from 155 to 189 mph. We’d also get the Driving Assistance Professional Package and the neck warmers for more comfortable driving at everyday speeds and in all types of weather.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The M8’s long nose hides a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8 that makes 617 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. It sends that power through an excellent eight-speed automatic and on to a rear-biased all-wheel-drive system that can disengage power to the front axle. After time spent in both the coupe and convertible, our only disappointment about the powertrain is the limp exhaust note. When we strapped our test gear to the 4251-pound M8 Competition coupe, we were blown away by its ridiculously quick acceleration, reaching 60 mph in just 2.5 seconds. Such explosive hustle deserves a hot-blooded song from the quad exhaust pipes. Small weaknesses emerge when pushing the M8, like minimal feedback through the thick steering wheel and a somewhat distant brake pedal feel. That said, those faults don’t overshadow the enormous grip, compliant ride, and astonishing nimbleness of a two-door weighing more than two tons.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The M8 coupe and convertible are expected to be equally fuel-inefficient in the city and on the highway. That is to say, they’re both expected to earn 15 mpg city and 22 mpg highway. While we haven’t tested any M8 on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, we’ll evaluate its real-world mpg once we have the opportunity to do so. For more information about the M8’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

What the M8’s cockpit layout lacks in imagination it makes up for with rich, beautifully stitched leather and elegant ornamental trim, especially on the optional Merino leather two-tone interiors. Every M8 comes standard with tech and feel-good features like a 12.1-inch digital gauge cluster set in a leather-covered dashboard, heated and ventilated front seats, remote engine start, customizable ambient lighting, wireless charging, and soft-close doors. With rear seats best reserved for toddlers and small packages, those who regularly shuttle more than two people will want to consider the roomier four-door M8 Gran Coupe. We stashed five carry-on suitcases in the trunk of a regular 8-series coupe, so we expect the M8 to provide the same amount of storage.

Infotainment and Connectivity

BMW’s feature-packed infotainment system resides on a 12.3-inch touchscreen. The display can also be controlled by a rotary controller and physical buttons on the center console. Users enjoy crisp graphics and quick responses, but there are so many options that some menus require the driver to take their eyes off the road for far too long. The system responds well to voice commands, though, and it can be optioned with gesture controls. Desirable standard features include a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot, a 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The coupe and convertible are available with myriad driver-assistance technology, which includes options such as self-parking assist and night vision. For more information about the M8’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

• Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
• Available adaptive cruise control
• Available blind-spot monitoring

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

BMW provides a competitive limited and powertrain warranty that aligns with those of its high-performance rivals. The company also offers one of the longest complimentary maintenance plans in the industry.

• Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• Complimentary maintenance is covered for three years or 36,000 miles

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