Kids, they have a way of keeping it real, don’t they? As a dad and a car enthusiast, few things bring me more joy than sharing my passion for automobiles with my daughter. So, imagine my surprise when, after carefully maneuvering my little one into the sculpted back seat of the brand-new 2023 Bmw M8 Competition Coupe, I was met not with wide-eyed wonder, but a frown.
“Daddy, I don’t like this car.”
Ouch. Talk about a reality check.
2023 BMW M8 Competition Coupe: The Quick Verdict
Why You Should Consider It:
- Classic BMW performance and styling, elevated to M division standards.
- The Daytona Blue Individual paint is simply stunning.
- The legendary S63 V-8 engine roars to life with exhilarating power.
- Performance figures that rival supercars, including the C8 Corvette Z06.
Reasons to Think Twice:
- The driving experience can feel surprisingly similar to the more practical BMW M5, raising questions about its unique identity.
- Rear passenger space is cramped, diminishing its grand touring credentials.
- Some interior elements feel less premium than expected at this price point.
- The hefty price tag raises the question: is it truly worth the premium?
Soul Score: 7/10
A car defined by its sheer speed and power, but arguably lacks the emotional connection and distinct character to truly stand out in a crowded market of high-performance machines.
2023 BMW M8 Competition Coupe: An In-Depth Overview
Image: Front three-quarter view of a 2023 BMW M8 Competition Coupe in Daytona Blue, showcasing its aggressive styling and signature kidney grille.
My daughter’s candid remark got me thinking. Had I, in my automotive enthusiasm, failed to properly educate her on the finer points of high-performance German coupes? Or was there something genuinely…missing in this particular machine? Was it truly worthy of the iconic M8 badge?
The 2023 BMW M8 Competition Coupe, bathed in lustrous Individual Daytona Blue paint, boasts a spec sheet that reads like a gearhead’s dream. A monstrous 617-horsepower engine, a meticulously crafted chassis, and all the luxury appointments you’d expect from a flagship BMW. Yet, as I pondered my daughter’s words, I began to dissect the M8’s place in the automotive landscape.
Is it the ultimate grand touring coupe, designed for comfortable yet rapid cross-continental journeys? Perhaps not, given the snug rear seats that even a child found restrictive. Is it a track-focused weapon, ready to carve corners and set lap records? While undeniably fast, it faces stiff competition from lighter, more agile rivals like the Porsche 911 or Chevrolet Corvette Z06.
Could it be, as some suggest, simply a more stylish, two-door iteration of the BMW M5 sedan? The M5 itself has evolved into a stunning machine, blurring the lines between sports sedan and luxury cruiser. And what about outright luxury and comfort? BMW’s own Alpina B8 Gran Coupe exists to offer precisely that, with an even more refined and opulent experience.
The 2023 M8 Competition Coupe, then, appears to be a confluence of these aspirations, a blend of performance, luxury, and style, all wrapped in a package commanding an MSRP starting at $130,000 and soaring to $161,895 as tested. In a market saturated with exceptional high-performance vehicles at this price point, the M8’s mission seems somewhat…clouded. It begs the question: in striving to be everything, has it perhaps lost its distinct identity?
One thing is clear: BMWs often shine brightest when their price tags remain south of the six-figure mark. But does the 2023 BMW M8 Competition Coupe defy this notion? Let’s delve deeper and explore what this high-performance coupe truly offers.
Performance Score: 7/10. Blistering Speed, but Where’s the Thrill?
Image: Close-up of the BMW M8 Competition Coupe’s front carbon ceramic brakes and wheel, highlighting its performance-focused components.
Despite sharing familial DNA with the M5 and Alpina B8, the 2023 BMW M8 Competition Coupe undeniably possesses its own character. Beneath the sculpted hood lies the heart of the beast: BMW’s revered S63 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 engine. This powerhouse is further enhanced with performance goodies like optional carbon ceramic brakes, a lightweight carbon fiber roof, and an exhaust system promising a symphony of sound. However, the reality, as we’ll discover, is a bit more nuanced.
