2023 BMW M8
back seat and expansive cargo space for its class. An eight-speed automatic transmission (including a rear-drive mode) smoothly propels the vehicle to city and highway speeds.
But like other high-performance luxury sedans with sports car tendencies, the M8 is made for speed. It has a wondrous starting growl but quiets down at cruising speeds. It takes a concerted effort early in the drivervehicle relationship to keep the car within legal freeway speed limits. The M8 Competition wants to compete.
The BMW has a starting MSRP of $130,000. Its rivals are all impressive: Audi RS7 ($126,000), BMW M5 ($111,895), Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing ($93,390), Mercedes-AMG E63 S 4Matic ($113,850) and MercedesAMG SL55/SL63 ($140,000).
With a high-class collection of vehicles in the segment, BMW added several new features for 2023 to keep the competition honest. There’s a larger touchscreen and updated accents. Further options include carbon-ceramic brakes to retractable rear shades and multiple heated seats and adaptive LED headlights.
Since the M8 Competition is all about performance, lightweight M Carbon competition seats are available. It’s a race car approach with the raised side grip handles enveloping front-seat occupants. The idea is understandable for the driver, but why not have a nongrip option for the front-seat passenger? The raised sides are prohibitive for entering and exiting during routine daily use.
With options, a $1,000 gas guzzler tax (city-highway fuel average is 17 miles per gallon) and minor extras, the M8 Competition is priced at $161,895.
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Its performance and head-turning green paint attract car owners with extroverts’ needs. But if it doesn’t quite provide the fix, there’s still hope. Exterior color choices also include Isle of Man Green and Tanzanite Blue II.
James Raia, a syndicated automotive columnist in Sacramento, publishes a free weekly automotive podcast and electronic newsletter available on his website, www.theweeklydriver.com. He can be reached via email: james@ jamesraia.com.