FAR BE IT FROM US to tell you how to spend your money, but we would suggest that the performance of the latest offering from BMW is far beyond anything you’re likely to be able to access on public roads in Australia (or even on a track, come to that).
BMW Australia is set to shake up the high-performance premium coupé market with debut of the first ever BMW M8 Competition Coupé in the first quarter of 2020 (if you’re suffering déjà vu, let us point out that the M8 Competition Gran Coupé that we wrote about on October 11 is actually a four door model; the Competition Coupe is a proper two-door – keep up!)
The new flagship model from the BMW M GmbH stable represents the epitome of performance and roadholding precision backed by motorsport-inspired features, a commanding styling package and the latest BMW technology offerings.
It is fitted with an updated version of the BMW M 4.4-litre V8 TwinPower Turbo engine and 8-Speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic, which contribute to its phenomenal straight-line performance and standard sprint time of just 3.2 seconds.
The V8 turbo unit generates 460kW and 750Nm, with torque available from 1,800rpm up to 5,600rpm and peak power generated at 6,000rpm.
Technical highlights that contribute to performance and efficiency include two twin scroll turbochargers positioned in the V between the cylinder banks, indirect charge air cooling, direct injection with a maximum pressure of 350 bar, and cross-bank exhaust manifolds.
A strong V8 sound is delivered thanks to the M Sport Exhaust system, fitted as standard.
The M8 Competition Coupé features stiff engine mounts with a spring rate of 900N/mm (no, we didn’t know what it meant either, so we looked it up: it’s the amount of force pushing against something perpendicularly, measured in Newtons per square millimetre) to deliver a highly rigid connection between engine and chassis for enhanced response to the driver’s throttle inputs.
Confidence-inspiring handling is aided by standard fitment of the highly advanced M xDrive system, which offers 4WD, 4WD Sport and 2WD modes.
In addition, the Active M differential handles situation-dependent power distribution between the rear wheels to ensure optimal traction and directional stability.
The M8 Competition Coupé features double-wishbone front and five-link rear suspension with reinforcements to key components and chassis elements backed by knowledge gained during development of the BMW M8 GTE race car.
A negative camber of -1.2 degrees on the front wheels also delivers enhanced front-end grip and sharp handling.
Powerful M compound brakes are available as standard with blue calipers, while lightweight M Carbon Ceramic brakes can be specified as a (no doubt very expensive) option.
Both systems are supported by the debut of an integrated adjustable M-specific brake system. This innovative technology combines brake activation, brake booster and braking control function in one compact module. The integrated nature of the system means the driver can choose between two different brake feel settings: SPORT or COMFORT.
Vehicle configurability goes well beyond brake feel. Settings for engine, steering, chassis and the M xDrive system can also be adjusted, while a new M Mode button also allows adjustment of driver assistance systems including minimisation of safety-enhancing interventions and the level of information displayed to the driver across three modes: ROAD, SPORT and TRACK.
The highly sophisticated mechanical package of the M8 Competition Coupé is complemented by a sumptuous and sport-focused cabin. It features supportive M Sport Seats available in BMW Individual full leather Merino upholstery and an instrument panel finished in ‘Walknappa’ leather.
Interior trims are available in either Carbon Fibre or BMW Individual Piano Finish Black as a no-cost option, among others.
The exterior styling package is characterised by muscular sculpted surfaces, large air intakes at the front, M-specific exterior mirrors, 20-inch M-style wheels included as standard and a Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) roof featuring the ‘double bubble’ design.
BMW Group Australia will introduce the vehicle in Competition-only guise to provide local buyers with both the maximum available power output and highest level of standard equipment.
The new BMW Drive Recorder is fitted as standard and enables the surround view camera to create video recordings of up to 40 seconds of the vehicle’s surroundings. The system is capable of recording on demand or can be set up to record automatically in the event of an accident.
The M8 Competition Coupé also comes with the BMW M Driver’s Package, which enables a vehicle top speed of 305km/h and complimentary entry to the BMW Driving Experience Advance 2 course. Entry to the BMW Driving Experience Advance 1 course is also included.
Pricing will start from $352,900 with a host of options available for customers to personalise the M8 Competition Coupé to their individual preferences.