While the M5 can be forgiven for prioritizing a degree of refinement and detachment in its driving dynamics, given its role as a practical family sedan, the M8 operates in a different sphere. This is meant to be a visceral sports car, a machine that ignites the senses and demands to be driven with passion. Does it live up to this expectation?
Engine Performance: Effortless Power, Lacking Emotion
Like many BMW M models, the 2023 M8 Competition Coupe offers customizable driving modes, and I found myself gravitating towards the Sport+ throttle setting for a more responsive feel. The M buttons on the steering wheel provide quick access to personalized vehicle presets, allowing drivers to tailor the driving experience to their preferences.
The S63 engine remains a crown jewel in BMW’s engine portfolio. Around town, it’s remarkably docile and well-mannered, exhibiting none of the uncouth behavior sometimes associated with high-performance engines. But unleash it on the open highway, and the V-8 transforms into a force of nature. A mere flex of your right foot summons a tidal wave of power, propelling the M8 forward with breathtaking acceleration. BMW M’s engineering prowess shines through in the engine’s power delivery: peak horsepower arrives at 6,000 RPM, while maximum torque is available from a mere 1,800 RPM. These figures mirror the M5, and both cars deliver that sensation of limitless, readily available power.
However, this very similarity to the M5 engine reveals the M8’s first misstep. There’s a distinct lack of differentiation. In a car positioned as the ultimate expression of BMW performance coupe, one expects a more unique and engaging engine character. The M8’s powerplant, while undeniably potent, feels almost too refined, too…effortless. It lacks the raw, visceral edge that would truly set it apart. A sports car engine should encourage spirited driving, reward driver engagement, and perhaps even exhibit a touch of playful bad behavior. The S63 in the M8, while technically brilliant, feels somewhat emotionally detached.
Image: Rear view of the 2023 BMW M8 Competition Coupe, focusing on the quad exhaust outlets and diffuser, hinting at its powerful engine but also its subdued exhaust note.
The exhaust note further contributes to this sense of disconnect. Around town, it’s surprisingly muted – almost too quiet for a car of this caliber. But venture onto the highway, and a different issue emerges: drone. A noticeable, and frankly unpleasant, booming resonance permeates the cabin at cruising speeds. So intrusive was the drone that I resorted to disabling the active sound system in an attempt to mitigate it. This is particularly perplexing when considering that even the aggressively tuned BMW M3, often praised for its raucous exhaust, suffers less from highway drone. The M5, notably, exhibits none of these exhaust shortcomings.
Intriguingly, the less potent BMW M850i actually seems to possess a more engaging and aurally pleasing exhaust note at lower speeds. Observing an M850i in action during school drop-off, its sport mode exhaust reverberates with a depth and character that the M8 Competition strangely lacks. Compared to rivals, the M8’s exhaust falls short. Any AMG V-8 from Mercedes-Benz delivers a more thrilling and sonically rich experience. And when considering the auditory delights of cars like the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing or Jaguar F-TYPE R, the M8’s exhaust note simply fades into the background.
Transmission: ZF Excellence, But Missing Engagement
The 2023 BMW M8 Competition Coupe utilizes the ubiquitous ZF 8-speed automatic transmission, a gearbox renowned for its smoothness, responsiveness, and versatility. It’s a transmission that consistently earns praise across various automotive applications, and its integration in the M8 is no exception. BMW has even equipped the M8 with the same gear ratios as the M5, further highlighting the shared DNA between these two models.
Power is routed to all four wheels via BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system, which offers a rear-wheel-drive bias for a more engaging driving experience. For those seeking tire-smoking thrills, the system can even be configured to send 100% of the engine’s power to the rear wheels, enabling impressive burnouts and drifts. For those who once lamented the arrival of all-wheel-drive in M cars, the current generation systems have proven their effectiveness and driver-centric tuning.
In terms of gear selection, the M8 adopts the more modern shifter design from the latest BMW M3, replacing the somewhat controversial “F-16 joystick” style shifter found in the previous generation M5 (F90). While the older shifter was arguably a bit out of place in a luxury performance sedan, it did possess a certain quirky charm.
