BMW M8 Gran Coupé review - you won't believe its 1/4 mile time!

The Nugget

  • The BMW M8 Gran Coupé clocks an impressive standing quarter-mile time of 10.89 seconds, demonstrating high performance with its 625-horsepower V8 engine. Despite its superior speed, the M850i is a more comfortable and economically sensible choice for this model type.

Make it stick

  • 🚀 The M8 Gran Coupé hits a standing quarter-mile in 10.89 seconds.
  • 🎩 The M850i variant is "pretty much as fast" as the M8 but more comfortable.
  • 🏎️ The M8's upgraded M adaptive sports suspension enhances performance but compromises comfort on bumpy roads.
  • 📱 The BMW digital key only works with Android phones, leaving Apple users behind.

Key insights

Design and features

  • The 8 Series Gran Coupe is built on the 7 Series platform, resulting in a longer car than the standard 8 Series Coupe, with two extra doors.
  • The M8 variant has additional carbon fiber trims, upgraded seats, and high-tech features like wireless Android Auto.
  • The M8 version includes a carbon roof to lower the center of gravity and improve handling.

Performance and practicality

  • The M8 clocks 0-60 in 3 seconds flat and completes the quarter-mile in 10.89 seconds.
  • It features a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine with 625 horsepower.
  • Practical aspects of the M8 include good rear seat space and a moderately sized boot, although its rear seat middle position is not comfortable for an adult.

Driving experience

  • The M8’s suspension is stiffer than that of a regular 8 Series Gran Coupe, leading to a sharper but less comfortable ride over bumpy roads.
  • It has various drive modes, including a two-wheel drive mode for a more traditional sports car experience.
  • The M8's wide build can make city driving and parking challenging, but its advanced camera and sensor systems mitigate this.

Technology and interior

  • The interior is luxurious, featuring leather trims and a high-tech infotainment system with voice control and gesture commands.
  • Wireless Android Auto connectivity is a highlight, though the digital gauges are less informative compared to those in rival models.
  • The car includes practical features like a rear-view camera system that can also function as a dashcam.

Key quotes

  • "Not 60 in 3 seconds dead... but standing quarter mile in 10.89 seconds, that is nuts!"
  • "The M850i actually suits this type of car better... it’s pretty much as fast, more comfortable, and usefully less expensive."
  • "The M8’s suspension just feels a little bit sharp-edged. You just feel the bumps and they send shocks through your bottom."
  • "BMW’s camera system... lets you just position the car exactly where you want it."
  • "Hey, Google, which is best, BMW or Mercedes?"
This summary contains AI-generated information and may have important inaccuracies or omissions.