BMW has always lacked a proper Porsche 911 killer and Munich had hoped to change that with the revival of the 8 Series. Well, the flagship of their range F92 BMW M8 Coupe and F93 M8 Gran Coupe have finally landed on our shores to take their shot; complete with flagship pricing.
Both M8s are powered by the S63 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 from the F90 M5 as well as the M850i xDrive; the latter of which it features in a detuned form. Here, it makes a whopping 600hp and 750Nm of torque that hits all four wheels via the M xDrive all-wheel drive system and Active M Differential with the M Steptronic eight-speed auto nestled in between.
First seen on the F90 M5, the M8 twins also feature the ability to deliver full torque to the rear wheels alone in 2WD mode. Standard distribution is 4WD with a rear bias while 4WD Sport increases the torque split with even further emphasis to the rear wheels.
Both will hit the century mark in just 3.3-seconds. Top speed is limited to 250kph but as always, an optional M Driver’s Package will unlock the full 305kph Vmax.
Suspension wise here will find adaptive dampers holding up a double wishbone up front with a five-link layout in the rear. Suspension links in the aft end are M-specific forged pieces. Braking is by the signature M-blue calipers that are lighter. Doing their best to hide the massive calipers are 810 Style 20-inch lightweight alloy wheels.
Further reducing poundage on both cars is a carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) roof. Under said roof is a Merino leather interior that obviously cossets the front occupants in M Sports seats. You wake up the beast with a red push-start button and the gear lever is a completely redesigned piece with M-coloured stitching.
Going with the Merino upholstery are the usual suspects of the BMW Live Cockpit Professional system comprising the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a high-res 10.25-inch touchscreen display and a coloured head-up display that includes M-specific info.
The Digital Key is available with the M8 twins but as always, only a Samsung smartphone will allow you to access it. Doors are soft-close type.
You can have either of your M8 twins in one of seven colours, comprised of Alpine White, Donington Grey, Black Sapphire, Brands Hatch Grey, Marina Bay Blue, Motegi Red and Barcelona Blue. The Merino leather interior can be ordered with either black or Silverstone, basically an ivory white.
The M8 Coupe is priced at at RM1,452,960 while the four-door M8 Gran Coupe is a little more at RM1,455,145 under the SST exemption. This is inclusive of a five-year warranty and free-scheduled maintenance programme. If you want to stand out, the money saved from the SST holiday can be used to top up and get the only unit of M8 Coupe in a unique BMW Individual Frozen Bluestone exterior.
