Christmas has come early for BMW fans as the pics of the most eagerly BMW in recent years has hit the internet. We are of course talking about the upcoming BMW M8.
But this isn’t even the M8, this is the even hotter M8 Competition! While BMW has been teasing us with camouflaged images of the M8 for many months, one bold member of GermanCar4UM decided to upload these images of the scorching coupe.
As you can see, the M8 Competition features an aggressive bodykit, slightly wider haunches than the regular 8 Series, and is fitted with a carbon-fibre package. Not only does the carbon fibre look great, but it also lowers the weight of the coupe. There is also a carbon fibre roof, carbon ceramic brakes, 20-inch forged wheels, a carbon fibre gurney rear spoiler similar to that seen on the racy M4 CS, and the trademark quad pipes exiting a meaty diffuser. This particular car sports gloss black touches throughout that compliments its Frozen Dark Blue paintjob.
The interior is also far sportier than the M850i, and is also awash with carbon fibre trim. There is a special M gear shift, and M steering buttons similar to that seen on the M5. Completing the interior are lightweight two-tone coloured sports seats.
Whereas the current flagship of the 8 Series line-up – the M850i – uses a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 motor to produce 390kw and 750nm, the M8 is rumoured to use a retuned version of the 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 from the mighty M5. But according to rumours, the M8 will boast an output of 470kw, with the M8 Competition getting close to 485kw. And much like the M5, it will get an M-tuned xDrive all-wheel drive system. While these rumours are unconfirmed, it’s not improbable when you consider than the M8 is the performance flagship of the BMW brand.
Unlike with previous models, where BMW introduces an M model and then the Competition variant at a later stage, it is rumoured that BMW will launch the M8 Competition alongside the regular M8, with both expected to bow at the Geneva International Motor Show in March. And yes, it is coming to South Africa.
Also worth a look: the BMW Glc and the BMW M3.
FAQ
Q: What does the BMW M8 Competition cost in South Africa?
The BMW M8 Competition is expected to cost around R2,800,000 to R3,200,000 in South Africa, making it one of the most expensive BMW models ever sold locally.
Q: How much power does the BMW M8 Competition have?
The BMW M8 Competition produces approximately 485kW and over 750Nm of torque from its retuned 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, making it more powerful than the M5.
Q: Is the BMW M8 Competition worth buying over the M850i?
If you have the budget and want the ultimate BMW performance experience, the M8 Competition is worth the premium over the M850i for its extra 95kW of power, track-focused features, and exclusive Competition-only styling elements.
Q: What makes the M8 Competition different from the regular M8?
The M8 Competition gets more aggressive aerodynamics, lightweight forged wheels, carbon ceramic brakes, a carbon fibre package, and approximately 15kW more power than the standard M8.
Q: Does the BMW M8 Competition have all-wheel drive?
Yes, the BMW M8 Competition features BMW's M-tuned xDrive all-wheel drive system, similar to the M5, which helps put all that power down effectively.
Should You Buy It?
The BMW M8 Competition is an absolute weapon that represents the pinnacle of BMW's performance engineering, but at an expected price of around R3,000,000, it's strictly for those with serious money to spend. If you're looking for the ultimate BMW grand tourer with supercar performance and can afford the eye-watering price tag, then yes, the M8 Competition is worth every rand. However, if you want 90% of the thrills for significantly less cash, the M850i at around R1,800,000 offers incredible value. The M8 Competition is basically BMW's way of saying they can build a proper supercar killer, and for wealthy enthusiasts who want the absolute best BMW money can buy, this is it.
