A Bite of History by Mike Thies

BMW M8 Competition

The BMW M8 Competition is the high-performance crown jewel of BMW’s 8 Series lineup, combining grand touring luxury with raw motorsport engineering. Though the original 8 Series debuted in the 1990s as a sleek V12-powered cruiser, the M8 badge didn’t officially hit production until 2019, after decades of rumors, prototypes, and speculation. With its release, BMW finally offered a full-size luxury coupe, convertible, and Gran Coupe that could go toe-to-toe with supercars while still offering daily usability.

Under the hood, the M8 Competition boasts a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8, producing a thunderous 617 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque, channeled through an 8-speed automatic transmission and BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system. It can launch from 0–60 mph in just about 3 seconds, making it one of the fastest production BMWs ever made. But speed isn’t its only trick as adaptive suspension, active M differential, and a refined interior lined with leather and tech make it just as comfortable on long drives as it is on track days.

What sets the M8 Competition apart historically is how it reflects BMW’s modern identity: blending M Division aggression with executive-class elegance. It’s not just a muscle car in a tux, it’s a statement that BMW can still build machines that thrill both driver and passengers, even in an era increasingly defined by electric powertrains and autonomous tech.

*Photo courtesy of George Brown, Peayton Automotive, Lawrenceville, GA