As the manufacturer’s flagship performance model, the 2025 BMW M8 Competition has everything required for an owner’s next visit to the Autobahn, the high-speed German national highway system.
It’s also drivable in less performance-oriented locales where 618 horsepower and blasting to 60 miles per hour in three seconds aren’t necessary.
Still, there’s no component of understatement. Offered in coupe, convertible and four-door Gran Coupe, the 2025 BMW M8 features top-line technology and the carmaker’s signature masculinity. It growls and drives with confidence in its competition skin. It’s the only trim available in the M8 since 2022.
The mighty BMW has highly touted competitors whose enthusiasts are as enamored with their favorites as BMW fanciers. Consider the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing, Lexus LC, Mercedes-AMG SL and Porsche 911. Who’s to argue with any of the choices?
For the BMW crowd, the M8 offers a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8 with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The M8 trim also increases the mainstream 8 series top speed from 155 to 189 miles per hour.
The power is accompanied by a loud, unpleasant exhaust note. It’s substantial but more resembling throat-clearing rather than a bass saxophone. Gas mileage averages are 15 miles per gallon in city driving, 22 mpg on the highway. The fuel tank holds 20.1 gallons, meaning as much as 342 miles of range.
While a manual transmission option is wishful thinking, the BMW’s shifting mechanics including from automatic to paddle-shifting mode option is stiff. It’s an annoying trait throughout the BMW lineup.
The awkwardness is overshadowed by the vehicle’s driving qualities, its serious road grip and keen maneuverability. The M8 weighs more than 4,200 pounds, but it’s light on its wheels — in a good way.
As the brand’s competition standout, the M8 is different from the 8 Series in several additional ways. A sportier driving persona prompted BMW to feature more supportive seats in its top power machine. Cabin materials are higher quality, according to BMW. The M8 badge is prominent in several locations.
Not all is impressive. While the seats are upscale sturdy, ingress and egress are difficult. The reviewed convertible has minuscule rear seating and tight legroom for anyone but petite youngsters.
But like many convertibles, driving the M8 with its top down is outright fun. The black softop retracts and returns tightly into place with a lever mechanism on the console. It’s a one-function process in either direction and takes 20 seconds.
Safety equipment includes forward collision warning with pedestrian detection and low-speed automatic emergency braking, post-crash braking and driver fatigue monitoring. Automatic seat belt tensioning and window closing are also included for activation if an accident is imminent.
A Harmon Kardon 16-speaker/464-watt stereo system setup is standard. The optional 1,400-watt, 16-speaker Bowers and Wilkins system is a superior choice. But its resonance can be easily neutralized when enjoying the M8 as a convertible.
Available packages include BMW’s Driving Assistance and Driving Assistance Professional, which feature adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring and parking sensors.
Technology includes a 12.3-inch central touchscreen and same-size driver display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a wireless phone charging pad. Heated and ventilated front seats, heated armrests and steering wheel, a power tilting and telescoping steering column and adjustable ambient lighting are all standard.
The convertible option, the most expensive M8, is offered as a $10,000 premium. Nothing BMW offers is value-priced. The 2028 M8 convertible has a starting MSRP of $152,175. It’s slightly more than three times the average price of a new car in the United States.
The need for speed doesn’t seem worth it, unless the Autobahn is part of an M8 buyer’s driving routine.
James Raia, a syndicated automotive columnist in Sacramento, also contributes business, lifestyle and sports content to several print and online publications. E-mail: [email protected].