First Look: 2020 BMW M8 Coupe and Convertible

The new BMW M8 range has been unveiled as the most powerful car ever produced by the BMW M division. The high-revving V8 petrol unit with twin turbos develops 441 kW/600 hp in the new M8 Coupe and M8 Convertible, and 460 kW/625 hp in the Competition models. The new V8 power unit teams up with an eight-speed M-specific transmission with Drivelogic and drives through an M xDrive all-wheel- drive system.

The performance-focused character of the engine, transmission and chassis allows the new M8 Coupe and M8 Convertible to power from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.3 / 3.4 seconds. For even more hardcore performance, the new M8 Competition Coupe sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.2 seconds, while its Convertible stablemate accomplishes the same feat in 3.3 seconds.

Powertrain Details

The high-revving 4,4-litre V8 engine features a pair of turbochargers – positioned in the “V” between the cylinder banks for optimum efficiency – and cross-bank exhaust manifolds.

In the new M8 Coupe and new M8 Convertible, the engine serves up peak torque of 750 Nm (553 lb-ft) between 1,800 and 5,600 rpm – and goes on to deliver maximum output of 441 kW/600 hp at 6,000 rpm, en route to the 7,200 rpm cut-off.

The power unit in the Competition models sustains its peak torque of 750Nm up to 5,800 rpm and develops maximum output of 460 kW/625 hp at 6,000 rpm. The most powerful variant of the V8 teams up with a special engine mounting for a more rigid connection with the car’s structure, as well as crisper engine response and sharper turn-in.

Eight-speed transmission with Drivelogic and M xDrive

Power transfer is via an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic. The Drivelogic button on the newly designed selector lever allows the driver to select from three modes with specific shift characteristics for particularly efficient, sporty or ultra-dynamic driving. There are also M gearshift paddles on the steering wheel.

All new BMW M8 models is equipped with the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system with a rear-biased setup. The driver can choose between the default AWD setting and AWD Sport mode, which diverts a larger slice of engine power to the rear wheels. Deactivating DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) brings 2WD mode into the equation.

M-specific chassis

The new BMW M8 models are also equipped as standard with M-specific Adaptive suspension including electronically controlled dampers and electromechanical M Servotronic steering. The DSC system hooks up with the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system and the Active M Differential and also offers M Dynamic mode. This mode allows a greater degree of wheel slip and combines with the M xDrive system’s rear-biased setup to deliver a sportier drive complete with controlled drifts through corners.

Standard specification also includes 20-inch M light-alloy wheels in twin-spoke design and high-performance tyres measuring 275/35 R 20 at the front and 285/35 R 20 at the rear.

As an alternative to the M compound brakes specified as standard, the new BMW M8 can also be ordered with optional M carbon-ceramic brakes. Both variants are fitted in conjunction with an M-specific version of an integrated braking system.

Specifically developed for the M8, the new brake system presents the driver with two pedal settings. The driver can choose between a more comfort-oriented and a more direct, instantaneous pedal feel for a spirited drive.

Exterior

The new BMW M8 models are enhanced by M-specific features including large air intakes and the BMW kidney grille with familiar M double bars at the front end, lavishly flared front wheel arches, M gills in the front side panels, aerodynamically optimised exterior mirrors,

A rear spoiler and diffuser in a contrasting colour create a fitting visual showcase for the dynamic potential and exclusive status of the new M contenders. An M Carbon exterior package is offered as an option.

Character-defining features of the new BMW M8 Coupe include the double-bubble contour of its carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) roof, reminiscent of classic racing cars.

Passengers in the new BMW M8 Convertible are protected from the elements by a fabric roof pulled taut over the cabin. The multi-layer soft-top opens and closes in 15 seconds at the touch of a button, even while on the move.

Interior

The interior of the new high-performance M cars brings together an M-specific cockpit design and progressive luxury. Standard specification for the M8 Coupe, Convertible and Competition models includes leather upholstery options, BMW Display Key, Head-Up Display with M-specific content, and Driving and Parking Assistant.

The new Setup button on the centre console enables direct access to the settings for the engine, dampers, steering, M xDrive and braking system. The overall configuration can then be called up at any time by pressing one of the two M buttons on the steering wheel.

Another new feature is the M Mode button on the centre console, which the driver can use to adjust the driver assistance systems and the displays in the instrument cluster and Head-Up Display.

M Mode allows the driver to activate ROAD and SPORT settings, while the Competition models also come with a TRACK setting designed exclusively for use on race circuits.

Changing the mode alters the information presented to the driver on the screens, while the safety-enhancing interventions by the driver assistance systems – such as active braking or steering inputs – are reduced to a bare minimum or deactivated altogether.

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