The new BMW M8 Competition Coupé, Convertible, and Gran Coupé represent the pinnacle of the M GmbH model line-up, reinforcing the brand’s strong presence in the luxury segment with their unrivalled blend of performance, prestige and presence.

BMW M GmbH has sharpened the trio of high-performance luxury sports cars to provide an even greater driving experience compared to the previous M8, introducing upgrades to their control and operation technology as well as a raft of design enhancements.

Available in three body styles, the latest edition of the BMW M8 makes its mark with new additions to the range of exterior colours and M light alloy wheels. M lights Shadow Line will be available for the luxurious high-performance models via the Visibility Pack for the first time, opening up extra scope for individualising their appearance. The dark finish for the inlays and chrome detailing inside the headlight units help to give the front end an eye-catching and sporty feel, an effect enhanced by the standard High-gloss Black finish for the BMW kidney grille surround.

Meanwhile, full Merino leather/Alcantara upholstery in the new Black/Sakhir Orange colour scheme brings even more contemporary style to the interior. The BMW iDrive operating system now also comes with a larger 12.3-inch Central Information touchscreen display for greater ease of use.

Naturally, the new flagship M model complements its comprehensive specification with motorsport-bred performance. Power is provided by a 4.4-litre V8 engine with its 625hp transmitted to the road via the eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic and the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system.

The new M8 Competition makes its debut in Spring and is priced from £123,300 RRP and is available to order now.

BMW M GmbH developed drivetrain optimises performance and poise
Powertrain and chassis technology engineered to deliver an exhilarating driving experience is a key element of all three versions of the M8 Competition. The formidable performance is generated by a V8 4.4-litre engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology that develops 625hp and peak torque of 750Nm. In customary M fashion, the engine’s appetite for revs enables it to produce high levels of torque over a wide rpm band, while an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic and the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system ensure this power is channelled to the road to optimum effect. These powertrain elements work together with great precision to deliver phenomenal performance – such as 0-62mph acceleration in just 3.2 seconds (BMW M8 Competition Coupé and BMW M8 Competition Gran Coupé) or 3.3 seconds (BMW M8 Competition Convertible).

Chassis technology developed using expertise from motorsport and tuned for each specific model ensures the harmonious mix of excitement, agility and precision that marks out the handling of cars from BMW M. Experience garnered in the development of the BMW M8 GTE racing car was also brought to bear here.

Eight new exterior colours, premiere for M lights Shadow Line
The BMW M8 Competition incorporates aerodynamic lines and M-specific design features geared to the requirements of a high-performance sports car. New exterior colours now bring extra impact to the body’s clean surface design. The updated selection of exterior paint finishes for the trio of models includes eight new shades.

The new range of exterior colours includes Skyscraper Grey, Brooklyn Grey, Isle of Man Green metallic and Individual Tanzanite Blue. These are joined by four new variants of the highly sophisticated Individual Frozen paint finishes including Frozen Pure Grey and Frozen Tanzanite blue. Customers can also specify the BMW Individual special paint finishes available on request.

New 20-inch M light-alloy wheels in star-spoke design
The chassis technology on the new BMW M8 Competition models allies electronically controlled dampers and electromechanical M Servotronic steering to an integrated braking system offering two pedal-feel settings, allowing the driver to choose between a more comfort-oriented or a direct, sporty response. Customers can opt for M Carbon ceramic brakes as an alternative to the entry Red M Compound brakes – these standard brakes can also be switched to either a blue or black calliper finish.

The DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system offers the option of engaging M Dynamic Mode, which allows increased wheel slip while the M xDrive system provides a rear-biased set-up. 20-inch M light alloy wheels fitted with high-performance tyres measuring 275/35 R 20 at the front and 285/35 R 20 at the rear also come as standard. Further M light alloy wheels can be found on the list of optional extras, including a new model in star-spoke design with a bi-colour Black/Grey finish.