Equipment and options
Standard equipment
- M xDrive
- M Sport Exhaust System
- M Carbon Engine Cover
- 20″ M light alloy wheels Star-spoke style 813 M Bicolour with Performance Tyres
- M Sport Differential
- M Steptronic Sport transmission
- Tyre Pressure Indicator
- Tyre Repair Kit
- Alarm System
- Automatic Operation of Tailgate
- Comfort Access
- Soft Close Doors
- BMW Display Key
- M Carbon roof
- Floor Mats in Velour
- Warning Triangle & First Aid Kit
- Active Seat Ventilation in the Front Seats
- Lumbar Support
- Interior Trim Carbon Fibre
- M Seat Belts
- Heat Comfort package, front, incl. Seat Heating, Steering Wheel Heating and Heated Armrests
- High-Beam Assist
- Driving Assistant Professional
- BMW Laserlight
- Parking Assistant Plus
- Intelligent Emergency Call
- Teleservices
- ConnectedDrive Services
- Connected Package Professional
- Drive Recorder
- Wireless Charging
- BMW Live Cockpit Professional
- BMW Night Vision with person recognition
- DAB Tuner
- Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System
- M Sport Seats
- M Rear Spoiler
- BMW Individual High-Gloss Shadow Line
- BMW Individual Headliner Alcantara Anthracite
- M Competition Package
- M Driver’s Package
- BMW Individual high-gloss Shadow Line with Extended Contents
- Chinese Language Display (NCO)
- BMW Individual Full Leather ‘Merino’ Upholstery
- BMW Individual Metallic Paintwork
Alloy wheels
Standard fitment:
20″ M light alloy wheels Star-spoke style 813 M Bicolour with performance tyres
F: 9.5J × 20, 275/35 R 20
R: 10.5J × 20, 285/35 R 20
Forged alloy
No cost option 1:
20″ M light alloy wheels Star-spoke style 811 M Bicolour with performance tyres
F: 9.5J × 20, 275/35 R 20
R: 10.5J × 20, 285/35 R 20
No cost option 2:
20″ M light alloy wheels Double-spoke style 810 M Jet Black with performance tyres
F: 9.5J × 20, 275/35 R 20
R: 10.5J × 20, 285/35 R 20
Paint finishes
No cost options:
Non-metallic
– Alpine White
Metallic
– Black Sapphire
– Brands Hatch Grey
– Sonic Speed Blue
– Marina Bay Blue
– Donington Grey
– Barcelona Blue
– Motegi Red
BMW Individual Metallic
– Dravit Grey
– Almandine Brown
– Aventurine Red
BMW Individual Special Metallic Paintwork
– Frozen Bluestone ($2,600)
– Brilliant White ($2,000)
– Frozen Brilliant White ($2,600)
– Frozen Cashmere Silver ($2,600)
– Frozen Dark Silver ($2,600)
– Frozen Dark Brown ($2,600)
– Frozen Arctic Grey ($2,600)
– Frozen Marina Bay Blue ($2,600)
– Pure Metal Silver ($10,400)
Interior trims
No cost options:
– Carbon Fibre
– BMW Individual Piano Finish Black
– Fine-Wood Trim Ash Grain Grey Metallic High-Gloss
– BMW Individual Fine-Wood Trim Ash Black Silver Effect High-Gloss
Upholstery
No cost options:
– Silverstone, Black interior colour
– Sakhir Orange, Black interior colour
– Midrand Beige, Black interior colour
– Taruma Brown, Black interior colour
– Black, Black interior colour
BMW Individual Full Leather ‘Merino’ Upholstery
No cost options:
– Ivory White / Night Blue, Ivory White interior colour
Includes BMW Individual Headliner Alcantara in Night Blue
– Ivory White / Tartufo, Tartufo interior colour
Includes BMW Individual Headliner Alcantara in Ivory White
BMW M Carbon Ceramic Brakes with matte gold brake calipers and ‘M’ logo
$16,500
BMW M Carbon Exterior Package $10,300*
Includes:
– Front Apron: Air intake inserts, front left and right
– Mirror Caps
– Rear Spoiler
– Rear Diffuser Insert
Performance and efficiency
| Power (kW) | Torque (Nm) | 0-100km/h (sec) | Fuel consumption (l/100km) | CO2 (g/km) | |
| M8 Competition Coupé 4.4L V8 TwinPower Turbo |
460 | 750 | 3.2 | 10.4 | 239 |
Once we have tested and assessed the new BMW M8 Competition Coupe, seniordriveraus will bring you a comprehensive review, including everything the over-50 driver needs to know.