Photo: BMW
After taking the veil off the 8 Series Coupe and Convertible, BMW now prepares to launch the M8. The M TwinPower Turbo V8 has been confirmed with more than 440 kW, which translates to north of 600 horsepower from 4.4 liters of displacement. But better still, the flagship model comes with M xDrive, meaning that there’s a rear-wheel-drive mode.
Like the M5 and M5 Competition, the M8 is made to handle as good as possible thanks to the Active M Differential and characteristic suspension setup. The width of the high-performance tires helps too, along with torque vectoring for the rear axle. BMW has also confirmed the M8 Coupe will launch “in the course of 2019,” after which the M8 Convertible and M8 Gran Coupe will complete the range.
Mated to the ZF 8HP eight-speed automatic transmission, the flagship coupe is capable of up to 10.7 liters per 100 kilometers on the WLTP test cycle. Make that 22 miles per gallon in U.S. currency. For reference, the M5 is EPA-rated 17 miles per gallon on the combined cycle (15 in the city, 21 on the highway).
Even though BMW promises “minimized weight” and a low center of gravity for perfect weight distribution, the M8 should be heavier than the M850i xDrive. At 1,965 kilograms from the get-go, we’re expecting the range-topping model to tip the scale at more than two tons.
On the other hand, acceleration should be out of this world considering that the M850i xDrive hits 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.7 seconds. The M5 and M5 Competition do it in 3.4 and 3.3 seconds, which means that BMW will crown the M8 as the absolute highest expression of performance. At least until the M8 Competition comes along, upping the ante to 625 PS (616 horsepower) and 750 Nm (553 pound-feet) of torque.
As far as pricing is concerned, the M8 has the makings of the most expensive M to date. The M5 starts at €117,900 in Germany, the M5 Competition adds €9,000 to the price, and the M850i xDrive retails from €125,700. Color us surprised if the M8 doesn’t cost in the ballpark of €140,000.
Mated to the ZF 8HP eight-speed automatic transmission, the flagship coupe is capable of up to 10.7 liters per 100 kilometers on the WLTP test cycle. Make that 22 miles per gallon in U.S. currency. For reference, the M5 is EPA-rated 17 miles per gallon on the combined cycle (15 in the city, 21 on the highway).
Even though BMW promises “minimized weight” and a low center of gravity for perfect weight distribution, the M8 should be heavier than the M850i xDrive. At 1,965 kilograms from the get-go, we’re expecting the range-topping model to tip the scale at more than two tons.
On the other hand, acceleration should be out of this world considering that the M850i xDrive hits 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.7 seconds. The M5 and M5 Competition do it in 3.4 and 3.3 seconds, which means that BMW will crown the M8 as the absolute highest expression of performance. At least until the M8 Competition comes along, upping the ante to 625 PS (616 horsepower) and 750 Nm (553 pound-feet) of torque.
As far as pricing is concerned, the M8 has the makings of the most expensive M to date. The M5 starts at €117,900 in Germany, the M5 Competition adds €9,000 to the price, and the M850i xDrive retails from €125,700. Color us surprised if the M8 doesn’t cost in the ballpark of €140,000.
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