However, reaching for the paddle shifters behind the steering wheel in the M8 reveals another area where the car falls slightly short of expectations. The paddle shifters themselves feel…ordinary. They lack the premium tactile feedback and satisfying snick of more upscale performance cars. It’s almost as if BMW overlooked this detail, perhaps accidentally sourcing paddle shifters more akin to those found in an X3 M40i than a flagship M car. Compared to the exquisitely crafted carbon fiber paddles in the BMW M2 or the beautifully weighted and clicky paddles in an Aston Martin Vantage, the M8’s paddles feel surprisingly generic. In a car boasting over 600 horsepower, one expects every interaction point to feel special and purposeful. The paddle shifters in the M8 simply don’t deliver that sense of occasion.
Steering and Chassis: Competent Handling, Numb Feedback
Image: Interior view highlighting the BMW M8 Competition Coupe’s steering wheel, noting the standard design shared with other BMW models, lacking the expected premium feel.
In my quest to truly understand the 2023 BMW M8 Competition Coupe, I embarked on a drive from my location down to Philadelphia and back, specifically focusing on assessing the steering feel and feedback. Unfortunately, the elusive steering feel that enthusiasts crave remains largely absent. Driving the M8 back-to-back with an older BMW E92 M3 only served to further accentuate the difference in steering engagement and communication. This is a long-standing criticism of modern BMW steering systems, and the M8, regrettably, does little to dispel it. Perhaps a collaborative effort between BMW M and Alpina engineers – a “steering slumber party” – is needed to inject some much-needed feel and feedback into BMW’s performance cars.
Image: Action shot of a BMW M8 Competition Coupe drifting on a track, demonstrating its handling capabilities despite its weight.
The ride quality of the M8 is decidedly firm, even harsh. While body roll is virtually nonexistent, contributing to a flat and stable cornering stance, the car’s considerable weight (around 4,300 pounds) and wide dimensions detract from its perceived nimbleness. The all-wheel-drive system, while beneficial for traction and stability, adds to the overall weight penalty. The suspension calibration, while perhaps differentiated from the M5, still leans heavily towards stiffness.
For long-distance road trips, setting the suspension to Comfort mode is practically mandatory. Any other setting transforms the ride from “grand touring” to something far less refined – more akin to a bumpy tractor ride than a luxurious coupe experience. The seats, as we’ll discuss later, further exacerbate the firm ride. The M8, despite its grand touring aspirations, is not ideally suited for extended journeys where comfort is paramount.
To its credit, once the driving mode is dialed into Comfort and settled into a steady highway cruise, the M8 becomes a capable mile-eater, effortlessly maintaining high speeds. However, even on smooth highways, encountering even minor road imperfections results in jarring impacts that reverberate through the cabin.
Brakes: Carbon Ceramics – Effective, But Lacking Initial Bite
The optional carbon ceramic brakes on the 2023 BMW M8 Competition Coupe deliver impressive stopping power, as expected from such high-performance components. They perform admirably on track and offer enhanced resistance to brake fade during demanding driving. A minor quirk is a slight screeching noise, particularly in cold weather, but this is a common characteristic of carbon ceramic brakes and a small price to pay for their performance benefits. For those planning to track the M8 or simply appreciate the aesthetic appeal of large carbon ceramic rotors filling the wheels, they are a worthwhile option.
The M8 thankfully includes the adjustable brake pedal feel feature that was absent in the M5. Setting the pedal to Sport mode firms up the initial response and provides a more direct and communicative braking feel. In Comfort mode, the pedal feels noticeably softer and less responsive. However, even in Sport mode, the M8’s brake pedal lacks the immediate, razor-sharp bite found in some competitors, such as the Aston Martin Vantage or Chevrolet Corvette Z06. These rivals offer a more instantaneous and confidence-inspiring brake response, whereas the M8 maintains a slightly softer, more progressive braking character.
