The flagship BMW M8 Competition Coupé and Gran Coupé models will arrive in Australia later this year carrying a range of enhancements that advance their style, individual character and technology.
Headline changes include the expansion of paint finish offerings, addition of the M Lights Shadow Line, new interior combinations and special BMW Motorsport badging as part of celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of BMW M.
The interior of both models will also feature a 12.3-inch control display as part of the model change.
Despite having independent body concepts, these models each embody an individual expression of M, while sharing drive and chassis technology designed for a heightened driving experience.
Power is courtesy of a V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology that generates a maximum output of 460kW and maximum torque of 750Nm. In typical BMW M fashion, the engine develops high drive torque over wide load ranges.
It puts its power to the road via an 8-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic and the M xDrive all-wheel drive system. Their precise coordination enables blistering straight-line acceleration, with standstill to 100 km/h completed in just 3.2 seconds.
Chassis technology developed with extensive knowledge of racing and tailored to each model guarantees the characteristic harmony of dynamics, agility and precision.
Aerodynamically optimised lines and M-specific design features that are geared to the functional requirements of a high-performance sports car also characterise the unmistakable appearance of the BMW M8 Competition Coupé and Gran Coupé.
The clear surface design of the exterior is now underlined by new exterior colours, with seven variants now available for the first time for the two models, including Skyscraper Grey Metallic, M Brooklyn Grey Metallic and Isle of Man Green Metallic.
BMW Individual Tanzanite Blue Metallic joins new matte finishes; Frozen Pure Grey Metallic, Daytona Beach Blue and Frozen Tanzanite Blue Metallic.
BMW’s Laserlight system, with adaptive cornering light and glare-free main beam assistant is fitted as standard, while Australian-delivered models also feature M Lights Shadow Line, which incorporates a dark design for the inserts and chrome inside the headlamps.
In combination with the high-gloss black frame of the BMW kidney, M Lights Shadow Line provides the front design with a striking appearance. A new 20-inch M light alloy wheel design in Bicolour Black Grey has been added to the specification list for both models too.
Chassis technology in the new BMW M8 models includes electronically controlled shock absorbers and an electromechanical M Servotronic steering system, as well as an integrated brake system that enables the display of two pedal characteristics.
This allows the driver to choose between a comfort-oriented and a sporty-direct pedal feeling. As an alternative to the standard M Compound brake system, an optional M Carbon ceramic brake is available.
M Dynamic Mode is delivered through dynamic stability control, and in combination with the rear-wheel-driven design of the M xDrive, spirited driving manoeuvres including controlled drifts can be experienced.
The interior combines a typical M cockpit design with modern luxury. The standard M sports seats strike a balance between support for intensive driving and sumptuous comfort for grand touring.
Optionally available M Carbon bucket seats create an unadulterated race bred feeling for the driver and passenger.
With their structure-based design, visible carbon fibre reinforced plastic surfaces, integrated headrests, openings in the backrests and side cheeks and guides for multi-point seat belts, they combine racing functionality with long-distance comfort.
They are also heated and offer electrical adjustment options, illuminated “M8” lettering on the headrests and a memory function on the driver’s side.
In combination with the M sports seats and the M Carbon bucket seats, a full-leather Merino/Alcantara trim is standard on new BMW M8 models. It is now also available for the first time in the colour combination Black/Sakhir Orange.
In addition, the black Alcantara elements in all versions are now extended to the instrument panel and the upper areas of the door sills.
The standard BMW head-up display offers M-specific displays, while the setup button on the centre console allows direct access to the settings for the engine, damper, steering, M xDrive and brake system.
Two variants of the individually created M Setup can be permanently stored together with the preferred settings for the drive sound, the gearshift characteristic, the driving stability control and auto start/stop function.
They can then be accessed by pressing one of the two M buttons on the steering wheel. ROAD, SPORT and TRACK can be selected to suit individual preferences and intention too.
The BMW Live Cockpit Professional is also part of standard equipment in the BMW M8 Competition Coupé and BMW M8 Competition Gran Coupé.
It includes a control display whose screen size has now grown from 10.25 to 12.3 inches. The touch function of the large on-board monitor allows a rapid, comfortable and intuitive operation of numerous vehicle functions.
The BMW Live Cockpit Professional includes the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant for controlling a multitude of vehicle functions by voice.
The standard equipment offering also includes parking assistant, with reversing assistant, wireless charging and a Bowers & Wilkins Diamond surround sound system with 16 speakers and 1400 watts of power to deliver a superior audio experience.
The 2022 BMW M8 Competition Coupé, complete with BMW Motorsport heritage badging, is priced at $362,900 plus on-roads, while the Gran Coupé version hits the tarmac at $359,900 – again plus on-roads.
