BMWM8

　　

2024 BMW M8 Coupe Review

byChristian WardlawCorrespondent

　　Christian Wardlaw has worked in the automotive industry since 1994. He has written nearly 10,000 car-related articles and tested and reviewed more than 2,000 vehicles over the course of his career. Chris is a correspondent at zzdcar and was the first editor-in-chief of zzdcar.com in the 1990s. He has also contributed to Autotrader, CarGurus, J.D. Power, Kelley Blue Book, NADAguides, New York Daily News Autos and WardsAuto. His mom claims that his first word was “car,” and Chris believes that Miata is always the answer.

　　, rating written byChristian WardlawSenior Vehicle Test Editor

　　Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of zzdcar' high-performance test drivers. He's driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles all over the world, so Kurt's library of automotive experiences would certainly make for a good book. When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.

　　When a BMW wears an M badge, it's been engineered and tuned for maximum performance. Among the automaker's cars, the 2024 M8 sits at the top of an accomplished lineup of M-tuned models, serving as the flagship of the M lineup and capable of accelerating to 60 mph in a touted 3 seconds flat. It is available in coupe and convertible body styles and is priced high enough that if you must ask, you can't afford it. (zzdcar reviews the M8 Gran Coupe sedan separately.)

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 BMW M8 Competition 2dr Coupe AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$260/mo  for M8 Competition

　　M8 Competition

　　Competition 2dr Coupe AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 8A) (Most Popular) - $138,800 MSRP

　　vs

　　$165/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　

zzdcar spotlight: Performance

Fortified with a turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine, an eight-speed automatic sport transmission, and an M-developed version of BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system, the M8 provides a thrilling driving experience. Better yet, the car isn't solely about straight-line acceleration. The wizards toiling within BMW M (the automaker's high-performance tuning division) have waved their magic wands over the M8's suspension, steering, and braking systems to ensure optimum handling and braking capabilities. Then they package the car with more aggressive styling and plenty of luxury within the cabin. And if you have extra room in your budget, you can custom-tailor the car through the BMW Individual menu of options.

　　

Competitors to consider

If a BMW M8 coupe or convertible isn't to your liking, you have a handful of alternatives. You could get a Lexus LC, a stylish and rare car equipped with a V8 engine or a hybrid drivetrain. It's not as fast, but you'll spend far less while still turning heads. The recently redesigned Mercedes-AMG SL is another alternative, but it is smaller, slower and costs more. You might also consider the Porsche 911, but it can't touch the BMW's performance or practicality at the price. Be sure to read our full Expert Rating to learn more about the 2024 BMW M8.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Great

　　8.1

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.5/10

　　How does the M8 drive? Acceleration is like the Starship Enterprise jumping into warp speed. In our testing of an M8 Competition coupe, we recorded 0-60 mph in 3.2 seconds and the quarter mile in 11.2 seconds at 125 mph. There's so much power. The brakes feel equally potent and stopped our car in 106 feet from 60 mph. They're also easy and smooth around town. This is a larger and heavier car than most in its class, but you wouldn't know it from these numbers.

　　The M8 delivers surprisingly agile handling, tracking through curves with a high amount of grip and confidence. The steering doesn't have quite the engagement of other sports cars of this ilk, but the M8 is responsive and it goes where you point it. When you're not trying to blast into orbit, the M8's effortless power and smooth-shifting transmission feel simply luxurious.

　　

Comfort

8.0/10

　　How comfortable is the M8? The M8 Competition is proof that BMW knows how to balance performance and comfort. The cabin is solid and well isolated from most noise, save for that nice burly V8 when you lean on it. Ride comfort is shockingly good. It doesn't matter if you're on a rough patch of road or a smooth freeway, the suspension does a great job of controlling motion and softening impacts. It's even comfortable enough to leave in Sport mode for a majority of the time.

　　The front seats are well cushioned and bolstered in all the right places and have a lot of adjustment. They offer plenty of support yet retain their comfort unlike some of the more extreme seats you'd find in this class. The rear seats aren't nearly as comfortable, but they're far more livable than those in, say, the 911. Climate controls take some familiarization but work just fine.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below