Overall, while the 2023 BMW M8 Competition Coupe delivers undeniably impressive performance figures – blistering acceleration, high cornering grip, and powerful braking – it struggles to ignite the senses and deliver a truly engaging and emotionally resonant driving experience. It’s a car that excels at being fast, but perhaps falls short of feeling fast. It can achieve impressive feats, such as drifting and matching the Corvette Z06 in a quarter-mile sprint, but these metrics alone don’t capture the essence of a truly exceptional sports car. The M8, in its pursuit of all-around competence, seems to have sacrificed some of the raw emotion and visceral thrill that define the most memorable performance machines.
Utility Score: 3/10. Leave the Backseat for Packages
Image: Open trunk of the BMW M8 Competition Coupe, illustrating its shallow depth and limited vertical cargo space.
While the 2023 BMW M8 Competition Coupe might boast supercar-rivalling acceleration figures, its practicality takes a backseat – literally. While it’s unlikely that many owners will be frequenting drag strips on their daily commute, the M8’s limitations in passenger and cargo space become apparent in everyday use.
The rear seats are best described as vestigial. The dramatically sloping roofline creates a claustrophobic environment in the back, with severely limited headroom. My daughter’s initial reaction to the rear seats was a telling indicator of their impracticality for adult passengers. Even the smaller BMW M2 offers surprisingly more rear passenger room. Surprisingly, even the Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG convertible, a car with a retractable roof mechanism to accommodate, manages to offer a more comfortable rear seating experience than the M8 Coupe.
The trunk, while reasonably wide and long, suffers from a shallow depth. While it can accommodate luggage for a weekend getaway, taller items will likely pose a challenge. In terms of practicality, the M8 falls significantly short of the BMW M5 sedan. The trade-off for the M8’s sleeker coupe styling is a considerable reduction in everyday usability. If practicality is a priority, the M5 remains the far more sensible choice.
The Carbon Bucket Seats: Style Over Substance?
Image: Close-up of the BMW M8 Competition Coupe’s optional carbon bucket seats, showcasing their aggressive design and quilted leather detailing.
The optional carbon bucket seats in the 2023 BMW M8 Competition Coupe are visually striking and undoubtedly enhance the car’s sporty aesthetic. Their quilted leather pattern adds a touch of visual interest to what is otherwise a rather somber interior.
However, ingress and egress are…challenging, to put it mildly. The pronounced side bolsters and aggressive seat sculpting make getting in and out a less-than-graceful affair. Landing awkwardly on the seat’s scalloped edge can be genuinely uncomfortable. While marginally easier to navigate than the notoriously difficult seats in an Aston Martin Vanquish, this is more a testament to the Vanquish’s extreme design than the M8’s user-friendliness. My wife, like many others, found these seats to be a significant point of contention, so opting for them may come with domestic compromises.
Once ensconced within the carbon buckets, however, they do offer a surprisingly comfortable and supportive driving position. Perhaps I’ve slimmed down slightly, or perhaps the M8’s buckets are indeed a touch wider than those found in the M3, but they feel noticeably less constricting once settled in. The absence of a clutch pedal in the automatic M8 also contributes to comfort, allowing the left leg to remain relatively still. While they offer a marginal increase in lateral support compared to the standard seats, their primary appeal is arguably aesthetic. Unless track days are a regular occurrence, the standard seats likely offer a more practical and comfortable everyday experience. The carbon buckets, while visually appealing, prioritize style and track-focused aesthetics over outright comfort and usability.
Fuel Economy: 8/10. Surprisingly Thrifty V8
The 2023 BMW M8 Competition Coupe, despite its prodigious power output, manages to achieve respectable fuel economy figures. Much like its M5 sibling, the M8’s V-8 engine demonstrates surprising efficiency for its performance capabilities. During my time with the car, I observed an average fuel economy of around 20 MPG in mixed driving conditions. This level of efficiency is remarkable for a V-8 engine producing over 600 horsepower, potentially making it one of the most fuel-efficient engines in its performance class.
While 20 MPG might not be Prius territory, it’s certainly commendable for a high-performance coupe of this caliber. Compared to the significantly less fuel-efficient Chevrolet Corvette, which typically hovers around 15 MPG, the M8 offers a noticeable advantage at the pump. However, as the saying goes, if you’re concerned about fuel economy when purchasing a $160,000+ BMW, you might be shopping in the wrong segment. For most M8 buyers, fuel costs are likely a secondary consideration to performance and driving enjoyment.
