BMW M8 Coupe Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

BMW introduced a facelifted version for the 8th Series' second generation in 2022, and it offered it with the M-treatment for every body shape. But the brand's purists couldn't choose anything else than the coupe version.

When the first generation of the 8-Series, the E31, was unveiled, BMW's fans asked for an M-version. The carmaker worked on that, made the prototype, and then hid it into storage, where it remained forever. But with the second generation of the 8-Series, which happened in 2018, the carmaker didn't avoid the high-performance version for it and made the M8 Competition. Moreover, it offered it on all three body styles: Coupe, Convertible, and Gran Coupe.

Like the rest of the facelifted range, the M8 Competition showed up with the M-specific front bumper that featured a wide air intake on the front apron, flanked by two scoops that cooled the brakes. To release the air trapped inside the wheel-well, the carmaker added an extracting vent on each side of the vehicle, on the front fenders. The hood featured two longitudinal bulges, like a warning for V-engine underneath it. Unlike the rest of the range, the M8 Competition came fitted as standard with 20" light-alloy wheels.

The interior was upgraded, and the most striking difference was for the infotainment screen, which stood atop the center stack. Unlike the non-facelifted version, it featured a standard 12.3" display instead of the older 10.25" units used before. The interior is upholstered in Merino leather/Alcantara as standard, with either M sport seats or M carbon bucket seats, depending on the option.

Under the hood, the V8 twin-turbo powerplant delivered enough performance to chase most supercars from its era. As usual, the coupe version was a little bit quicker on the 0-62 mph (0-100 kph) run than the convertible.

After trading the 6 Series nameplate with the 8 Series, the German automaker made a final move and introduced the M8 as the top-notch version of this moniker, along with its fiercer sibling, the M8 Competition.

In 2018, BMW replaced the 6 Series with the 8 Series. The new model was the carmaker’s latest grand tourer vehicle. But customers were eager to see the most potent version of the lineup, the M8. But the German brand let them wait until 2019, and the wait worthed it. The car was showcased as a concept in 2017 at the Frankfurt Motor Show, but the final product exceeded expectations in terms of performance, comfort, and luxury. Unlike the M8 Competition, the regular M8 was more comfortable and easier to live with.

The 8 Series was already praised for its design, but the M8 satisfied those who wished a meaner look for their vehicle. Its front bumper featured a broad center grille on the lower side of the bumper flanked by rectangular, taller side scoops. These housed the fog lamps and the air intakes that cooled the front rotors. The grille was offered with black paint and illuminated from behind by a set of LEDs. As a result, the M8 looked even fiercer at night time. From its profile, the elegant shape of the vehicle was altered with the addition of M8 badges on the front fenders and different side sills. Moreover, the automaker installed a small lip spoiler at the back, on the trunk’s lid. Last but not least, underneath the rear bumper, it installed a massive diffuser, which also housed the four round exhaust pipes, grouped by two, on each side of the vehicle.

Inside, the 8 Series was already an elegant vehicle fitted with all the necessary amenities needed by a grand tourer. But the automaker didn’t stop there and improved the cabin with high-bolstered bucket seats for the front occupants. In addition, as an option, BMW provided the M8 with different color combinations and trims. The three-spoke steering wheel with paddle-shifters behind was fitted as standard, and the driver fronted a 12.3” instrument cluster. In addition, a frameless 10.25” touchscreen sat atop the center stack for the iDrive infotainment unit. Moreover, a head-up display could show the driver all the info they need, projected directly onto the windshield. Just like its 8 Series sibling, the M8 came with a split-folding (50/50) bench seat in the back that could expand the 420 liter (14.8 cu-ft) trunk space.

But the real magic happened under the car’s skin. Underneath the hood, BMW installed a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which produced 600 HP in the M8 version and 617 HP for the M8 Competition. Both versions were paired with an eight-speed Steptronic automatic gearbox that sent all the oomph in all corners. The driver had the option to select different driving programs, including one that could send 100% of the torque to the rear wheels only. As a result, the 2019 M8 could reach 60 MPH (0-97 kph) from zero in 3.1 seconds, while the M8 Competition could do the same test in 3.0 seconds. Both versions had a capped top speed of 155 MPH (250 kph).