BMW M8 Impressions


The Gran Coupe rides on a chassis and body which is 9.1-inches longer, 1.4-inches wider, 2.3-inches taller, and with an increased 7.9-inch wheelbase over the M8 Coupe, adding extra stability, comfort and rear interior space. The back seat is actually quite spacious and can seat three people for short hauls.

The 4.4 liter S63 V-8 produces 600 hp at 6,000 rpm and 553 lb-ft of torque at 1,800 – 5,600 rpm thanks to two turbochargers, cross-bank exhaust manifolds, direct injection and upgraded cooling and oil supply. The turbochargers are positioned within the V of the engine block to help improve thermal efficiency and response. The cross-bank exhaust manifolds improve turbocharger and throttle response by reducing the distance the exhaust gases need to flow to reach the turbochargers. The direct fuel injection operates at a very high 5,076 psi ensuring ultra-fine fuel atomization for improved power and efficiency. Water-to-air intercooling helps reduce the temperature of the incoming air charge for improved power.


The advanced cooling system is composed of two separate water circuits, one for the intercoolers and one for the engine and turbochargers. An electric cooling pump ensures that the turbochargers receive sufficient coolant flow even after the engine has been turned off. An additional engine oil cooler and transmission oil cooler ensure the M8 is capable of standing up to the higher thermal demands of track driving.

The V-8 is mated to an 8 speed automatic transmission feeding power to all four wheels. Just like the M5, there is a setting to make the M8 a rear drive car. Under normal circumstances, the system only sends torque to the front wheels when extra traction is required. The default 4WD mode focuses on providing maximum traction and controlled handling. 4WD Sport sharpens the M8’s response and agility further while sending more power to the rear wheels during dynamic driving. Deactivating DSC allows for 2WD mode which activates a unique rear-wheel drive only mode for experienced drivers. In 2WD mode the M8 becomes more like a pony car and is capable of burnouts with ease. Use the launch control and 4WD and you can do 0-60 in 3.1 seconds and a top speed of 190 mph (with the optional M Driver’s Package).


M8 models are equipped with standard M compound brakes featuring drilled, vented steel brake disks measuring 395 mm up front and 380 mm in the rear with fixed, six-piston calipers in the front and floating, single-piston calipers in the back.

Those brakes will cost you over $8000 so choose wisely. The M8 Gran Coupe features the latest version of BMW M’s integrated brake-by-wire system. This system combines braking activation, brake booster and brake control functions into one compact module which saves almost 4.5 pounds over a conventional braking system, while eliminating the vacuum-based components. The system is a bit touchy in everyday driving but nothing to worry about.


The interior appointments of a special car like the M8 needs to set the car apart. Beautiful seats and stitching with illuminated M badging below the headrest area are standard. A 12-inch center display shows all the instruments and can be custom designed to your liking. Our car had the optional Bowers and Wilkins 16 speaker audio system with 1400 watts of audio power. The system will set you back $3400 but the audio quality is superb.

It is also luxurious and well crafted. Unlike many other similar cars, the M8 actually gets decent fuel economy as well. It is a car of few compromises but where it falls short is that it doesn’t feel like a BMW. BMWs used to feel connected and pure but with all the luxury and features, there is a loss. Most people won’t agree or care and will love this car. We love this car as well but wish it drove more like its older brothers.


So the M8 Gran Coupe is an awesome car that can do it all. It is roomy, fast, luxurious, fun, and can even work in bad weather thanks to an advanced 4WD system. The only drawback is that good things in the world usually don’t come cheap and the M8 Gran Coupe starts at around $130,000 with our test car topping the $150,000 mark. That is a lot of money but then this is no ordinary car.