2021 BMW M8 Gran Coupe

Overview

Just because you don't need the six-figure 600-plus-hp 2021 BMW M8 Gran Coupe doesn't mean you shouldn't want one. And if you can afford the lofty entry price for this high-performance raked-roof four-door sedan, by all means revel in its luxury and exhilaration. BMW stuffed a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 underhood that makes between 600 and 617 ponies. The top power rating is reserved for the M division's track-ready Competition model, which also adds special forged wheels and a rowdier exhaust. Every version features an all-wheel-drive system with a rear-drive mode that can dramatically alter the car's driving behavior. Inside, you'll find only sumptuous materials and fancy amenities. The back seat is much bigger than what's offered in the M8 coupe and convertible, too, but those body styles are on hiatus this year.

What's New for 2021?

For 2021, the M8 Gran Coupe is now available with Donington Grey Metallic paint and black or red calipers. The Sonic Speed Blue color is no longer offered, nor is the night-vision system with pedestrian detection. However, Android Auto has finally found its way onto the roster. BMW also changed the Competition designation from a model to a package and said that the 2021 M8 coupe and convertible are not coming to the U.S. because of COVID-19.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

While we'd be content with the cheaper BMW M850i (reviewed separately) and its detuned twin-turbo V-8, the M8 Gran Coupe is the only antidote for BMW enthusiasts who want the company's fastest four-door. For that reason, we'd recommend the M8 with the Competition package and all the trimmings. We'd pick the priciest paint option (Frozen Bluestone Metallic), pony up for both Driver Assistance packages and the Comfort Seating pack, and tick all the other option boxes: carbon-ceramic brakes, the M Carbon exterior package, the faux-suede headliner, and the Bowers & Wilkins sound system. We'd also select the M Driver's pack, which gives you a day of training at a racetrack so you can learn how to safely exploit the M8's talents and maybe briefly forget how much this thing costs.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The M8 Gran Coupe is powered by a lusty twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 that makes 600 horsepower on the regular model and 617 on the Competition version. Both M8s send that power to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. However, tail-out antics are made possible by a selectable rear-wheel-drive mode that routes all the V-8's fury to the back. A specially tuned adaptive suspension comes standard, and it can be adjusted through the sedan's customizable or preset drive modes. For those who want the ultimate performance from the M8 Gran Coupe, BMW offers carbon-ceramic brakes on both models and exclusive go-fast goodies with the Competition package.

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Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Regardless of whether you strap into the 600-hp M8 Gran Coupe or the 617-hp Competition version, both Bimmers have the same fuel-economy ratings from the EPA: an estimated 15 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway. However, we won't be able verify either car's real-world efficiency until we take them out on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The M8 Gran Coupe features an exquisitely appointed interior that looks as rich as it feels. While the design is more dignified than dazzling, the four-door M8 provides plentiful rear passenger space. It also offers a cornucopia of desirable standard features, such as a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster; 16-way power front seats with memory settings, heating, and ventilation; four-zone climate control; leather upholstery; and more. Buyers can also enhance the cabin with novel color schemes and fancy trims as well as a Comfort Seating package. This adds heated seats throughout along with power sunshades for rear-seat passengers.

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Infotainment and Connectivity

Every M8 Gran Coupe is equipped with a 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system that can also be operated with a rotary controller on the center console. Along with its 16-speaker Harman/Kardon sound system, the brawny BMW has a Wi-Fi hotspot and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. Those who aren't satisfied with the default audio unit can upgrade to a more powerful Bowers & Wilkins setup.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The 2021 M8 Gran Coupe hasn't been crash-tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). While copious driver-assistance technology is available, everything except forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking costs extra. Key safety features include:

• Available adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go technology
• Available blind-spot monitoring and rear-cross-traffic alert
• Available lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

BMW provides a competitive limited and powertrain warranty compared with luxury rivals' plans. It also makes Mercedes-AMG look bad by providing complimentary scheduled maintenance.

• Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• Complimentary maintenance is covered for three years or 36,000 miles

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