Specifications of BMW M8 Coupe (F92, facelift 2022) Competition 4.4 V8 (625 HP) xDrive Steptronic Sport

General characteristics of BMW M8 Coupe (F92, facelift 2022) Competition 4.4 V8 (625 HP) xDrive Steptronic Sport

There is no doubt that the M8 Gran Coupe is an incredibly effective tool for going fast, doubly impressive considering its weight. The xDrive AWD provides prodigious grip in all conditions, the 617-hp V8 slingshots it out of corners with eye-widening fury, and it tracks the cornering line flatly, resolutely sniffing out the apex of a curve. It's not all as cohesive as it could be, though and although the unforgiving suspension proves great on smooth roads, the ride will elicit a wince every time you hit a rut or ridge. Compared to the Audi RS7, which is more comfortable even in its suspension's firmest setting, the ride is pretty harsh. The other fly in the ointment is the numb steering feel, which isolates the driver from the action somewhat and reminds them that this is no Lotus Elise.

The new BMW M8 Gran Coupe has its moments of brilliance, but as an overall package, it fails to take class honors. One of the natural competitors of the BMW M8 Gran Coupe, the Audi RS7 four-door coupe, is more balanced, less punishing on the kidneys, has a larger trunk, and is nearly as fast. Even domestic rivals such as the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing sedan have what it takes nowadays to offer a shockingly resolved sporting experience with four doors - at a far lower price and with a manual gearbox thrown in. For a hardcore M car with such an uncompromisingly hard ride quality, one would expect the whole package to work together to at least make it worthwhile on the track. Sadly, the odd brake feel and numb steering don't sing off the same song sheet as the suspension and fail to tie together the talents of the M8 Competition Gran Coupe the way a cohesive M product should. And you can't dial back the suspension to a comfortable setting; it's still hard even at its softest. Its rivals do a better job at building rapid, elegant four-doors that are also liveable and practical.