Two years after its introduction, the second generation 8-series is officially out. The grand tourer is back after a two-decade lapse to become BMW’s flagship car. Bringing supercar-level performance and luxury in a grand touring package, the new M8 is the crown-jewel of the German automaker.
The 2020 BMW M8 launches as a 2-door coupe or soft-top convertible with both models having more powerful Competition versions. A 4-door Gran Coupe will soon join the ranks, likely with a Competition version on its own.
BMW M8 will use an upgraded M5 powertrain
The new M8 will use the 4.4-liter, twin-turbo V8 engine that debuted with the 2018 BMW M5. The engine uses a “Hot V” layout with the turbocharges located in between the cylinder banks for increased efficiency and turbo-response.
In the 2020 M8, the engine receives a boost to 600 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. The Competition package comes with further tuning, developing 617 horsepower with a wider maximum torque band.
It’s the most powerful engine produced by BMW M, and according to CEO Markus Flasch, M8 “will be the fastest ever BMW at the Nürburgring Nordschleife.”
The grand tourer packs impressive 3-second performance
2020 M8 accelerates from zero to 60 mph 0.3 seconds faster than the M5 with which it shares hardware.
- Coupe – 3.1 seconds
- Coupe Competition – 3.0 seconds
- Convertible – 3.2 seconds
- Convertible Competition – 3.1 seconds
All models have an electronically limited top speed at 155 mph. However, if you also purchase M Driver’s Package, you can unlock a top speed of 189 mph.
Intelligent rear-wheel or all-wheel drive experience
An M Steptronic transmission offers 8 speeds in either automatic or paddle-shifted modes. In automatic mode, the gearbox uses GPS to predict shifts based on the navigation data.
M8 is rear-wheel drive by default. The electronically operated transfer case only activates the front axle when the rear wheels lose grip. An Active M differential further modulates the power between the rear wheels.
Depending on the operating mode, the car will happily dance for you, or it will use all four wheels to keep you stable on the road.
The intelligent all-wheel drive, coupled with dynamic independent suspension on each corner, makes the M8 capable and reliable in all weather and road conditions.
A single button dials in the drive mode, transmission, and xDrive options, giving drivers the ability to fine-tune the car to their preferences.
The M8 is plenty capable for street, sport, and track driving with a number of competition victories in the past couple of years.
Unmistaken BMW luxury and cutting-edge interface
Although it can glue you to your seat like no other BMW, the new M8 is not an engine only.
The car will welcome you with the finest BMW interior. Extended Merino leather, carbon fiber trim, and full M-package equipment come standard.
Options allow you to order the interior in full leather and wood trim, as well as Alcantara headliner for the Coupe.
Convertibles come with a multi-layer, insulated soft top that opens and closes in 15 seconds at up to 30 mph.
BMW Live Cockpit Professional is an integrated operating system which powers the 12.5-inch instrument cluster and 10.5-inch central console display. Drivers can use new improved touch-screen interfaces, but also advanced voice and gesture control.
Furthermore, BMW has included its state of the art Head-Up Display. It will project everything from speed and road warnings to navigation and contact lists directly into the field of vision. An incredible wealth of information is available to the driver, without them having to lose focus from the road.
2020 BMW M8 is priced below its competitors
Despite the preposterous amount of technology mashed into the car, it’s fairly inexpensive for its class.
Prices start at $133,000 for the Coupe and $142,500 for the Convertible, with the Competition versions and extra options stacking on top. It’s still a six-figure car, but significantly cheaper than other high-end grand tourers like the Aston Martin Vantage or Ferrari 812 Superfast.
At the same time, its performance is claimed to be on par if not better. Is the 2020 BMW M8 a bona fide supercar? That is yet to be confirmed.
