Summary
The BMW M8 is the performance-enhanced version of the 8 Series, available as a two-door coupé or convertible and powered by a 617hp twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine. There is also a four-door executive car variant, called the M8 Gran Coupé, but we will have a separate page for this model, coming soon.
The M8 range is limited to one engine/trim choice here in the UK, as only the top-spec M8 Competition is available. While there is not much choice on offer, the M8 has been warmly-received by the British motoring media – described by Auto Express as “a deeply effective car that delivers monstrous performance allied to a depth of sophistication that’s hard not to be impressed by.”
Which? concludes that the sports car is a very capable long-distance cruiser too, thanks to its “luxurious and tech-laden interior”, while Carwow states its enthusiasm for the car’s “great looks”, and calls the M8 Competition “the absolute peak of BMW M engineering”.
Advantages aside, the car comes with a steep price tag. Reviewers question if it is really worth paying £130k for the M8 Competition when the BMW M850i model at the top of the 8 Series range is almost as quick and just as luxurious for £25k less.
What Car? adds that it finds rivals like the Aston Martin DB11 and Porsche 911 to be sharper and more fun to drive on the road than the M8, and says that the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupé is more comfortable.
As of February 2023, the BMW M8 holds an Expert Rating of 62%, based on 15 reviews published by the UK motoring media.
M8 highlights
- Impressive performance and handling
- Refined and well-built interior
- Attractive exterior styling
- Packed with useful on-board tech
M8 lowlights
- Cramped rear seats
- 911 and DB11 are more engaging on the road
- S-Class Coupé is more comfortable
- Very expensive
Key specifications
Body style: Coupé and convertible
Engines: petrol
Price: From £133,020 on-road
Launched: Autumn 2019
Last updated: Spring 2022
Replacement due: TBA
Image gallery
Media reviews
Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
Auto Express
Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 7 / 10
“The new BMW M8 is a deeply effective car that delivers monstrous performance allied to a depth of sophistication that’s hard not to be impressed by.”
Read review
Auto Trader
Model reviewed:
Score: 8.4 / 10
“The BMW M8 Competition is the most powerful, fastest and most luxurious car in the range and delivers an incredible driving experience – albeit at a cost.”
Read review
Autocar
Model reviewed: M8 Competition coupé
Score: 7 / 10
“The BMW M8 feels like a car set up for a fall by BMW for being given an M badge in the first place. It just never feels as sporty as an M car should, and in chasing that M dream, it also ends up being compromised in what could have been a more compelling and interesting GT car.” (Mark Tisshaw)
Read review
Model reviewed: M8 Coupé
Score: 7 / 10
“The BMW M8 is a car of hidden depths. Get it in the right location, get it into the right modes, and it’ll do things that you scarcely think are credible, given its mass and its size. And in its own way, that’s hugely impressive. But for us, it’s not enough to become truly compelling.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Competition Convertible
Score: 7 / 10
“Removing the roof from BMW’s performance GT widens its fun factor, but no compromise is made for comfort.”
Read review
Car
Model reviewed: Competition
Score: 6 / 10
“It may sound like we’re being quite harsh on this car, and we’re not – in isolation, this M6 replacement is a fine fast cruiser that can be fun to drive.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Competition
Score: 6 / 10
“Whizzing in 3.3sec from 0 to 62mph and in 10.8sec from 0-125mph feels and is jolly quick.”
Read review
Carbuyer
Model reviewed:
Score: 7.2 / 10
“The BMW M8 Competition Convertible is a heavyweight grand tourer with a price tag to match.”
Read review
Carwow
Model reviewed:
Score: 7 / 10
“The BMW M8 is supercar quick, easy to drive for long periods and looks great.”
Read review
Evo
Model reviewed:
Score: 7 / 10
“The BMW M8 is comfortable, quick and capable.”
Read review
Parkers
Model reviewed:
Score: 8.8 / 10
“The BMW M8 is a large and luxurious grand tourer, but it’s pricey.”
Read review
The Sunday Times
Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“The BMW M8 is the everyday performance GT.”
Read review
Top Gear
Model reviewed: Competition
Score: 7 / 10
“The M8 is a really grand, grand tourer. It looks and operates as you’d expect of a peak BMW.”
Read review
What Car?
Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“The M8 is violently quick, handles capably, and has enough compliance and luxury to soothe away long jaunts.”
Read review
Which?
Model reviewed: M8 Competition Convertible
“The BMW M8 Convertible offers a new level of performance for fast luxury cars. It has the power and acceleration to rival purpose-built sports cars, but with a folding roof and a luxurious, tech-laden interior, it will also happily play the long-distance cruiser.”
Read review
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
No safety rating
As of February 2023, the BMW M8 has not been crash tested by Euro NCAP. Due to its price and exclusivity, it is unlikely to be crash tested in the future.
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
As of February 2023, the BMW M8 has not been lab tested by Green NCAP. Due to its price and exclusivity, it is unlikely to have its emissions tested in the future.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
No reliability rating
As of February 2023, we don’t have enough reliability data on the BMW M8 to generate a reliability rating.
The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively for us using extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy. As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the M8, we’ll publish the score here.
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the BMW M8, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Aston Martin DB11 | Bentley Continental GT | Bentley Continental GT Convertible | Lexus LC | Mercedes-AMG GT | Polestar 1 | Porsche 911
Buy a BMW M8
If you’re looking to buy a BMW M8, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find the right car
Discover great deals available on both new and used cars. Find out more
Search less, live more. We make finding the right car simple. Find out more
The UK’s automotive search engine. All the cars in one place. Find out more
Finding your next car is easy at Motorpoint. Find out more
Lease a BMW M8
If you’re looking to lease a new BMW M8, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find a competitive deal
Personal contract hire deals from Carparison Leasing. Find out more
Personal contract hire deals from Hippo Leasing. Find out more
Personal contract hire deals from Moneyshake. Find out more
Personal contract hire deals from Rivervale Leasing. Find out more
Personal contract hire deals from LeaseLoco. Find out more
Personal contract hire deals from Ready2Lease. Find out more
Subscribe to a BMW M8
If you’re interested in a car subscription, The Car Expert’s partners can help (PS: What’s a car subscription?)
Electric car subscriptions from Elmo.
Find out more
