BMW M8 Coupe: Variant check

It was only a while back that BMW Malaysia launched the M8 Coupe in the local market. And it didn't come alone as it was accompanied by its siblings the M8 Gran Coupe, the X3 M, and the X4 M.

Also Read: BMW X3 M Competition: Price analysis

It is part of the 8 Series troop that consists of the M8 Coupe, M8 Gran Coupe, M850i xDrive Coupe, and 840i Gran Coupe M Sport. Today we'll be discussing the two latest inclusions - the M8 Coupe & M8 Gran Coupe.

Let's get started -

Design

Since both cars are M models they benefit from several M cues like - M-specific twin-spar door mirrors, an M rear spoiler, flared aluminium wings with M gills, M-specific M8 rear diffuser, and an M-specific exhaust system with chrome trims and twin tailpipes.

The two models ride on double-spoke style 810 M Bicolour 20-inch M light-alloy wheels with mixed tyres. They get carbon-fibre reinforced plastic roof and BMW Individual high-gloss Shadow Line trim. Not to forget the automatic tailgate.

Exterior colour palette: Alpine White, Marina Bay Blue, Brands Hatch Grey, Barcelona Blue, Donington Grey, Motegi Red, Black Sapphire, and Motegi Red.

Cabin inclusions

Both the variants benefit from a similar cabin setup that includes -

• Full Merino leather upholstery
• M Sport seats with integrated, illuminated M8 logo
• Full-leather dashboard & door trim panels
• Red starter button
• New electronic gear lever
• A soft-close function for doors
• Digital Key

Also part of the package is a BMW Live Cockpit Professional system that consists of an all-digital 12.3-inch instrument cluster, a full-colour head-up display with additional M-specific display presentation, and a 10.25-inch HD control display.

Engine configuration

Both the M8 Coupe and M8 Gran Coupe are powered by a 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 mill that pumps out a maximum power of 600 hp at 6,000 rpm along with a peak torque of 750 Nm between 1,800 to 5,600 rpm. The power is sent to the M xDrive all-wheel drive system through an 8-speed M Steptronic automatic transmission with Drivelogic settings. The M xDrive system distributes torque between the front and rear wheels (depending on the settings and conditions).

Active M Differential can be found in both the M8 Coupe and M8 Gran Coupe.

Coming to performance, the M8 Coupe and M8 Gran Coupe completes the century sprint in just 3.3 seconds. It is to be noted that the four-door Gran Coupe is 95 kg heavier but still performed equally well. BMW has limited the top-speed electronically to 250 kmph. Opt for the M Drive Package for a maximum top speed of 305 kmph.

Braking and handling

The M8 Coupe and M8 Gran Coupe feature a similar suspension setup - adaptive dampers and a double-wishbone front/five-link rear axle layout. The rear comes equipped with M-specific forged links.

Helping this stunning car stop are standard blue callipers fitted with an M-specific integrated brake system with brake booster, brake activation, and braking control functions.

The BMW Personal CoPilot system offers several driver-assist items like - a lane-keeping assistant with a lane change assistant, side collision protection, crossing-traffic warning, and a reversing assistant.

Price

While the two variants are the same on almost all levels, they differ slightly on the price front. While the M8 Coupe retails for RM 1,452,960, the M8 Gran Coupe can be yours for RM 1,455,145.

Also Read: BMW X7: Same price, other options