Features and Comfort: 7/10. Luxury, But Lacking Specialness
Image: Interior detail of the BMW M8 Competition Coupe, showing the standard BMW steering wheel and dashboard design, highlighting the lack of unique M8-specific elements.
Approximately 15 months prior to testing the M8, I reviewed the BMW M5 and awarded it a perfect 10/10 score in features and comfort. However, the automotive landscape is ever-evolving, and the M8, despite its higher price point, faces a more critical assessment. The M8 as tested, with its Individual paint and carbon ceramic brakes, commanded a price tag exceeding $160,000 – a significant $20,000 premium over the previously tested M5. With the passage of time and the emergence of newer models, the M8’s interior and feature set begin to feel less exceptional in its price bracket.
One Size Fits…Too Many?
Image: Interior shot of the BMW M8 Competition Coupe, emphasizing the spacious front cabin but also the generic BMW dashboard and control layout.
In smaller BMW models like the 2 Series, M3, or even the base 840i, the interior ambiance is generally well-executed. Logical layouts, large screens, and digital instrument clusters are par for the course in modern BMWs. However, in a flagship model like the M8, one expects a heightened sense of occasion, a feeling of being in something truly special. Regrettably, the M8’s interior falls somewhat short in this regard.
While the all-black interior of the test car might be perceived as somewhat somber, opting for brighter interior color schemes can significantly elevate the cabin’s ambiance. The quilted leather pattern on the door panels and seatbacks adds a touch of luxury and visual texture, surpassing even the interior appointments of the Alpina B8. And the optional carbon bucket seats, while ergonomically challenging, are undeniably stunning to behold.
However, beyond these select elements, much of the M8’s interior architecture – the dashboard, steering wheel, climate controls – is essentially recycled from other BMW models. The steering wheel, in particular, is a point of contention. Its design is virtually identical to that found in models as pedestrian as the BMW X3 M40i. In a car costing over $160,000, the lack of unique, M8-specific interior elements is a noticeable omission. Even ambient lighting is absent in the rear cabin, a feature surprisingly omitted in a car of this price and positioning, though present in the significantly less expensive BMW M2. Stepping out of the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 and into the M8’s interior, the experience doesn’t necessarily feel like an upgrade, which is a surprising observation considering the M8’s considerably higher price point. The absence of features like seat belt butlers – automatic arms that extend to present the seatbelt – further contributes to a sense of cost-cutting or oversight. Even the BMW M4 coupe, positioned below the M8 in the BMW hierarchy, includes this feature.
On the positive side, the M8 retains BMW’s iDrive 7 infotainment system, a system preferred by many over the newer iDrive 8 for its more intuitive interface and physical climate controls. In a world of increasingly complex and screen-dependent infotainment systems, the iDrive 7’s user-friendliness is a welcome respite. However, even this positive aspect doesn’t fully compensate for the overall sense that the M8’s interior, while luxurious, lacks the bespoke feel and unique character expected of a flagship model in its price range.
Image: Close-up of the BMW M8 Competition Coupe’s dashboard, highlighting the iDrive 7 infotainment screen and physical climate controls, a feature preferred by some over newer systems.
If I were to design my ideal BMW M8 interior, it would combine the Alpina B8’s elegant two-tone color schemes, the comfortable and supportive seats from the M5, and the quilted leather detailing of the M8. Unfortunately, BMW does not currently offer this bespoke combination.
Image: Interior detail showing the handle for electrically moving the front seat forward to allow rear seat access in the BMW M8 Competition Coupe.
M. Performance. Visually Enhanced.
The Individual Daytona Blue paintwork undeniably elevates the M8’s visual appeal. Without such a striking color, the M8’s design can blend into the BMW lineup, potentially mistaken for an 840i M Sport or M850i by casual observers. Even distinguishing it from other 8 Series models, even with the subtle LCI (Life Cycle Impulse) updates, can be challenging at a glance.
