Looking for a practical ‘family car’ that seats four, but also need an excess of 600 hp for your hooning shenanigans? Well, BMW might have the answer for you.
After teasing us with the handsome BMW Concept M8 Gran Coupe, the German carmaker has finally added the 4-door coupe to its performance line-up.
Just like it’s 2-door sisters, the BMW M8 Gran Coupe is powered by the same 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 developing 600 hp, while the competition gets 625 hp. Both models have the same peak torque output of 750 Nm.
Despite adding 200mm to the wheelbase from the “regular” M8 to accommodate the rear doors and weighing 95 kg more, BMW claims that it will still do 0 to 100 km/h in 3.3 seconds, while the competition model shaves of 0.1 second – identical figures to its two-door models.
Top speed is limited at 250 km/h, but if you tick the right boxes while making your purchase, the M Driver’s Package can bring it up to 305 km/h.
Power is sent to all four wheels through the 8-speed M Steptronic transmission. Equipped with the M xDrive variable all-wheel-drive system, the rear-wheel bias of the system can be felt even in the normal 4WD mode. Want even more slide? The 4WD Sport mode sends even more power to the rear wheels, or just turn it all off with the 2WD mode to lay rubber all day.
The other usual M-specific components are all here too, including M Servotronic steering, Active M differential, dynamic stability control with the M Dynamic mode, M specific adaptive suspension, as well as an electronic brake booster, letting the driver choose between Comfort and Sport braking modes.
Styling for the M8 Gran Coupe is pretty much identical to the two-door coupe version, except for the obvious two extra doors. The usual M touches such as the more aggressive bumpers with larger air intakes, M-specific kidney grilles with double black bars, M gills on the side, aerodynamically optimised side mirrors, as well as two pairs of exhaust tips flanking both sides of the rear diffuser all make their appearances on the Gran Coupe.
As on the BMW M8 Coupe, the roof of the new M8 Gran Coupe is made from carbon-fibre reinforced plastic. The new cars will ride on 20-inch M light alloy wheels. Hiding behind the wheels are the M compound brakes measuring 395mm at the front, or 400mm with the optional M carbon ceramic brakes.
Stepping inside the M8 Gran Coupe, you will be instantly greeted by the familiar M-styled cockpit. From the red M mode buttons on the steering wheel to the red push-start button, as well as a M-specific gear lever with drivetronic controls, BMW cut no corners to make you feel at home in an M car.
The interior of the M8 Gran Coupe is wrapped in perforated Merino leather, while the Competition models have an option for a two-tone leather and alcantara trim.Â
Alongside the introduction of the M8 Gran Coupe, BMW is making available a special First Edition model, limited to 400 units worldwide. The First Edition model will be painted in a unique Aurora Diamond Green metallic colour, matched with bronze gold ornaments all round, including the M8 badging, side window surrounds, M gills, door sill plates and highlights on the alloy wheels. As for the interior, BMW has given the First Edition a full-leather Merino trim in Taruma Brown.
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