“I would tell them that the car is a superior ride and extremely fun to drive. If you want performance this is the car”
BMW M8: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The BMW M8 is a gas-powered, all-wheel-drive luxury performance grand tourer known for combining huge V8 power and serious speed with a rich, comfortable cabin. It is the flagship performance version of BMW’s 8 Series.
The M8 has always been more grand tourer than stripped-down sports car. Its defining idea is to pair near-supercar acceleration with the comfort, quietness, and technology needed for long drives and daily use. Throughout its first modern generation, a powerful twin-turbo V8 and traction-focused all-wheel drive have anchored that formula.
Strengths
- Its twin-turbo V8 delivers immense acceleration, with 2025 Competition models rated at 617 horsepower.
- All-wheel drive helps put the M8’s considerable power to the road with reassuring traction.
- The cabin is richer, quieter, and more comfortable than the stripped-down environment of a typical focused sports car.
- It works well for long highway drives while still delivering genuine M-car speed.
- The 2023 refresh brought a larger 12.3-inch center display without changing the M8’s established character.
Who it's for
The M8 suits someone who wants dramatic speed without giving up luxury or everyday comfort. It makes the most sense for a buyer seeking a special-feeling car for highway trips, daily driving, and fast back-road runs rather than a light, minimalist sports car.
BMW M8 lineup
At launch, the standard M8 paired 600 horsepower with the model’s core luxury-performance character, while the Competition version raised output to 617 horsepower and added a firmer setup. Pick an early standard car if the extra power and sharper Competition tuning are not priorities; seek out Competition if maximum factory performance matters more. From 2022 onward, U.S. models are Competition-only, so the meaningful decision among newer examples is the body style rather than a traditional trim step. The Competition Gran name identifies the four-door Gran Coupe version of that same core Competition formula.
BMW M8 generations
From 2020 to 2025, the M8 spans 1 generation. The current 1st Generation — F91/F92/F93 arrived for 2020.
1st Generation — F91/F92/F93 (2020–2025)
The first modern M8 pairs a twin-turbo V8 with all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic. It comes in two-door coupe and convertible forms, plus the four-door Gran Coupe, with a 2023 update bringing revised front styling and a larger center display.
1 In Stock
2025
Carryover year with the same Competition-only lineup, 617-hp V8, all-wheel drive, and updated cabin introduced for 2023.
2024
Carries over in Competition-only form with the same 617-hp V8 and 12.3-inch center display.
2023Mid-cycle update
Revised front styling and a larger 12.3-inch center display arrive. The U.S. lineup remains Competition-only.
2022Trim changes
The full U.S. lineup returns in Competition-only form, making the 617-hp engine tune and Competition hardware standard across all three body styles.
2021Trim changes
The U.S. lineup shrinks to the Gran Coupe, and Competition changes from a separate model to an option package.
2020New generation
The modern M8 launches as a coupe, convertible, and Gran Coupe with a 600-hp twin-turbo V8, or 617 hp in Competition form.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the BMW M8.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of car is the BMW M8?
The BMW M8 is a high-performance luxury grand tourer. It combines a powerful twin-turbo V8 and serious M-car speed with a rich cabin, long-distance comfort, and more everyday usability than a stripped-down sports car.
What body styles does the BMW M8 come in?
The M8 was sold as a two-door coupe, a soft-top convertible, and a four-door Gran Coupe. The Gran Coupe has the roomiest rear cabin and greatest everyday usefulness, while the two-door versions emphasize style and a more intimate feel.
Is the BMW M8 a hybrid?
No. The first-generation M8 uses a gasoline twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8. Earlier versions produce 600 horsepower, while Competition versions produce 617 horsepower.
Does the BMW M8 have all-wheel drive?
Yes. Every M8 uses a rear-biased all-wheel-drive system for strong traction. It also has selectable driving modes, including a rear-drive mode intended for skilled drivers in appropriate conditions.
Is the BMW M8 comfortable enough for daily driving?
Yes, if you accept the running demands of a 600-plus-horsepower performance car. The M8 has adaptive suspension, a richly trimmed cabin, supportive seats, and useful technology, so it is designed to handle commuting and highway trips as well as fast driving.
Who is the BMW M8 a good fit for?
The M8 suits someone who wants very high performance without giving up luxury, quiet highway cruising, or everyday features. The Gran Coupe is the sensible fit for regular passengers, while the coupe and convertible favor style and occasion.
How many generations of the BMW M8 are there?
The modern BMW M8 has one generation, launched for 2020 and running through 2025 in the supplied history. A 2023 refresh revised the front-end appearance and brought a larger 12.3-inch center display without changing the core V8 formula.
What is the BMW M8 known for?
The M8 is known for combining huge V8 power with all-wheel-drive traction, dramatic 8 Series styling, and a luxurious cabin. Its character is closer to an exceptionally fast long-distance car than a bare-bones track machine.
BMW M8 Reviews
What owners are saying about the BMW M8.
4.6
BMW M8
(361 reviews)
“The M8 competition is a superbly powerful and capable vehicle that is fun to drive. It is built with high quality materials and has been completely reliable. The performance characteristics are customizable to the driver's taste. It is an appealing unique design and super comfortable to drive”
“who is getting in the back seats? Not that easy to do, especially for a larger person.”
“compared to other cars in its category you can not beat it for Quality, performance and price!”
“This car is not for everyone. It is a race car with a bow tie and a pocket square. If you want luxurious, get a different model.”
“The BMW M8 is an exceptional vehicle with remarkable power and control at speed. It's a beautifully made car and the attention to quality is top notch! The ability to accelerate and feel g-forces is stupendous and exhilarating!”