2020 BMW M8 Top Shot
As a seasoned automotive journalist, I’ve had the privilege of experiencing a vast spectrum of high-performance vehicles, from the nimble agility of supercars to the raw power of muscle cars. In a world where speed has become almost commonplace, it takes something truly exceptional to leave a lasting impression. Enter the 2020 Bmw M8 Competition, a vehicle that redefines the boundaries of grand touring and stands as a testament to BMW’s engineering prowess. This isn’t just fast; it’s an experience that recalibrates your perception of automotive velocity.
Redefining Grand Touring with Supercar Performance
Many will recall the BMW 8-Series, a car I reviewed previously, which showcased impressive V8 power and grand touring comfort. While it excelled at effortlessly covering ground at high speeds, it somehow lacked a certain spark, failing to fully capture the spirit of its heritage. Hopes were high that the 2020 BMW M8 would elevate the formula. And in many respects, it does. The M8 retains the 8-Series’ inherent strengths but also inherits some of its complexities. It exists in a unique space, perhaps too understated for the flamboyant luxury GT segment and arguably too substantial to be categorized as a pure supercar. At its core, the 2020 BMW M8 Competition is a supremely fast and exceptionally capable BMW coupe, or in this case, a convertible, engineered for those who demand the ultimate in performance and luxury.
My test model, draped in the striking Verde Mantis paint, ensured the M8 commanded attention, drawing admiring glances and sparking conversations wherever it went. Yet, the price tag, hovering around $190,000, often led to comparisons with marques like Aston Martin Vantage, prompting questions about its perceived value proposition in such esteemed company. The challenge for the 2020 BMW M8 Competition isn’t about lacking capability; it’s about visual drama. It doesn’t scream exclusivity in the same way some rivals do, appearing more as an evolved, wide-bodied German sports car. However, where it might concede in outright visual extravagance, the M8 compensates with an unwavering dedication to mechanical precision, driver-focused ergonomics, and a practical approach to high performance – a grand tourer crafted with quintessential Bavarian sensibilities.
2020 BMW M8 rear design and taillights
The 2020 BMW M8 takes the foundation of the M850i and amplifies every element to an exhilarating degree. BMW’s celebrated twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 engine is tuned to unleash a formidable 600 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. Opt for the Competition specification, as featured here, and you gain an additional 17 horsepower, pushing the boundaries even further. This enhanced output is not just about bragging rights; it translates to a visceral and undeniably thrilling driving experience.
Beyond the engine enhancements, BMW’s M division engineers have meticulously reworked the chassis to extract maximum performance. Carbon ceramic brakes are included to provide immense stopping power for this 4,200-lb machine, crucial for managing its velocity when unleashed on unrestricted roads. The performance figures of the 2020 BMW M8 Competition are genuinely breathtaking: 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in a mere 3.2 seconds, a quarter-mile sprint accomplished in approximately 11 seconds, and an electronically limited top speed of 304 km/h (189 mph). These figures place it in close contention with supercars like the Lamborghini Huracan Evo, demonstrating its exceptional performance credentials.
Detailed view of BMW M8 headlights
Unleashing a Torrent of Power: The God Complex
BMW M8 engine bay showcasing V8 power
The sheer force and refined delivery of the 2020 BMW M8 Competition’s performance are transformative. It bestows upon the driver a sense of invincibility, a “God complex” rarely matched by other automobiles. Engage Sport+ mode, activate launch control, and the M8 claws into the asphalt, launching forward with an intensity that rivals a high-speed rollercoaster. The acceleration is so relentless, the world outside blurs as the M8 devours tarmac at an astonishing rate.
It’s not solely the Tesla-esque acceleration that commands respect, compressing your internal organs under sheer G-force; it’s the M8’s unwavering surge of power across the rev range. Power and torque are perpetually on tap, irrespective of speed. The eight-speed ZF automatic transmission is a masterclass in responsiveness and smoothness, always selecting the optimal gear, executing shifts in milliseconds, and seamlessly adapting to both spirited driving and relaxed cruising.
BMW M8 quad exhaust pipes detail
While perhaps not as overtly flamboyant as some of its grand touring counterparts, the 2020 BMW M8 excels in providing a haven of comfort for its occupants. While technically a four-seater, the rear seats are best suited for luggage or smaller passengers, prioritizing front passenger space and comfort. The cabin of the M8 is a study in modern, understated luxury. The design is clean and functional, perhaps bordering on spartan for some, yet the build quality is impeccable. Design highlights include quilted leather seats and a brushed aluminum center console, adding subtle touches of sophistication.
BMW M8 transmission and interior details
Mirroring other M models, and even BMW’s performance SUVs like the X3 M, the 2020 BMW M8 Competition features the M-configurable red buttons on the steering wheel. These offer drivers personalized M modes, allowing for quick access to preferred settings for suspension, steering, transmission, and throttle response. The M8 even offers the option to disengage the front axle, transforming it into a rear-wheel-drive machine for purists. During my test, I configured the M1 button for rear-wheel-drive and M2 for all-wheel-drive, showcasing the breadth of its dynamic adjustability.
BMW M8 interior showcasing quilted leather seats
BMW’s commitment to driver ergonomics is evident in the M8, particularly in the iDrive infotainment system. It remains a benchmark in the industry, lauded for its intuitive interface, responsive touch controls, and the user-friendly central rotary knob. The driving position in the M8 is exemplary, complemented by incredibly supportive seats. The convertible variant features a soft top that retracts seamlessly and quickly, disappearing beneath a tonneau cover behind the rear seats.
BMW M8 steering wheel with M buttons
However, amidst this ergonomic excellence, a question arises: why are the configurable drive modes so intricate? While the level of customization is appreciated, navigating through menus to find the ideal setup can be time-consuming. The M8 offers multiple gauge cluster displays, and the most extreme Track mode even disables the infotainment system – a feature that seems somewhat incongruous in a car designed for grand touring.
BMW M8 infotainment system display
Conclusion: A Grand Tourer Redefined
The 2020 BMW M8 Competition, while not possessing the iconic visual drama of its predecessors, carves its own niche in the grand touring landscape. The pop-up headlight era 8-Series still holds a unique place in automotive history, perhaps more instantly recognizable than this modern iteration. Furthermore, the performance delta between the M8 and the M850i might not fully justify the significant price difference for all buyers. One might question the necessity of two 8-Series performance variants in the luxury grand tourer segment. However, if only one were to remain, the spectacular M8 Competition makes a compelling case for its existence. Few vehicles can deliver 617 horsepower with such effortless grace and daily usability. The 2020 BMW M8 Competition is a testament to BMW’s engineering prowess, offering a blend of supercar performance and grand touring refinement that is truly exceptional.
BMW M8 driving on a scenic road
Clavey’s Verdict
Review of the 2020 BMW M8 Competition by William Clavey
Luxury Grand Tourers
Pros:
- Immense power and breathtaking speed
- Exceptional grand touring capabilities
- Supercar-level performance in a GT package
Cons:
- Subdued styling compared to rivals
- Complex drive mode configuration
- Price point and similarity to M850i
Rating: 8.5 / 10
Clavey’s Corner is based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Pricing and specifications mentioned in this review are reflective of the Canadian market.
Special thanks to BMW Canada for providing the test vehicle.
Photography by Caleb Gingras.
Contact the author at [email protected]
