2024 BMW M8 Review, Pricing and Specs

We would recommend the convertible; you won’t lose any time on the track unless you hold a gold-level FIA racing license, and you can put the top down on the round trip to the circuit. Both body styles come standard with all sorts of luxuries, so we’ll pick the options that help unlock the M8’s full performance potential. These include M Carbon ceramic brakes, which BMW says reduce weight and are built to better withstand track abuse. We will be adding an M Driver package that combines the awesome power of the car at the limit and includes a day of performance driving school. Even better, the package boosts top speed from 155 to 189 mph. We’ll also get the Driving Assistance Professional Package and neck warmers for more comfortable driving at everyday speeds and in all types of weather.

Engine, Transmission and Performance

The M8’s long nose hides a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8 that produces 617 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. It sends that power through an excellent eight-speed automatic and to a rear-biased all-wheel drive system that can send power to the front axle. After time spent in both the coupe and convertible, our only gripe about the powertrain was the limp exhaust note. When we strapped our test gear to the 4251-pound M8 Competition coupe, we were blown away by its blisteringly quick acceleration, reaching 60 mph in just 2.5 seconds. That kind of explosive hustle deserves a hot-blooded song from the quad exhaust pipe. Minor weaknesses emerge when pushing the M8, such as minimal feedback through the thick steering wheel and a somewhat distant brake pedal feel. However, those mistakes don’t overshadow the great grip, compliant ride, and amazing agility of a two-door weighing more than two tons.

Real World Fuel Economy and MPG

The M8 coupe and convertible are expected to be equally fuel inefficient in the city and on the highway. That is, they are both expected to get 15 mpg city and 22 mpg highway. While we haven’t tested any M8s on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, we’ll evaluate real-world mpg when we have a chance to do so. For more information on M8 fuel economy, visit the EPA website.

Interior, Comfort and Cargo

What the M8’s cockpit layout lacks in imagination it makes up for in rich, beautifully stitched leather and elegant trim, especially on the optional two-tone Merino leather interior. Every M8 comes standard with tech and comfort features like a 12.1-inch digital gauge cluster set in a leather-wrapped dashboard, heated and ventilated front seats, remote engine start, customizable ambient lighting, wireless charging and soft-close doors. With a rear seat best suited for small children and a small package, those who regularly transport more than two people will want to consider the more spacious four-door M8 Gran Coupe. We fit five suitcases in the trunk of a regular 8-series coupe, so we expect the M8 to provide the same amount of storage.

Infotainment and Connectivity

BMW’s full-featured infotainment system sits on a 12.3-inch touchscreen. The display can also be controlled by a rotary controller and physical buttons on the center console. Users enjoy sharp graphics and quick responses, but there are so many options that some menus require drivers to take their eyes off the road for too long. The system responds well to voice commands, though, and it can be selected with gesture controls. Desirable standard features include a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot, a 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Safety Features and Driver Assistance

Coupes and convertibles are available with a variety of driver assistance technologies, which include options such as self-parking assist and night vision. For more information on M8 crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

• Standard forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking
• Adaptive cruise control is available
• Blind spot monitoring is available

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

BMW provides a limited warranty and a competitive powertrain that’s on par with its high-performance rivals. The company also offers one of the longest free maintenance plans in the industry.

• The limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• Free maintenance covered for three years or 36,000 miles

More Features and Specifications