The BMW 8 Series was a fixture in the German automaker’s lineup from 1990 to 1999. But BMW pulled production for 20 years, with the second-generation 8 Series returning to production in 2019. A year later, the M8 was introduced. For the 2023 model year, the BMW M8 continues in the 2022 model’s concept. Here’s what you need to know about the BMW M8.

Is the M8 the fastest BMW on the market?

Close, but not quite. The 2023 BMW M8’s twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 pushes out 617 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. That’s slightly less horsepower than an M5 Competition (at 627). The BMW M8 does deliver that power smoothly through all-wheel drive and BMW says the M8 can go from 0 to 60 mph in a blistering 3.0 seconds. The M5 Competition just barely edges it at 2.9 seconds. All fuel economy figures are still unknown but BMW says the M8 gets 22 miles per gallon on the highway.

BMW states the M8’s standard adaptive suspension and active differential optimize it for any type of road. U.S. News notes paddle shifters or the eight-speed automatic transmission can be used. The BMW M8 uses dynamic stability control (DSC) with a Dynamic Mode that allows drivers to induce a drift around corners. With the optional M Driver’s Package, the BMW M8 can hit a top speed of 190 miles per hour.

Without that package, the BMW M8 comes with plenty of standard features. Driver aids like adaptive headlights, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warnings are in all M8 models. Adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, hands-free park assist, and blind-spot monitoring are also standard.

How luxurious is the BMW M8?

Luxury materials are a staple of the M8. You’ll find premium Merino leather and Alcantara upholstery in the cabin with signature M-themed stitching. Both the standard M Sport bucket seats and available M Carbon bucket seats come in New Merino leather and Alcantara upholstery as well. The latter is designed to be lighter, features exposed carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic, and can fit multi-port racing harnesses.

BMW says the interior can be customized thanks to BMW Individual. The premium Harmon Kardon surround sound system provides high audio quality when you want it. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and wireless device charging are all standard. The infotainment touchscreen – updated for the 2022 model – remains 12.3 inches and runs BMW’s iDrive infotainment system. 

All of that luxury can be enjoyed comfortably. Drivers can change between comfort or sporty pedal response.

How much does a BMW M8 cost?

Available M8 Competition trims are the coupe, convertible, and gran coupe. The coupe and gran coupe (a coupe profile with four doors) trims start at $130,000. The convertible trim starts a bit higher at $139,500.

Extra packages can add up. The M Driver’s Package raises the top speed and offers a day-long high-performance driving class for $2,500. The Carbon Exterior Package – which includes carbon fiber trim on parts like the mirror caps and bumper vents – costs $5,400. Carbon bucket seats are an additional $3,800. The available M Carbon Ceramic brake upgrade is $8,150 as well.

With all of those added on, the BMW M8 can cost closer to $150,000 for the coupe and gran coupe trims and nearly $160,000 for the convertible.

How does the BMW M8 stack up to the competition?

U.S. News points to the Porsche Panamera Turbo S as a solid competitor to the BMW M8. Others could include the likes of the Audi RS 7 and the Mercedes S-class S 580.

The Panamera Turbo S has a slight edge in power: 620 horsepower and 604 lb-ft of torque from a turbocharged 4.0-liter V8. Like the M8, it has all-wheel drive, and it offers lots of standard features. But even with all of the packages on the M8, it’s $30,000 less than a Panamera Turbo S. 

The RS 7’s power is comparable to the BMW M8. Its turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 pushes out slightly less horsepower (591) but the 590 lb-ft of torque tops the M8. It also comes with all-wheel drive standard. The RS 7’s starting price is lower ($118,500) than the M8 but has dozens of options and packages that can add up.

The S-Class S 580’s 4.0-liter turbocharged V8 can’t catch the M8 in horsepower (496) or torque (516 lb-ft) figures. It has a lower starting price of $118,750 but also has packages that can add up in cost like the RS 7. 

Stacking up well against the competition in power, price, and features, the BMW M8 is a great option in the luxury performance segment.