Upon closer inspection, the M8’s performance-oriented details become more apparent. Carbon fiber mirror caps, front intake accents, side vent trim, and a subtle rear lip spoiler hint at its sporting intentions. The carbon fiber roof, a signature M division touch, further distinguishes it. It’s a large car, possessing a certain road presence due to its sheer size, but its visual impact is more about its imposing dimensions than its inherently striking design. The large doors, while contributing to the coupe silhouette, can be cumbersome in tight parking spaces, potentially leading to paint-related anxieties when maneuvering in garages.
Image: Close-up of the BMW M8 Competition Coupe’s carbon fiber exterior trim details, highlighting the optional Carbon Fiber Package.
Image: Side profile of the BMW M8 Competition Coupe, emphasizing its long wheelbase, sloping roofline, and grand touring coupe proportions.
While the 8 Series platform is undeniably a handsome design, I personally find the Alpina B8 Gran Coupe to possess a more refined and elegant aesthetic. The M8’s more aggressive styling elements – the various slats, vents, and aerodynamic flourishes – feel somewhat out of place on a car of this size and grand touring character. These design cues are more effectively integrated on smaller M models, where they contribute to a more cohesive and aggressive visual identity.
The BMW M8 Competition Coupe: A Great Car, Not a Great Sports Car
Image: Front three-quarter view of the BMW M8 Competition Coupe, showcasing its imposing stance and Daytona Blue paint in a scenic outdoor setting.
As a child of seven, riding in the back of my dad’s humble Nissan Stanza, a car like the 2023 BMW M8 Competition Coupe would have been utterly unimaginable. It’s important to emphasize that the M8 is, objectively, an incredible automobile. It’s a testament to BMW’s engineering prowess, a machine capable of breathtaking performance and luxurious comfort.
However, impressing my daughter, a seasoned automotive critic in her own right, requires more than just raw speed and a fancy badge. She’s shared countless press car rides with me, and her enthusiasm for each new arrival is always genuine. While the Daytona Blue paint initially captured her attention, once inside and underway, her verdict was swift and decisive:
“Daddy, I like the M2 better.”
And you know what? I have to agree with her. The BMW M2, despite its smaller size and lower price point, delivers a more engaging and visceral driving experience. Its interior, surprisingly, feels more special and driver-focused. It offers more usable rear seat space, and its overall character is simply more playful and energetic. The M8, in comparison, feels…older, more staid.
At an as-tested price of $161,895, the 2023 BMW M8 Competition Coupe occupies the upper echelons of BMW pricing, surpassed only by the extravagant BMW XM. That price point is nearly three times the cost of a BMW M2.
Rumors suggest that BMW may discontinue the M8 coupe when the current F92 generation reaches the end of its lifecycle. And frankly, that’s perfectly acceptable. SUVs like the BMW X6 M utilize many of the same mechanical components and deliver a similar, albeit taller, driving experience.
The fundamental issue with the M8, and perhaps with large BMW coupes in general, boils down to price and positioning. Like the original BMW 8 Series with its V-12 engine, or the BMW M6 with its V-10, these grand BMW coupes have historically struggled to achieve widespread success. Perhaps buyers in this price range expect something more distinctive, more emotionally engaging, more…special.
Don’t worry, Maddie. You won’t have to endure another ride in the back of the M8.
2023 BMW M8 Competition Coupe Specifications
Vehicle Type: Front-engine, all-wheel-drive, two-door, four-passenger coupe.
PRICE
- Base: $130,000
- As tested: $161,895
POWERTRAIN
- Engine: 4.4 liter twin turbocharged V-8
- Horsepower: 617 hp @ 6,000 RPM
- Torque: 553 lb-ft @ 1,800 RPM
- Transmission: Eight-speed automatic transmission
DIMENSIONS
- Wheelbase: 111.1 in
- Length: 191.2 in
- Width: 74.9 in
- Height: 53 in
- Curb Weight: 4,295 lbs
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
- Combined/city/highway: 17 / 15 / 22 MPG
