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BMW M8 COUPE Being officially the first publication in SA to test the BMW M8 Competition, we were rather intrigued to see how the model fares on local roads following our stint with the vehicle at its global launch in 2019. Having driven the coupe version

WHAT IS IT?

The BMW M8 Competition is the marque’s most powerful sports coupe and sits on the highest rung of the M Division’s hierarchical ladder. Loosely based on the M850i, the M8 Competition dials everything up to the nth degree by giving the engine more power, stiffening the suspension components and anti-roll bars, accordingly, widening the track for better high-speed stability and cornering ability.

DESIGN

It is an elegant looking thing in the mould of a Grand Tourer set aside from its smaller sibling by M specific front valance air ducts, beefed up front flanks replete with M8 emblazoned ducts. There are M-specific wheels wrapped with 275/35/20” rubber at the front and 285/35/20” at the rear, which are home to M brakes that in our test car were the optional carbon ceramics with gold-painted callipers – a cool R128,200 option.

There are also M-specific mirrors with carbon fibre finishes, while the carbon treatment is also liberally tacked on to the front splitter and rear spoiler and diffuser. At the rear, the M8 Competition badge is finished in a gloss black colour, while the quad performance exhausts in black, round off the exterior visage.

CABIN

Swinging the door open exposes a cabin architecture that is akin to that of the M850i save for an M model-specific steering wheel replete with red M1 and M2 flick switches, while a red starter button and M mode switches are peppered on the centre tunnel. There are lashings of carbon fibre inserts that blend well with the high-quality leather finishes, while those sumptuous M seats are formhugging and offer great scope for adjustment to boot. There is enough leg and headroom upfront, but the rear should be a reserve for small children as

I struggled to get my three-year-old’s car seat back there. Other than that, it is a sumptuous sanctuary with good tactile quality appointments.

MOTIVATION

Power comes from the familiar 4.4-litre V8 twinturbo with 460 kW and 750 Nm that is allied to an 8-speed automatic gearbox. This is all shuffled to the road via the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system, which can be decoupled at a push of a button to send all the power to the rear axle only so you can leave long unofficial black road markings in your wake if you so wish.

However, this being, for the most part, a sporty GT, it manages to be an adequately suave, comfortable everyday drive and, in its most relaxed settings, it can easily pass for a family saloon car – such is the suspension compliance.

Should the mood tickle your fancy, then you can turn everything up to full-on attack mode and the M8 Competition morphs into a hairy-chested, alpha prime mate as it asserts its M dominance with such conviction.

It is rapid in a straight line and more than adept in the corners, but it never quite manages to stir your soul. This is not helped by the fact that the exhaust note sounds ever so subdued, a muffled hum that never quite clears its throat with the increase in engine revolutions. Granted, it is not meant to shout from the rafter like some of its siblings down the rung, but I expected a little bit more aural splendour.

LAST WORD

The BMW M8 Competition at R3,280,400 is an elegant, sporty GT that will appease the thorough M Division fan. However, I felt that it lacked that sense of occasion during moments of spirited driving, and not while pottering about town. You see, something like a Bentley Continental GT V8 will feel special whether on the move or standing still and offers a genuine four-seater experience. Personally, though, the Porsche 911 Turbo S coupe would be my go-to vehicle in this segment, hands down.