M sport seats and M Carbon bucket seats in new leather/Alcantara upholstery variant
The interior of the new BMW M8 Competition models blend unmistakable M-style cockpit design and modern luxury. The standard BMW Head-Up Display features M-specific readouts. The Setup button on the centre console offers direct access to the settings for the engine, dampers, steering, M xDrive and brakes, enabling drivers to configure their own individual M Setup. Two different setups can be stored permanently, together with the driver’s preferred settings for the engine sound, gearshift characteristics, driving stability control system and Auto Start-Stop function, and then selected by pressing one of the two M buttons on the steering wheel. In addition, the M Mode button on the centre console can be used to alter both the responses of the driver assistance systems and the information shown in the instrument cluster and Head-Up Display, with a choice of ROAD, SPORT and TRACK settings.

The standard M sport seats are another factor that supports the intense driving experience. For authentic racing-car flair, there is also the option of M Carbon bucket seats for the driver and front passenger. Boasting a structure-led design, exposed carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) surfaces, integral head restraints, cut-outs in the backrest and side bolsters, plus guides for multi-point seat belts, these seats combine racing functionality with excellent comfort over long distances and sumptuous workmanship. They are heated and electrically adjustable with a memory function on the driver’s side and also come with an illuminated “M8” badge in the head restraints.

The interior of the new BMW M8 Competition models is trimmed in full Merino leather/Alcantara upholstery as standard, whether they are fitted with the M sport seats or M Carbon bucket seats. This upholstery is also available in a Black/Sakhir Orange colour scheme for the first time, and all variants feature black Alcantara sections that have now been extended to cover the instrument panel and the tops of the door shoulders.

12.3-inch Central Information Display for greater ease of use
BMW Live Cockpit Professional also forms part of the comprehensive standard specification for the BMW M8 Competition. This brings a large control display (increased in size from 10.25 to 12.3 inches) with touchscreen functionality which enables quick, easy and intuitive operation of a wealth of vehicle functions.

The BMW Live Cockpit Professional features include the online-based navigation system BMW Maps and the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. The inclusion of the Driving Assistant, Parking Assistant Plus including Reversing Assistant, wireless charging and Harman/Kardon Surround Sound System as standard on the new BMW M8 models further underlines their exclusive character.

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<sup>* Fuel consumption, CO2 emission figures and power consumption were measured using the methods required according to Regulation VO (EC) 2007/715 as amended. The figures are calculated using a vehicle fitted with basic equipment in Germany, the ranges stated take into account differences in selected wheel and tyre sizes as well as the optional equipment. They may change during configuration.

The details marked * have already been calculated based on the new WLTP test cycle and adapted to NEDC for comparison purposes. In these vehicles, different figures than those published here may apply for the assessment of taxes and other vehicle-related duties which are (also) based on CO2 emissions.

For further details of the official fuel consumption figures and official specific CO2emissions of new cars, please refer to the "Manual on fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and power consumption of new cars", available at sales outlets, from Deutsche Automobil Treuhand GmbH (DAT), Hellmuth-Hirth-Str. 1, 73760 Ostfildern-Scharnhausen and at https://www.dat.de/co2/.</sup>

The BMW Group

With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. The BMW Group production network comprises 31 production and assembly facilities in 15 countries; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2021, the BMW Group sold over 2.5 million passenger vehicles and more than 194,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2020 was € 5.222 billion on revenues amounting to € 98.990 billion. As of 31 December 2020, the BMW Group had a workforce of 120,726 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company set the course for the future at an early stage and consistently makes sustainability and efficient resource management central to its strategic direction, from the supply chain through production to the end of the use phase of all products.

www.bmwgroup.com

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For further information please contact:

Helen Wilson
Senior Press Officer
Tel: 07815 372 480
Email: Helen.Wilson@bmw.co.uk

Chris Overall
BMW Media Relations Manager
Tel: 07815 370 990
Email: Chris.Overall@bmw.co.uk

Emma Begley
General Manager, Communications
Tel: 07815 371 062
Email: Emma.Begley@bmw.co.uk

Graham Biggs
Corporate Communications Director
Tel: 07815 376 867
Email: Graham.Biggs@bmw.co.uk

The introduction of the BMW M8 Competition Gran Coupe signals the next chapter of the brand’s model offensive in the luxury segment. Combining, as it does, the hallmark performance, agility and precision of BMW M GmbH with four full-size seats, the latest M8 model is derived directly from the new BMW M8 Competition Coupe and was developed alongside the BMW M8 GTE endurance racer. Its powertrain, chassis and aerodynamics were adapted to suit this standalone concept; intensive testing took place at the BMW Group’s proving grounds, the Nürburgring-Nordschleife circuit and other race tracks.

The new BMW M8 Competition Gran Coupe will receive its world premieres at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November 2019. The worldwide market launch will get underway in April 2020, with the BMW M8 Gran Coupe First Edition also forming part of the launch offering.

High-revving V8 engine with up to 625hp, eight-speed M Steptronic transmission, M xDrive and Active M Differential.
The renowned power delivery of BMW M engines is one key features of the V8 fitted in the new BMW M8 Competition Gran Coupe. The 4.4-litre eight-cylinder engine offers instant response to the slightest press of the accelerator, a vast appetite for revs and uninterrupted power development over a wide rev band.

The high-revving eight-cylinder engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology develops maximum 625hp and is teamed with a sports exhaust system and eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic. It serves up peak torque of 750Nm and completes the sprint from zero to 62mph in 3.2 seconds. The V8’s rigid connection to the vehicle structure results in remarkably direct transmission of engine power to the drivetrain. This also sharpens the car’s responses and allows for more engine noise to be transmitted to the cabin.

*Provisional figures

Cooling and oil supply systems developed for the race track.
The BMW M8 Competition Gran Coupe is equipped with a highly efficient cooling system where the central cooling module is supported by two remote high-temperature coolers at either side. The low-temperature circuit incorporates the indirect charge air coolers, while the high-temperature circuit supplies coolant to both the engine blocks and the turbochargers. The system also comprises an additional engine oil cooler and a dedicated transmission oil cooler.

The oil supply system has also been geared towards the specific demands of track use. The oil sump includes a smaller front sump that intervenes when extra capacity is required. This ensures a reliable supply of oil at all times, even when the car is subject to extreme rates of lateral and longitudinal acceleration.

M xDrive all-wheel drive and Active M Differential: optimised traction for outstanding performance.
The M xDrive all-wheel-drive system channels the engine’s power onto the road via the Active M Differential at the rear axle. The M xDrive system has a rear-biased configuration in its default 4WD mode. Drivers can then use the Setup menu to select 4WD Sport mode, which sends an even higher proportion of drive to the rear wheels. Deactivating DSC brings 2WD mode into play, with drive fed exclusively through the rear wheels.

Model-specific chassis technology, integrated braking system.
The design and responses of the model-specific chassis technology have been prompted by the particular demands of track use, as have the extremely stiff mountings connecting the suspension to the body. Standard specification includes electronically controlled dampers and electromechanical M Servotronic steering. In its M-specific configuration, the new integrated braking system enables two different brake pedal settings. COMFORT and SPORT modes alter the amount of pressure on the brake pedal required to slow the car. This allows the driver to choose between more comfort-oriented or particularly direct, instantaneous response when braking.

M Dynamic mode for an exceptionally sporty drive.
The DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system is interlinked with both the M xDrive all-wheel drive and the Active M Differential, meaning that it only needs to intervene with the brakes and engine output to stabilise the car in extreme situations. The M Dynamic mode, which can be engaged at the push of a button, allows a greater degree of wheel slip and combines with the M xDrive system’s rear-biased setup to deliver an exceptionally sporty drive complete with controlled drifts through corners. DSC Off mode can also be selected at the push of a button.

Distinctive design, extra rear space.
Among the ingredients in the extravagant appearance of the four-door high-performance sports cars are their dynamically stretched silhouette, muscular shoulders and standalone rear-end design. Large air intakes, M gills on the side panels, aerodynamically optimised exterior mirrors, a rear spoiler and other M-specific features provide a visual showcase for the high-performance character of the new models.

Measuring 5,098 millimetres from nose to tail, the new BMW M8 Competition Gran Coupe is 231 millimetres longer than its two-door siblings. Its distinct proportions are further emphasised by a width of 1,943 millimetres and height of 1,420 millimetres. Track widths are 1,626 millimetres at the front and 1,660 millimetres at the rear. The entire 200-millimetre increase in wheelbase length (to 3,027 millimetres) has been used to improve spaciousness in the rear compartment, where passengers can savour sports-car performance in two full-size individual seats. There is also a third seat suitable for use on short journeys. The boot has a capacity of 440 litres.

