BMW is expanding its performance portfolio for 2020 with a new four-door version of the M8, actually two iterations: the 2020 BMW M8 Gran Coupe and M8 Gran Coupe Competition as well as a limited edition model.
The two-door versions made their debut in June, but now they’re getting some larger siblings to meet the demand for sporting performance with plenty of room for passengers. While the new models get two more doors, they’re not cutting back on performance.
The new M8 Gran Coupe is powered a 4.4-liter S63 M TwinPower Turbo V8 producing 600 horsepower
and 553 pound-feet of torque while the M8 Competition models feature an uprated power unit producing 617 hp and 553 lb- ft.
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The twin turbo V8 is mated to an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission that transfers the power and torque to the M xDrive all-wheel drive system. The transmission is operated via the new center console-mounted gear selector lever or with the M shift paddles on the steering wheel.
Both automatic and manual modes are available. The Drivelogic button allows the driver to select the comfort and speed of gear shifts from comfort-oriented to sport and track focused shifting.
The V8 produces a wide and flat torque curve, pushing the Gran Coupe from 0 to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds and the M8 Gran Coupe Competition handles in just 3.0 seconds.
The BMW M8 Gran Coupe models have an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph which can be increased to 190 mph with the optional M Driver’s Package. In addition to getting the extra 45 mph, owners selecting the M Driver’s Package receive an invitation to M School driver training at one of the two BMW Performance Center driving schools, either in Greer, South Carolina, or Thermal, California.
The new Gran Coupe and Gran Coupe Competition aren’t the only new M8 models coming to the U.S. The Bavarian automaker is also producing a specialized version of the M8 called the Gran Coupe First Edition.
Based on the Competition model, the First Edition cars will be finished in Individual Diamant Green Metallic, a color exclusive to this limited-edition model. The BMW Kidney grille, side air breather trim, door mirror and window- surround trim, exterior badging and door sill plates are finished in GOLDBRONZE, mirroring the M8 Gran Coupe Concept vehicle.
The interior is finished in BMW Individual Ivory White/Tartufo Full Merino leather and features Individual Piano Black trim with a “First Edition 1/400” on the center console door. Exclusive 20-inch Forged M Star-Spoke wheels finished in GOLDBRONZE help set the First Edition cars apart.
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It’s not enough to go fast in these new M8 models. They’re designed to do more, or at least, carry more people and things. In fact, the Gran Coupe is 9.1 inches longer, 1.4-inches wider, 2.3-inches taller and with a wheelbase that is 7.9 inches longer than the M8 Coupe.
This longer, wider beast enjoys extra stability, comfort and rear interior space without affecting the car’s track-capable agility. This means that the uncompromised near-supercar levels of performance and luxury can be more easily shared with family and friends.
The interior is substantially larger than that of the two-door coupe with rear shoulder room increasing by 7.7 inches, rear legroom increasing by 7.1 inches and rear headroom increasing by 3.5 inches. The greater interior dimensions mean only a modest 185-pound increase in curb weight. The two new models begin production in November; however, the First Edition models won’t hit dealer showrooms in the U.S. in March 2020.
The BMW M8 Gran Coupes feature a new single setup button that enables control over the engine, suspension, steering and xDrive settings. The new setup button now also allows for control over the integrated braking system and its Comfort and Sport modes.
Pressing the setup button brings up the setup screen on the center display and allows various settings to be chosen and saved to the steering wheel-mounted M1 and M2 buttons.
A new M Mode button on the center console allows for the individual configuration of driver assistance settings, instrument cluster and Heap-Up display settings. The BMW M8 Gran Coupe offers Road and Sport settings while the Competition model adds an additional Track setting.
Changing the mode allows for different information to be presented to the driver on the digital instrument screen and in the Head-Up display. The intervention levels of the driver assistance systems can also be reduced or turned off completely.
The new M8 Gran Coupes are laden with the latest in driver assistance technologies, such as forward collision warning with city collision mitigation. Optional technologies include Active Blind Spot Detection, Lane Departure Warning, Surround View Camera, Drive Recorder, Parking Assistant, Active Park Distance Control, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Speed Limit Information.
On top of that, if selected, the Driving Assistance Professional Package offers comprehensive assistance for comfortable and safe driving. This package includes Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function. It can be used at speeds up to 130 mph and maintains the desired speed while taking not only the traffic situation into account, but also the selected distance to vehicles in front.
Additionally, owners can add BMW Live Cockpit Professional in the 2020 BMW M8 Gran Coupe combines the latest- generation of the iDrive, featuring a high-resolution digital 12.3-inch instrument cluster display behind the steering wheel and a 10.25-inch center display diagonally across.
The system offers many hardware upgrades including new haptic controls on the iDrive controller, an advanced tablet-like touch interface, and stunning visualizations. The multi-modal approach of the iDrive touch controller, large touchscreen center display, cloud-based voice control, and gesture control allow users to interact in the way of their choosing.
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Pricing starts at $130,000 for the M8 Gran Coupe plus $995 Destination and $143,000 for the M8 Gran Coupe Competition plus $995 Destination.
