2021 BMW M8 Gran Coupe Competition Review

After disappearing for a couple of decades, BMW resurrected the 8 Series as a range-topping touring coupe three years ago. Shortly after the performance variant arrived, the M8, followed by the granddaddy of them all: a Competition Gran Coupe (GC) sedan model. (The German also recently announced the 2-door M8 Coupe and Convertible won’t be coming to North America.)

We took out the 2021 version of the latter for a week and discovered it just might be the most fun you can have in a four-door.

Powered by BMW’s M5 Competition 4.4L TwinPower Turbo V8

The core of what makes this vehicle such a hoot is the over-the-top motor: a high-revving 4.4-litre BMW TwinPower Turbo V8 (yes, the same mill as found in the current M5 Competition), mated to an eight-speed transmission with paddle shifters, churning out an almost comical 617 hp at 6,000 rpm and 553 lb-ft at 1,800 – 5,860 rpm, which is 17 horsepower more than the non-Competition.

That’s good for a 0 to 60 mph in 3.0 seconds, or 0 to 100 km/h time of 3.2 seconds, a number getting mighty close to supercar territory.

If feeling the rush of acceleration wasn’t enough, the standard Sports exhaust system adds a visceral exclamation point. Toggled via a button on the centre console, turning it on opens up electronically controlled flaps in the piping, delivering a blissfully bassy soundtrack.

I’ve scared my fair share of neighbours in my building’s parking garage when starting up the car on a chilly morning. The quad tailpipes emit a shotgun-blast-like sound as the RPMs momentarily shoot up.

2021 M8 GC Competition’s key standard performance specs:

xDrive all-wheel drive system comes standard with M8

Although all M8s are outfitted with an xDrive all-wheel drive system, the system is not only normally rear-biased for sharper handling. Still, it has a pure rear-wheel drive mode free from any computer assistance, delivering a truly dynamic experience.

The ultra-reinforced chassis, highlighted by thick anti-roll bars, tower-to-bulkhead strut bracing, and steel X-brace, is quite apparent while navigating tight corners.

When the occasion calls for civilized cruising around town, the adaptive suspension, utilizing electronically controlled dampers that constantly read the road surface conditions and adjust accordingly, offers a smooth and comfortable ride.

As most onboard systems are down to brake pedal firmness, the dampening is customizable and can be accessed using the red shortcut buttons next to the gearshift paddles.   

The M8 GC Competition’s interior & exterior styling

Every M model showcases a distinctive performance-oriented design. However, the M8 GC full-size sedan, in particular, is full of interesting styling elements and textured surfaces inside and out. For example, the black chrome “hollow” grill comprised of vertical dual slats; subtle deck-lid spoiler; diamond leather door cards and seat upholstery; and the steering wheel features gold and silver-coloured stitching in addition to the traditional blue, purple and red.

From afar, the vehicle looks low, long and sleek like a shark, especially our Black Sapphire Metallic painted tester. The body is a full 231 millimetres longer than the coupe, with a 200 millimetre longer wheelbase, exaggerating the long hood and short carbon fibre roof even more. The benefit of the lengthier proportions is more legroom for rear passengers, however headroom could still be a factor for taller folks due to the low greenhouse. 

Some noteworthy exterior and interior M8 Gran Coupe Competition features include: