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BMW M8 Competition Grand Coupe
The BMW M8 Competition Grand Coupe is one of the slickest four-door sedans on the road today. It’s also a bad-ass when it comes to acceleration, handling and at the end of a sprint, braking. But with the description “Competition” in the name, would you be taking it to the track? Here at Napleton News, we work hard for our money, so the answer would be no. But you? Go knock yourself out. It’s your $150,000!
The M8 Competition Grand Coupe is powered by a specially-built 4.4-liter twin turbocharged V8 engine. This mill (officially) makes 617 horsepower, but from our seat-of-the-pants dynamometer, we think it’s somewhere in the neighborhood of 700 HP. Torque checks in around 553 lb-ft so needless to say, it’s a stump puller that allegedly rivals many McLaren supercars. There aren’t many McLaren cars near where we live so I didn’t have time to check it out exactly.
The engine is an amazing piece of technology in a relatively small package. The twin turbos live in the valley between the camshafts for a shorter run length to the turbos. From there, it’s a straight shot to the performance exhaust system. If you think the exhaust is a bit too subtle, push the enhancement button on the console for an extra bit of growl.
The engine matches up to a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission and BMW all-wheel drive. The M8 rides on an all-aluminum dual wishbone front suspension and a multi-link rear kit for extremely precise handling. Since it is the Competition model, it includes stiffer engine mounts, loads of chassis bracing, 10 percent stiffer springs, and a ride height that has been lowered an inch and a half for better aero and handling overall. To wrap it up, the M8 Competition rides on a set of 20-inch rims and sport tires.
Think of a love child between BMW’s M4 coupe and the M5 sedan. Roughly the same size, there’s a certain sexiness from this body style. Sure, it has the long nose/short tail look that we think looks boss, but the added cherry on top is the carbon fiber roof panel and trunk lid spoiler. The Napleton crew likes the looks so far…
Interestingly enough, the M8 Competition Grand Coupe has managed to avoid getting the new “all nostril” look seen on some other BMW vehicles. Saved by the bell is a likely metaphor here. Or maybe it was just plain lucky.
The interior of the M8 Competition is a great place to get to work. It features Sakhir Orange leather seats covering traditional M series seats. They are a better choice than the carbon fiber “nut buster” versions that some buy and end up disliking almost instantly. Refer to the seat’s nickname for reasons to avoid them.
The steering wheel was adjustable into a perfect position that was not too high or too low. Paddle shift levers are included but we honestly never found the need, or desire to use them. The other thing: The M8 Comp is a four seater. Although it is a four-door sedan, a rear console that will prevent a third (middle row) passenger from sitting in the second row.
Push the red button and the 4.4-liter twin turbo jumps to life. It’s a throaty gurgle that makes your hair stand on end. Click the gear selection lever to the right and it selects Drive. Click it again and it goes to the first of eight gears from the ZF 8-speed transmission. Practice this first! We weren’t aware of that function and double clicked the trans into first gear. It’s embarrassing, especially with cars all around you at a stoplight.
Once we realized our mistake, we were on our way. The adjustable seats allowed us to get properly fitted, but we weren’t able to flatten the lumbar support to nil. Despite being at the lowest setting, it still felt as though it was pushing us in the center of our back.
Acceleration is massive with this engine. Smoothly progressive, it surges forward relentlessly, pushing you into the seat. Handling was stellar, and the steering ultra-precise. It was as though you would think of where you wanted to put the car and a few seconds later, you were there.
You can’t ask for a better response from the M8. But hey, let’s lose the “Competition” moniker, huh?
2023 BMW M8 Competition Grand Coupe | |
Engine Type | 4.4-liter Twin Turbo V8 engine |
Horsepower | 617 hp @6,000 rpm |
Torque | 553 lb-ft 1,800-5,860 rpm |
Transmission | 8-speed M Steptronic |
Fuel Economy (Combined/City/Hwy) | 17 avg / 15 city/ 22 hwy |
Suspension F/R | Double Wishbone/Multilink |
Turning Circle | 39 |
Also Available | Base Models |
Specs | |
Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles |
Powertrain Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles |
NHTSA Safety Rating | Not Rated |
Max Seating Capacity | 4 |
Wheelbase | 111.1 inches |
Overall Length | 191.2 inches |
Width | 74.9 inches |
Height | 53.0 inches |
Cargo Room | 14.8 cubic feet |
Headroom, Front | 38.9 inches |
Headroom, 2nd | 33.6 inches |
Legroom, 1st | 42.1 inches |
Legroom, 2nd | 29.5 inches |
Shoulder room, 1st row | 57.2 inches |
Shoulder room, 2nd row | 46.9 inches |
This post was published on March 8, 2024
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