The BMW M8 Gran Coupe First Edition will be available in the UK, however limited to just five units; its exclusive design cues include a BMW Individual Aurora Diamond Green metallic paint finish for the exterior, with accents in Gold Bronze.

New control and operating system, exclusive standard equipment.
A Setup button on the centre console gives the driver direct access to the settings for the engine, dampers, steering, M xDrive and braking system. Two individually composed variants of the M Setup can be stored and called up using the M buttons on the steering wheel. The M Mode button on the centre console allows the driver assistance systems and the instrument cluster / Head-Up Display screens to be configured as required. Drivers of the new BMW M8 Competition Gran Coupe Competition can also select TRACK mode in addition to ROAD and SPORT.

The exclusive standard equipment of the new M8 Competition Gran Coupe includes Adaptive LED Headlights with high beam assistant, an M-specific BMW Head-Up Display, M sports seats, four-zone air conditioning, front and rear heated seats, Driving Assistant and the Parking Assistant Plus. BMW Live Cockpit Professional, complete with navigation system and BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, is also offered as standard.

State-of-the-art driver assistance systems offer customised comfort and safety.
The standard Driving Assistant can be supplemented with a wide choice of other driver assistance systems designed to ease the driver’s workload in monotonous driving situations, so enhancing both comfort and safety. Customers can also opt for the Driving Assistant Professional that adds features such as the steering and lane control assistant, the lane-keeping assistant with active side collision protection, the Evasion Assistant, junction warning, wrong-way driving warning and front-crossing traffic warning systems.

The standard Parking Assistant Plus also includes a rear-view camera, Top View, Panorama View and 3D Top View functions. BMW Drive Recorder, is also included; this function uses the driver assistance systems’ cameras to record video footage from different points around the vehicle. This footage is then stored so they can be either watched later on the Control Display when the car is stationary or exported via the USB port.

The BMW M8 Competition Gran Coupe is on sale from today ahead of its official market launch early 2020.

                                                                   Ends

*All figures relating to the performance, fuel/electric power consumption and CO2 emissions are provisional.

The fuel consumption and CO2 emission figures are determined according to the European Regulation (EC) 2007/715 in the version applicable. The figures refer to a vehicle with basic configuration in Germany. The range shown considers the different sizes of the selected wheels/tyres and the selected items of optional equipment, and may vary during configuration.

The information has already been calculated based on the new WLTP test cycle and adapted to NEDC for comparison purposes. In these vehicles, different figures than those published here may apply for the assessment of taxes and other vehicle-related duties which are (also) based on CO2 emissions.

For further details of the official fuel consumption figures and the official specific CO2 emissions of new cars, please refer to the "Manual on the fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and power consumption of new cars" available free of charge at all sales outlets, from Deutsche Automobil Treuhand GmbH (DAT),Hellmuth-Hirth-Str. 1, 73760 Ostfildern-Scharnhausen and at https://www.dat.de/co2/.

The BMW Group

With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. The BMW Group production network comprises 31 production and assembly facilities in 15 countries; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2018, the BMW Group sold over 2,490,000 passenger vehicles and more than 165,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2018 was € 9.815 billion on revenues amounting to € 97.480 billion. As of 31 December 2018, the BMW Group had a workforce of 134,682 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy.

www.bmwgroup.com
www.bmw.co.uk
https://newsroom.bmwgroup.com/global/en

Facebook: BMW UK
Twitter: @BMW_UK
Instagram: BMWUK
LinkedIn: BMW Group UK Limited
YouTube: BMW UK

For further information please contact:

Chris Overall
BMW Media Relations Manager
Tel: 07815 370 990
Email: Chris.Overall@bmw.co.uk


Emma Begley
General Manager, Communications
Tel: 07815 371 062
Email: Emma.Begley@bmw.co.uk

Graham Biggs
Corporate Communications Director
Tel: 01252 921256
Email: Graham.Biggs@bmw.co.uk